OVERVIEW: The Shandong (Type 002) aka "Kuznetsov Mod" (NATO) is a steam-powered, four shaft STOBAR aircraft carrier intended for power projection through air superiority.

DETAILS: The Shandong  is based on the earlier Liaoning (Type 001)-class, which was itself built from the partially complete Soviet Varyag, a Kuznetsov-class aircraft carrier.  It  a short take-off but arrested recovery (STOBAR) aircraft carrier, utilizing a ski ramp for launch.  This limits the ordinance load, launch rate and requires the aircraft carrier to be capable of high speed to generate sufficient wind across the deck.  Unlike the Kuznetsov, the Shandong places an increased emphasis on aircraft operations, by removing the ASM missile launchers for additional hanger space.  Additionally, a smaller island and enlarged sponsons allowed for an increased hanger and deck space, allowing for a larger  aircraft complement, as well as increased fuel and ammunition capacity.  However, the  lack of a catapult limits the embarked J-15 aircraft from launching with more than two tons of external ordinance and a full load of fuel.

Aviation facilities include a 12.0° ski jump, two elevators and a  hangar bay that can accommodate up to 30 aircraft. The total airwing is estimated to be 36 aircraft (24 J-15 and 12 helos), with a maximum capacity of 44 aircraft (32 J-15 and 8 Z-18, and 4 Z-9 helos).  

Sensors include a Type 346A S-band AESA 3-D air/surface search and FC radar. and a Type 381 RICE SCREEN long-range air/surface search radar. 

Weapons include four HQ-10 short range SAM launchers, 4  CIWS gun mounts and 2 anti-torpedo depth charge launchers.


SPECIFICATIONS

Displacement:  		70,000 tons (full load)(est)
Maximum Speed:  		31 knts (est)
Engineering Plant: 		Oil-fired boilers operating eight steam turbines driving four shafts.
Shaft Horsepower: 		Unknown.
Range at Economical Speed:  	8,000 nm (est)
Complement:  		2,000 (est)

NOTES: IOC:  2019. Units in class:  SHANDONG (17).  The Shandong is China's first domestically built  aircraft carrier.


SOURCES: "China Deploys Aircraft Carrier Shandong Response to Taiwanese President in US." Navy Naval News Navy Recognition. Last modified April 7, 2023. https://navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2023/april/13031-china-deploys-aircraft-carrier-shandong-response-to-taiwanese-president-in-us.html. ; 
Chinapower2017. "What Do We Know So Far About China's Second Aircraft Carrier?" ChinaPower Project. Last modified June 15, 2021. https://chinapower.csis.org/china-aircraft-carrier-type-001a/. ; "China’s New Aircraft Carrier Shandong: 5 Things You Need to Know." The National Interest. Last modified December 22, 2019. https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/china%E2%80%99s-new-aircraft-carrier-shandong-5-things-you-need-know-107796. ;"A Look at China’s New Type 002 ‘Shandong’ Aircraft Carrier." UK Defence Journal. Last modified May 27, 2021. https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/a-look-at-chinas-new-type-002-shandong-aircraft-carrier/.

