🚨 China launches world’s largest amphibious assault warship
The first Type 076 landing helicopter dock (LHD), CNS Sichuan (51), made its debut in Shanghai on Friday and features “significant technological upgrades that place it in a class above its peers.”
Here’s what we know:
The first Type 076 landing helicopter dock (LHD), CNS Sichuan (51), made its debut in Shanghai on Friday and features “significant technological upgrades that place it in a class above its peers.”
Here’s what we know:
Official announcement less than an hour ago: 
Via Chinese media:
- The Sichuan is a new generation of amphibious assault ship of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy. It is a key equipment to promote the transformation and development of the PLA Navy and enhance its far seas combat capability.
- The first of its kind in the world equipped with electromagnetic catapult and arresting technology, allowing it to launch manned and unmanned combat aircraft in addition to helicopters similar to an aircraft carrier.
- It has a full load displacement of more than 40,000 tons, is equipped with a double island superstructure and a full longitudinal flight deck, and innovatively applies electromagnetic catapult and arresting technology.
- The Type 076 amphibious assault ship is characterized by its large displacement, which is among the top in the world. This means the vessel can carry more weapons and equipment, has longer range and stronger combat capabilities.
- It is the world’s first amphibious assault ship equipped with electromagnetic launching technology. This means it can not only carry helicopters, but also fighter aircraft like the J-15, Zhang said. Electromagnetic launching technology leads to higher launch efficiency and faster launch speed, so the Type 076 has outstanding capabilities in air superiority and land assault missions.
- The vessel also has excellent amphibious assault capabilities, as it can carry an amphibious combat battalion to quickly reach the target area for landing operations. It has strong comprehensive combat capability, capable of conducting horizontal landing as well as airborne operations.
- The Type 076 amphibious assault ship is a culmination of all the elements, including the radars of destroyers and frigates, the electromagnetic catapult of the aircraft carrier Fujian, and the concept of the Type 075 amphibious assault ship.
- The Sichuan is a new generation of amphibious assault ship of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy. It is a key equipment to promote the transformation and development of the PLA Navy and enhance its far seas combat capability.
- The first of its kind in the world equipped with electromagnetic catapult and arresting technology, allowing it to launch manned and unmanned combat aircraft in addition to helicopters similar to an aircraft carrier.
- It has a full load displacement of more than 40,000 tons, is equipped with a double island superstructure and a full longitudinal flight deck, and innovatively applies electromagnetic catapult and arresting technology.
- The Type 076 amphibious assault ship is characterized by its large displacement, which is among the top in the world. This means the vessel can carry more weapons and equipment, has longer range and stronger combat capabilities.
- It is the world’s first amphibious assault ship equipped with electromagnetic launching technology. This means it can not only carry helicopters, but also fighter aircraft like the J-15, Zhang said. Electromagnetic launching technology leads to higher launch efficiency and faster launch speed, so the Type 076 has outstanding capabilities in air superiority and land assault missions.
- The vessel also has excellent amphibious assault capabilities, as it can carry an amphibious combat battalion to quickly reach the target area for landing operations. It has strong comprehensive combat capability, capable of conducting horizontal landing as well as airborne operations.
- The Type 076 amphibious assault ship is a culmination of all the elements, including the radars of destroyers and frigates, the electromagnetic catapult of the aircraft carrier Fujian, and the concept of the Type 075 amphibious assault ship.
Via @navalnewscom:
- Equipping an amphibious assault carrier with a catapult for launching fixed wing aircraft represents a global first in naval shipbuilding.
- The Type 076 is a follow-up to the Type 075 amphibious assault carrier most recently produced by Hudong. The yard has launched four Type 075 LHD to date. Three ships, named Hainan (31), Guangxi (32) and Anhui (33) are in service with PLAN.
- Unlike Type 075 the new design is longer and wider and appears to feature a different propulsion design. Most notably the ship has long been claimed by observers to feature an electromagnetic catapult for assisted take-off of fixed wing aircraft.
- Type 076 should have a length over the flight deck of 250 to 260 metres. Its beam at flight deck level should exceed 50 metres. The full displacement will exceed 40,000 tonnes and may be comparable to the US Navy America-class at 46,000 tonnes.
