"Optical measurement image technology is essential to areas such as land, sea, air and space," said Yu Qifeng, academician of China Academy of Science, Professor of College of Aerospace and Engineering of the National University of Defense Technology, while speaking to the press in an interview. He expressed the view that optical measurement image technology can play a crucial role in enhancing China's ability to test and examine its aerospace and weapons technology.
　　
On November 11th, the aircraft carrier Liaoning returned to port after a three-week sea trial, which tested the Liaoning's ability to enable three shipboard fighters to take off and land concurrently. Yu Qifeng pointed out that the difference between shipboard aircraft and normal aircraft is that the former are required to land on a carrier, which presents much less room for maneuver, and this is their biggest challenge.

According to Yu Qifeng, in addition to the excellent skills of pilots, there are navigational aids such as satellites and radar to assist in solving this problem. However, optical measurements are more accurate.
　
"We have installed many cameras on training runways and on the Liaoning to measure the processes of aircraft takeoff and landing, and optics have a very important role to play." According to Yu Qifeng, unmanned shipboard aircraft may be utilized in the future to achieve total automation, and optics and satellites will act as parallel data sources to conduct landings.
　　
In terms of takeoffs and landings conducted by pilots, Yu Qifeng demonstrated an exercise evaluation system using optical measurement image technology which is able to evaluate exercises by replays, and even provide automatic scoring. This is extremely helpful for the enhancement of pilot skills.