The Liaoning may conduct blue water trials this year

China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, may carry out blue water trials this year. Blue water trial is a necessary process for aircraft carriers; any aircraft carrier that wants to obtain combat ability must have the trial, said Zhang Yongyi, deputy to the National People's Congress.

As the commander-in-chief of China's first aircraft carrier's sea trial and testing, Zhang said that, so far, the Liaoning has received 12 trials, and has accomplished four major tasks - the construction of aircraft carrier platform, carrier-based aircraft test bases, carrier-based aircraft taking off and landing test, as well as the training of carrier-based aircraft pilots.

Zhang said they will further carry out training for aircraft landing on the carrier this year and a variety of configurations training for the needs of future campaign and drills will be implemented too. "After the Liaoning and the carrier-based aircraft complete the two trials, it will be able to complete training and even combat missions in any waters."

Zhang said a group of new carrier-based aircraft pilots have been selected, and they will receive training later. "In the near future, a carrier-based aircraft unit will be formed. By then we will have a new unit to join the navy," he said.

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