US’ aircraft carrier shock trial tells China it doesn’t fear ship-killer missiles, observer says
- USS Gerald R. Ford tested against impact from underwater detonation of 40,000lbs of explosives, equivalent to a 3.9-magnitude earthquake
- The trials send a message to China and Russia about US aircraft carriers’ resilience, former Chinese military instructor says
The US’ newest and most advanced nuclear carrier’s third and final full ship shock trial was completed on Sunday off the coast of Florida, following the previous such trials on June 18 and July 16, the American navy said in a press release on Monday.
The carrier suffered no major casualties and less damage than expected, officials said.
In the trials, held in the Atlantic Ocean, 40,000lbs (18 tonnes) of explosives – equivalent to a 3.9-magnitude earthquake – were detonated under water, each time taking place closer to the carrier. Data on the impact on the vessel was collected.
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US Navy sets off explosives to test new aircraft carrier
“The tests demonstrated – and proved to the crew, fairly dramatically – that the ship will be able to withstand formidable shocks and continue to operate under extreme conditions,” said Brian Metcalf, the manager of the navy’s future aircraft carrier programme office.