- Propulsion appears to be a gas-turbine setup, which would be a notable departure from diesel-powered Type 075. As a direct consequence of this propulsion Type 076 may include a twin island-configuration.
- Type 076 represents an intriguing evolution of the amphibious aircraft carrier-concept, destined to incorporate both VTOL- and large fixed wing-drones.
- Equipping an amphibious assault carrier with a catapult for launching fixed wing aircraft represents a global first in naval shipbuilding.
- The Type 076 is a follow-up to the Type 075 amphibious assault carrier most recently produced by Hudong. The yard has launched four Type 075 LHD to date. Three ships, named Hainan (31), Guangxi (32) and Anhui (33) are in service with PLAN.
- Unlike Type 075 the new design is longer and wider and appears to feature a different propulsion design. Most notably the ship has long been claimed by observers to feature an electromagnetic catapult for assisted take-off of fixed wing aircraft.
- Type 076 should have a length over the flight deck of 250 to 260 metres. Its beam at flight deck level should exceed 50 metres. The full displacement will exceed 40,000 tonnes and may be comparable to the US Navy America-class at 46,000 tonnes.
- Propulsion appears to be a gas-turbine setup, which would be a notable departure from diesel-powered Type 075. As a direct consequence of this propulsion Type 076 may include a twin island-configuration.
- Type 076 represents an intriguing evolution of the amphibious aircraft carrier-concept, destined to incorporate both VTOL- and large fixed wing-drones.
Via @CSIS:
- Once completed, the Type 076 will be the world’s largest amphibious assault ship.
- Satellite imagery shows that its flight deck spans approximately 260 meters by 52 meters, which is over 13,500 square meters (m2)—nearly the area of three U.S. football fields. That is considerably larger than the U.S. America-class LHA and Japanese Izumo-class helicopter carriers (CVHM/DDH). The Type 076 will also be much larger than its Chinese predecessor, the Type 075.
- Like other amphibious assault ships, the Type 076 will be capable of carrying dozens of aircraft and drones, amphibious landing craft, and a complement of over 1,000 marines. Yet the vessel’s larger size gives it even greater capacity to carry more aircraft within its internal hangar and provides additional space for launching aircraft on its expansive flight deck.
- The vessel will feature significant technological upgrades that place it in a class above its peers. Most notably, it will boast a catapult for launching fixed-wing aircraft, making it unique among all other amphibious assault ships. Historically, only “flat top” aircraft carriers have been outfitted with catapults, while amphibious assault ships have only been able to launch helicopters and vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft.
- The Type 076’s catapult will likely be similar to the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) pioneered by the U.S. Ford-class aircraft carriers. EMALS is an advanced technology that only the United States and China have successfully deployed. It provides more power than the traditional steam-powered catapults installed on older classes of carriers, allowing for larger aircraft with heavier payloads to be launched.
- At a minimum, the ship should be capable of launching fixed-wing unmanned (combat) aerial vehicles (UAVs/UCAVs), which are lighter and easier to launch and land than manned systems. However, the vessel’s catapult, wider flight deck, and lack of elevators obstructing the runway suggest it may be capable of launching manned aircraft. That would put the Type 076 in a class of its own, somewhere between an LHA-class ship and a full-fledged aircraft carrier.
- The ability to bring considerable air power to bear will make the Type 076 a formidable platform at sea, but it is also designed to be capable of amphibious assault. The vessel is expected to feature a floodable well deck on its stern, allowing for launching amphibious vehicles like the Type 726 air-cushion landing craft to conduct “ship-to-shore” operations.
- Once operational, the Type 076 will serve as a multifunctional combat platform, capable of conducting air operations, launching amphibious landings, and providing joint command and control for broader amphibious forces.
- While it will not fundamentally tip the military balance in the Indo-Pacific, the introduction of the Type 076 will give the PLA even greater options in bringing combat power to bear, whether in the Western Pacific, the South China Sea, or beyond.
- Once completed, the Type 076 will be the world’s largest amphibious assault ship.
