Type 004 is the analysts' designation for China's fourth aircraft carrier, under construction at Dalian. Satellite imagery suggests a hull comparable in length to the US Ford class and possible nuclear propulsion.
The PLAN's next-generation amphibious assault ship and the world's first purpose-built drone carrier — combining a full-length flight deck, electromagnetic catapult, arresting gear, and a floodable well deck for a hybrid amphibious/UCAV strike capability.
China's first indigenously designed CATOBAR carrier, the Type 003 Fujian, is conventionally powered yet launches aircraft via electromagnetic catapults—a first for any non-US navy.