China’s Bold Vision: An Airborne Aircraft Carrier Launching Ships from the Edge of Space

An Enigmatic Showcase from Beijing

In a captivating reveal, China’s state broadcaster CCTV has presented an audacious concept that feels like it was pulled straight from the pages of a science fiction novel. The footage features a fleet of gigantic triangular motherships hovering high in the atmosphere, launching advanced fighter jets and deploying weapons into orbit—a sight that’s both astonishing and thought-provoking. This ambitious plan for an aircraft carrier, named Luanniao, is being touted as potentially operational within the next two to three decades.

Myth Meets Modern Warfare

The name “Luanniao” draws its inspiration from a mythical creature in Chinese folklore, while the futuristic fighter jets are called Xuannu, named after a goddess of war. According to the broadcast, these unmanned aircraft will boast exceptional agility and stealth capabilities, enabling operations beyond the confines of Earth’s atmosphere. Clips from this ambitious presentation have since circulated online, captivating viewers with the prospect of such advanced military technology.

A Mothership of Massive Proportions

Delving into the specifics, CCTV has offered intriguing details about the Luanniao’s dimensions. Measuring a staggering 242 meters in length and 684 meters in width, with a maximum takeoff weight of 120,000 tons, the Luanniao is envisioned as far larger than the USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest aircraft carrier currently in service, which is 337 meters long and 78 meters wide. The Luanniao’s wider wingspan allows it to carry up to 88 Xuannu fighters, amplifying its firepower dramatically.

This groundbreaking design is part of the Nantianmen Project, which stands for “South Heavenly Gate.” Introduced in 2017 by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), it encompasses a range of next-gen aerospace solutions, portraying a future where traditional naval warfare can extend far into the sky.

A Glimpse of the Futuristic Arsenal

While many of the aircraft depicted in the video appear to belong to the realm of science fiction, there are tangible developments like the Baidi, a sixth-generation fighter that had a life-sized mockup showcased at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow. Additionally, the Zihuo, a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft equipped with AI for autonomous operations, has been spotted at various defense exhibitions, indicating progress beyond mere concepts.

Echoes of Skepticism

However, not everyone is convinced by these ambitious claims. Experts are approaching this extravagant vision with a mixture of caution and scrutiny. Peter Layton, a defense analyst from Australia’s Griffith Asia Institute, commented that while such a mothership could indeed surpass existing military capabilities, the technology to maintain a 120,000-ton vessel at the brink of space simply doesn’t exist at this moment.

German diplomat Heinrich Kreft has labeled the project as “psychological warfare,” emphasizing the need for careful consideration rather than outright dismissal. He pointed out that while the project might sound fantastical, China is heavily involved in a wide array of advanced military technologies that shouldn’t be underestimated.

Analysts from The National Interest have suggested that this ambitious plan could serve as part of broader propaganda strategies aimed at unsettling Western powers, warning that it could be a ruse to draw resources away from competitors.

A Fanciful but Serious Undertaking

Ultimately, the prevailing sentiment among experts is that while the technology needed for the Luanniao may not yet be realized, dismissing China’s aspirations has proven to be shortsighted in the past. As we stand on the brink of a new era in military innovation, the vision of a space-based aircraft carrier serves as a stark reminder of the lengths nations may go to secure their strategic advantages in the future.