Among the aircraft carriers currently in service worldwide, no conventionally powered vessel has been equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system. Why, then, did China’s Fujian bypass steam catapults and move straight to electromagnetic launch technology?
According to military expert Zhang Junshe, the breakthrough lies in the innovative application of a medium-voltage direct current (MVDC) integrated power system combined with advanced energy storage technology.
Adoption of a Medium-Voltage DC System
The Fujian is equipped with a highly efficient medium-voltage DC integrated electric power system. This system can directly power the electromagnetic catapult tracks, eliminating the need for mechanical energy conversion. As a result, the overall structure is simplified and the failure rate is significantly reduced.
Supercapacitors Overcome the Pulsed Power Challenge
Conventional carriers have long been questioned about whether they could meet the instantaneous high energy demands required by electromagnetic catapults. The Fujian addresses this challenge through the innovative use of supercapacitor energy storage technology. With extremely short charging times, the system can independently handle pulsed power loads, preventing strain or disruption to the ship’s main propulsion power system.
Source: CCTV, February 21, 2026
https://military.cctv.com/2026/02/21/ARTIRWfUdYlwFVZuRQPpgtmI260221.shtml