- Satellite imagery shows that its flight deck spans approximately 260 meters by 52 meters, which is over 13,500 square meters (m2)—nearly the area of three U.S. football fields. That is considerably larger than the U.S. America-class LHA and Japanese Izumo-class helicopter carriers (CVHM/DDH). The Type 076 will also be much larger than its Chinese predecessor, the Type 075.
- Like other amphibious assault ships, the Type 076 will be capable of carrying dozens of aircraft and drones, amphibious landing craft, and a complement of over 1,000 marines. Yet the vessel’s larger size gives it even greater capacity to carry more aircraft within its internal hangar and provides additional space for launching aircraft on its expansive flight deck.
- The vessel will feature significant technological upgrades that place it in a class above its peers. Most notably, it will boast a catapult for launching fixed-wing aircraft, making it unique among all other amphibious assault ships. Historically, only “flat top” aircraft carriers have been outfitted with catapults, while amphibious assault ships have only been able to launch helicopters and vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft.
- The Type 076’s catapult will likely be similar to the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) pioneered by the U.S. Ford-class aircraft carriers. EMALS is an advanced technology that only the United States and China have successfully deployed. It provides more power than the traditional steam-powered catapults installed on older classes of carriers, allowing for larger aircraft with heavier payloads to be launched.
- At a minimum, the ship should be capable of launching fixed-wing unmanned (combat) aerial vehicles (UAVs/UCAVs), which are lighter and easier to launch and land than manned systems. However, the vessel’s catapult, wider flight deck, and lack of elevators obstructing the runway suggest it may be capable of launching manned aircraft. That would put the Type 076 in a class of its own, somewhere between an LHA-class ship and a full-fledged aircraft carrier.
- The ability to bring considerable air power to bear will make the Type 076 a formidable platform at sea, but it is also designed to be capable of amphibious assault. The vessel is expected to feature a floodable well deck on its stern, allowing for launching amphibious vehicles like the Type 726 air-cushion landing craft to conduct “ship-to-shore” operations.
- Once operational, the Type 076 will serve as a multifunctional combat platform, capable of conducting air operations, launching amphibious landings, and providing joint command and control for broader amphibious forces.
- While it will not fundamentally tip the military balance in the Indo-Pacific, the introduction of the Type 076 will give the PLA even greater options in bringing combat power to bear, whether in the Western Pacific, the South China Sea, or beyond.
Via @thewarzonewire:
- The twin island superstructures would make the huge Type 076 even more suitable for accommodating a diverse air wing.
- The design choice is typically made to simplify air operations and is very likely another indicator of this class of vessels being tailored, at least in part, for going to sea with enhanced air wings that include larger types of drones.
- Notably, the twin-island configuration was chosen for these vessels since it makes aircraft operations more straightforward. With indications that the Type 076 will be heavily geared toward generating airpower — including in the form of heavier fixed-wing drones — this kind of design is especially relevant.
- As well as the twin islands, the Type 076 has other features that suggest the primacy of air operations in its mission spectrum. Already obvious in previous imagery is the very large open flight deck, substantially wider than on other amphibious assault ships. There is also all but certain that a catapult is installed on the ship’s bow, which will likely be complemented by arresting gear to accommodate, in particular, stealthy uncrewed combat air vehicles (UCAV) and other larger fixed-wing drones.
- As expected, the Type 076 is therefore shaping up to be much more than a traditional amphibious assault ship, which also makes sense given its overall size: falling roughly between China’s current largest amphibious warship, the Type 075, and the country’s newest and largest aircraft carrier, the Fujian.
- While it’s still the case that the Type 076 appears to be primarily intended to operate rotary-winged aircraft, like a more traditional amphibious assault ship, all signs currently point to drones being a major part of its air wing, too. Once again, the twin-island configuration should help make the integration of both crewed and uncrewed aircraft simpler.
- Provided the Type 076 class does eventually embark GJ-11s or similar drones, these might be used primarily for maritime strike and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). But as we have discussed in the past, there are many other potential mission sets, including electronic warfare systems, carrying directed-energy weapons, launching decoys, as well as more generally extending the targeting capabilities of friendly forces. Providing targeting data to anti-ship ballistic missiles, long-range anti-ship cruise missiles, as well as crewed strike aircraft, would be particularly relevant for the PLAN.
