China has successfully tested its truck-mounted electromagnetic aircraft catapult, launching a drone in a recent video. The system, which consists of multiple trucks linked together, is part of a larger family of containerized systems that can be rapidly deployed on land or at sea.
The catapult was first seen last year on the deck of a cargo ship, and has now been confirmed to be part of a family of containerized systems that include launchers for land-attack and anti-ship cruise missiles, as well as surface-to-air missiles.
The system's ability to launch aircraft in any direction, thanks to its all-wheel steering capability, makes it a key capability for China's military. The video also shows the system's covers, which would help protect it from the elements during transit, and its ability to fold out to create a wider runway.
