Revolutionary catapult gives Chinese navy huge edge in carrier operations
by Inside China Business [10-25-2025].
(RAD: I haven't done any research as to why the US designed an electromagnetic catapult system where everything was in series, instead of parallel. The above video explains why this has been a fatal error. On the other hand, with my technical background, I certainly don't understand why the US would design a system like this where a single failure would shut down all catapults while they tried to fix the problem. Obviously, the Chinese were paying attention and didn't go down that route. — RAD)
China has successfully tested and deployed a new electromagnetic catapult system. The PLA Navy was the first to launch a stealth aircraft with EM technologies.
EM catapults offer significant advantages over steam-powered launch systems: they are smaller, simpler, and allow for far faster launches of multiple aircraft and types.
They are especially conducive to naval drone operations, where Chinese naval forces already enjoy superiority.
The US Navy's Ford-class carriers also have EM catapults, but have suffered operational problems since inception. Failure rates are so high that they cannot be used at all in high-tempo combat operations.
Closing scene, Tai O Island Village, Hong Kong
Related
Here are two articles that show planes being launched with their new electromagnetic catapult system. There are many more articles on the original "Inside China Business" post if you want more detail.
China’s Aircraft Carrier Capability Just Made A Stunning Leap Forward [9-22-2025]