The Wuhan carrier mockup previously replicated the Fujian, and the new configuration might hint at the PLA Navy’s fourth aircraft carrier.
Modifications made to a known Chinese carrier mockup in Wuhan, frequently seen in satellite images and which previously replicated the CNS Fujian (CV-18), might be representative of the PLA Navy’s upcoming fourth flattop, recent images shared by leading Chinese military researcher Andreas Rupprecht suggest.
With the Fujian now having nearly become operational with the launch of the KJ-600 AEW&C aircraft and J-35 and J-15T naval fighters earlier last week, the mockup facility has now been modified with a new island structure and some additional renovation work spotted over time in satellite and other unofficial images.
A bit closer & clearer https://t.co/G2N9J86pc4 pic.twitter.com/ZABwgQFKd5
— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) September 24, 2025
The rapid logistical and operational progress operating the ideal mix of all types AEW&C, Gen. 4.5 and Gen. 5 aircraft can be credited to this unorthodox approach of rehearsing their use on a full-sized mock carrier test facility. This is alongside testing with mockups of the J-15, J-35, KJ-600 and GJ-11 UCAV on both the Fujian’s mockup and the actual ship itself.
Aircraft mockups on carrier test facility and completed carrier
The Fujian was launched on Jun. 17, 2022, and began its first round of sea trials in May 2024. Its fifth, seventh and eight test campaigns were reported in December 2024, March 2025 and May 2025, respectively. The massive multi-aircraft trials off its EMALS (Electro-Magnetic Launch System) catapult, that may have taken place between Sep. 15 and 21, was part of the ninth round of sea trials.
Via ACuriousPLAFan/SDF: 😮
Supposedly not a recent image, but still the carrier mock-up and test facility at Wuhan has gained some new aircraft: Visible now are clearly mock-ups of J-15, J-35, KJ-600 and a GJ-11H on the flight deck.
(Image via @伏尔戈星图 from Weibo) pic.twitter.com/UL6uk81zh4
— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) December 19, 2023
Until the carrier’s first sea trials in May 2024, the test facility at Wuhan replicated the island structure, and hosted mock-ups of the GJ-11, J-15, and KJ-600, an image from December 2023 showed. Mock ups of aircraft have also been seen on the completed carrier, while still undergoing minor outfitting work on the island in November-December 2023 and March 2024.
This might be to reduce the time required by the ship to reach the IOC and FOC (Initial/Final Operational Capability). Simply put, the carrier mockup would act as an actual physical simulation to firm up the logistical procedures and suitable movement practices around the airframes through their mock ups.
Some more images of the J-35 mock-up on deck of CV-18 Fujian from November/December 2023
(via @北冥有鱼MK6 from Weibo) pic.twitter.com/N7suuf6dtu
— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) February 15, 2024
The commissioning deck crews could be practicing moving the airframes around with tractors and refining ‘chock and chain’ procedures, while getting used to moving around them in the full range of flight deck operations, before the actual sea trials begin.
The jets would meanwhile be practicing take-offs and landings at naval air base facilities, one of which has been known to be at Huangdicun, near Xincheng, and which is complete with “ski jump” ramps and catapults for launch. At the same time, the ship undergoes tweaks and repairs every time it comes back into port after sailing tests.
Also interesting, a new Image shows the flight deck area of the Wuhan “aircraft carrier building” under renovation for the Type 004 nuclear-powered aircraft carrier most likely. pic.twitter.com/uenjfc6vF5
— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) January 4, 2025
Changes to the carrier mockup
On Jan. 4, 2025, Rupprecht shared a satellite image showing the deck area of the carrier test facility undergoing “renovation for the Type 004 nuclear-powered aircraft carrier most likely.” Another satellite image he shared on Mar. 27, showed the island had been shifted further back. Two other images surfaced on May 25 and Aug. 8, showing the island structure on the carrier test site.
The bigger, full length image emerged on Sep. 24, after the scaffoldings were removed, showed the shape of the island, largely similar to the one on the Fujian. This configuration is also similar to the USS Gerald R. Ford, but even that flattop does not have the island that far back, as we are seeing on this facility. Another mysterious structure is seen behind the island.
Another carrier, shown in concepts with a rear-placed island, is the French Navy’s (Marine Nationale) new generation aircraft carrier (Porte-avions de nouvelle génération). This ship would be nuclear-powered and feature an EMALs.
Via by78/SDF: An update on the carrier-test facility at Wuhan
„An updated satellite image of the carrier mockup from two days ago. The progress on the island is visible.“ pic.twitter.com/oniN8RzEFR
— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) March 27, 2025
Rupprecht replied in the affirmative when The Aviationist asked him if this new test facility could be representative of the PLA Navy’s fourth carrier. “Yes indeed That‘s most likely how the fourth carrier will look like (even if that reward-facing part that looks like a stack is still strange,” he said, referring to the unidentified structure behind the island.
This seems to be the so far clearest image we know showing the alleged new aircraft carrier‘s unique island structure currently under construction at the Wuhan testsite. pic.twitter.com/trDLCdlGaP
— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) August 8, 2025
It is not known whether this structure could be a dedicated exhaust, or another island, in a twin-island configuration. The distance between the two structures is however too close for such a design, and needs a separation of several tens of meters.
Probably way too hasty, but doesn’t this look like a new fighter mock-up on the 004 (?) mock-up in Wuhan?
And it was also visible on the image taken in November. 🤔 pic.twitter.com/xeZpEsaL8g
— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) January 7, 2025
Conclusion
How far the new Chinese carrier would conform to this design is not yet known. There has been no rendition from official sources or state media so far. However, we can be assured that China will build it. It would be inconceivable for it to not have nuclear propulsion, given how the PLAN skipped a steam-powered catapult system and directly adopted an EMALS system.
Finally officially released high-resolution images showing the PLANS-18 “Fujian” during her first sea trial.
(Images via @中国军号 from Weibo) pic.twitter.com/vqMWGhTPVM
— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) May 8, 2024
Atomic power would generate more electricity and power EMALS to launch even heavier aircraft. In its bid to outmatch the U.S., Beijing is pulling out all stops.
