Chinese Oiler

David Axe, a contributor to the Danger Room reported on January 16th about a new Chinese oiler that could allow the Chinese People's Liberation Navy to extend their sea operations around the globe and specifically the Pacific. The logistical implications are monumental in that this type of vessel could allow China to become a global power with the ability to conduct operations anywhere on the planet. 

The first two sea trials were conducted on the 590-foot-long oilers and they were successful. The upgraded Quandaohu-class oilers were launched last spring and conducted tests with the ships mechanical systems, storage tanks, valves, hoses and other hear for refueling. After nine months of these trials the oilers are cleared for operational use. Most US ships spend years going from launch to trials to commissioning. For those like me that don't know specifically how these oilers work David Axe explains; "To fuel up another ship, the oiler and the receiving vessel must match speeds and close within a few score yards of each other. Crews use special guns to launch lines between the vessels, then use the lines to haul across fuel hoses — all while the ships continue sailing."

China's growing economy, population, and military power(specifically naval power as David Axe mentions China's new aircraft carrier, fighter jets, submarines, and missile guided destroyers) could lead to confrontations in the Pacific theatre between the United States and China over disputed territory, resources or other power grabs. From what I've read it seems to me that China still has a long way to go on the sea to match the US's capabilities. I think our naval monopoly on the sea's will last quite awhile longer...I hope.  

 

-Sasquatch Out-