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| Launched ceremony, Photo courtesy Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai) |
International Military -Recently, Chinese media reported that it had launched the world's first unmanned aircraft carrier or drone. The drones could later be used for research and maritime security purposes and accommodate dozens of drones. According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the launch of the 88-meter-long ship named Zhu Hai Yun took place last Wednesday.
According to the report, the vessel can be controlled remotely or navigate autonomously in open waters. SCMP added that the ship will make a major contribution to marine scientific research and observation. Meanwhile, China's Science and Technology Daily reported that Zhu Hai Yun could be deployed for marine disaster prevention and offshore wind farm maintenance.
In addition to these civilian uses, the carrier can also reportedly be deployed to intercept “invasive targets.” The Zhu Hai Yun, which apart from housing drones of unmanned ships and submarines, can navigate without human intervention thanks to its unique artificial intelligence (AI) system.
Called the Intelligent Mobile Ocean Stereo Observing System (IMOSOS), the artificial intelligence was developed by the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory.
"Smart and unmanned ships are a beautiful new 'sea species' that will bring revolutionary changes to ocean observation," Chen Dake, director of the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, told the Science and Technology Daily last year.
Chinese media reported that this aircraft carrier drone can reach speeds of up to 18 knots or 33km/h. Zhu Hai Yun, all parts designed and manufactured in China, are expected to enter service by the end of the year. Turkey has also been pursuing similar technology. Last May, Forbes reported that national drone manufacturer Baykar had found a way to turn the Anadolu assault ship into an aircraft carrier drone. However, judging by media reports, Ankara has yet to implement the project.