China denies reports of pilot deaths in carrier takeoff and landing practices

Special to WorldTribune.com

Chinese government sources are feverishly dismissing news account that at least two of its PLA pilots were killed on the deck of the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning while test flying carrier-capable combat aircraft.

A J-15 fighter jet is slowed by an arresting device as it lands on the Liaoning aircraft carrier. /Li Tang/China Daily

China’s sensitivity and nervousness is understandable because nearly two years after its launch, China’s first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, still does not have an air wing of any practical measure.

The Liaoning has become simultaneously China’s pride and its embarrassment.

Although China successfully conducted several highly publicized landing and takeoff routines, there has not been any definitive decision as to which aircraft will be deployed to the carrier.

The most talked about choice is the J-15, a remodeled version of Russia’s Sukoi fighter jet.

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China denies reports of pilot deaths in carrier takeoff and landing practices, J-15, Liaoning

China denies reports of pilot deaths in carrier takeoff and landing practices added by World Tribune on September 18, 2014
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