New images indicate that China is racing towards completion of its first home-grown aircraft carrier. A month after NDTV reported that the hull of the ship, designated the Type 001-A, appeared complete, a fresh set of images indicates that the "island" of the carrier, in many ways the nerve-centre of the warship, has now been installed ahead of sea-trials commencing. The "island" consists of the warship's bridge, aviation facilities and battle-control spaces. Radars and sensors are mounted on the island in addition to air intakes and funnels from its engines.
