The delivery of an aircraft carrier is not the end of an aircraft carrier project, especially when the carrier-based aircraft are not delivered. It is just an important result of a stage in an aircraft carrier project because the supporting weapons and carrier-based aircraft systems need to be further tested. It still needs a longer period of time for the aircraft carrier to form a joint combat effectiveness together with the aircraft carrier battle group and submarine.
Generally speaking, after the aircraft carrier is delivered, it needs three stages to form combat effectiveness and the ability of global deployment.
First stage: Sea test after delivery
According to sources, an aircraft carrier will first enter a sea test of 18 months (an aircraft carrier is developed for the first time) or 12 months (not the first time to make it) after delivery to ensure that both crew and equipment meet the requirements of performing combat deployment tasks, which include loading and unloading of goods and materials and equipment, residential checks, preparation period of going to sea, tests and trial voyages before being sent back and final contract trials.
