Clear rendering of South Korea’s light aircraft carrier

A much clearer rendering of South Korea’s light aircraft carrier has been distributed to the local media and the ship’s main features can be seen clearly.

Graphic: South Korea Ministry of Defense

The overall shape is similar to the America-class with 9 spots on the flight deck for helicopters to take-off and land. The island is longer with two smoke funnels and two octagonal masts that are similar to those on the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock. Two phase-array panels could be seen on the the forward mast.

U.S. Navy photo by Demetrius Kennon / Public domain

The port side aircraft elevator is in the same spot as American-class but the starboard side elevator has been brought forward closer to the island.

10 F-35s can bee seen on the flight deck although media reports in South Korea said the ship is capable of carrying 10 F-35Bs. Two KUH-1 helicopters are also depicted in the rendering.

Two close-in weapon stations are on the forward starboard side and stern port side.