Doubling U.S. Carrier Size! China Create the World's Largest Propeller, Weighing Over 480 Tons.

The manufacturing of a propeller is a cornerstone in constructing an aircraft carrier, and China has achieved a remarkable milestone by producing the world’s largest propeller at Zhenjiang Shipyard. This 13-meter propeller, weighing over 680 tons, signifies China’s growing independence in core defense technologies and highlights its rapid advancement in high-precision manufacturing. By achieving this feat, China has broken the Western monopoly on military propeller technology, showcasing its ability to produce critical components for naval superiority.

Naval propellers are far more complex than they appear. Each ship requires a uniquely tailored design, considering factors like blade curvature, material strength, and propulsion efficiency. These factors influence speed, noise levels, and stealth capabilities. Historically, China relied on imported propellers for its warships, such as the Type 052D destroyer, exposing vulnerabilities in its defense systems. The shift to domestically manufactured propellers underscores China's strategic push for self-reliance and enhanced military capabilities.

The new propeller is a technological marvel, capable of rotating at up to 800 revolutions per minute to provide immense propulsion power. Incorporating advanced composite materials, it significantly reduces noise, enhancing the stealth capabilities of Chinese aircraft carriers. These materials also ensure strength, durability, and resistance to the harsh, high-salinity marine environment.

China’s shift from brass-tin-zinc alloys to nickel-aluminum bronze and titanium alloys has revolutionized naval propeller manufacturing. These advancements offer improved strength, reduced cavitation, and enhanced stealth. Titanium propellers, while expensive, decrease carrier weight, boost agility, and minimize radar reflections, making them ideal for modern naval warfare.

This milestone reflects China’s growing influence in the global shipbuilding industry, positioning it among the elite nations capable of producing advanced naval components. The new 13-meter propeller strengthens China’s military capabilities, underscores its mastery in naval technology, and paves the way for future innovations in aircraft carrier development.