China     

New class of fighter pilots ready for carrier

Xinhua, December 26, 2015

• A group of J-15 fighter jet pilots completed their training on Thursday as China molds its carrier force into one that provides tactical and support capacities. PLA Daily reported on Friday that the training programs included wave-off practice and arrested landings.

  Wu Shengli, commander of the People's Liberation Army Navy, witnessed the activities from onboard the aircraft carrier Liaoning.

  The paper said China's carrier force had made considerable progress in combat readiness this year, with more fighters parked on board and more flights handled by the carrier.

  The carrier's fighter jets' takeoff and landing technology marks a breakthrough in practical ability, the report said. The number of trained pilots was not revealed.

  The selection and training of China's carrier-borne fighter pilots began after the first aircraft carrier was commissioned in late 2012. The fist test pilot, Dai Mingmeng, was honored as a hero for his skills.

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