Article Posted on : - Sep 01, 2011

A file photo.

BEIJING (BNS): China's first aircraft carrier "attained the anticipated objectives" during its maiden sea trial last month, the Chinese Defence Ministry said on Wednesday.

"China's refitted aircraft carrier has 'attained the anticipated objectives' and has returned to the shipyard for further refurbishing," Ministry spokesperson Yang Yujun, was quoted as saying in a Xinhua news report by the Defence Ministry.

But no further information was given on the "objectives", the news agency added.

The carrier, refitted from an imported platform called Varyag from Ukraine, has been overhauled for its new role as a platform for research and naval pilot training at the Dalian shipyard in Northeast China.

During the trials the carrier's engines, electronic systems, navigations and weapons were checked.

The 1,000-feet vessel is designed to carry 26 aircraft and 24 helicopters.

The carrier is expected to officially start service with the Chinese Navy in August next year and an official naming ceremony for the vessel would be held next October.

It said the carrier might also have tested the taking-off and landing of aircraft, though China yet to reveal what type of aircraft it plans to use on its first carrier.