- The twin island superstructures would make the huge Type 076 even more suitable for accommodating a diverse air wing.
- The design choice is typically made to simplify air operations and is very likely another indicator of this class of vessels being tailored, at least in part, for going to sea with enhanced air wings that include larger types of drones.
- Notably, the twin-island configuration was chosen for these vessels since it makes aircraft operations more straightforward. With indications that the Type 076 will be heavily geared toward generating airpower — including in the form of heavier fixed-wing drones — this kind of design is especially relevant.
- As well as the twin islands, the Type 076 has other features that suggest the primacy of air operations in its mission spectrum. Already obvious in previous imagery is the very large open flight deck, substantially wider than on other amphibious assault ships. There is also all but certain that a catapult is installed on the ship’s bow, which will likely be complemented by arresting gear to accommodate, in particular, stealthy uncrewed combat air vehicles (UCAV) and other larger fixed-wing drones.
- As expected, the Type 076 is therefore shaping up to be much more than a traditional amphibious assault ship, which also makes sense given its overall size: falling roughly between China’s current largest amphibious warship, the Type 075, and the country’s newest and largest aircraft carrier, the Fujian.
- While it’s still the case that the Type 076 appears to be primarily intended to operate rotary-winged aircraft, like a more traditional amphibious assault ship, all signs currently point to drones being a major part of its air wing, too. Once again, the twin-island configuration should help make the integration of both crewed and uncrewed aircraft simpler.
- Provided the Type 076 class does eventually embark GJ-11s or similar drones, these might be used primarily for maritime strike and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). But as we have discussed in the past, there are many other potential mission sets, including electronic warfare systems, carrying directed-energy weapons, launching decoys, as well as more generally extending the targeting capabilities of friendly forces. Providing targeting data to anti-ship ballistic missiles, long-range anti-ship cruise missiles, as well as crewed strike aircraft, would be particularly relevant for the PLAN.
Situation report via @perplexity_ai:
“The launch of the Type 076 LHD represents a significant milestone in China's naval modernization efforts. Its unique combination of amphibious assault capabilities and fixed-wing aircraft operations positions it as a versatile and potent platform that could reshape the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. As China continues to develop and refine this new class of ship, its impact on global naval strategies and operations will undoubtedly be profound and far-reaching.The Type 076 underscores China's ambition to field a world-class navy capable of operating far from its shores.
This development will likely accelerate the ongoing naval arms race in the Indo-Pacific region and prompt reassessments of military strategies among China's neighbors and potential adversaries. As such, continued monitoring and analysis of the Type 076 program and its implications for regional security will be crucial for policymakers and military planners in the years to come.”
cc @AravSrinivas
“The launch of the Type 076 LHD represents a significant milestone in China's naval modernization efforts. Its unique combination of amphibious assault capabilities and fixed-wing aircraft operations positions it as a versatile and potent platform that could reshape the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. As China continues to develop and refine this new class of ship, its impact on global naval strategies and operations will undoubtedly be profound and far-reaching.The Type 076 underscores China's ambition to field a world-class navy capable of operating far from its shores.
This development will likely accelerate the ongoing naval arms race in the Indo-Pacific region and prompt reassessments of military strategies among China's neighbors and potential adversaries. As such, continued monitoring and analysis of the Type 076 program and its implications for regional security will be crucial for policymakers and military planners in the years to come.”
cc @AravSrinivas
Latest from @thewarzonewire:
- The Type 076 is really unlike any other amphibious assault ship in service or under construction anywhere else in the world at present.
- Imagery from the event does offer the best look at the ship to date, including its twin island configuration, its wide flight deck with a single electromagnetic catapult, its well deck, and its extensive array of close-in defenses.
- The PLAN has also now officially stated the Type 076 features a single electromagnetic catapult at the bow, as well as arresting gar towards the stern, for the launch and recovery of fixed-wing aircraft. There is considerable evidence that drones, including stealthy uncrewed combat air vehicles (UCAV), will make up a substantial part of Sichuan‘s air wing.
- The event today also offers a better view of Sichuan‘s twin island configuration, another feature optimized for aviation operations. Having two distinct islands allows for one to be dedicated to navigation and other ship operations-related tasks, while the other is focused on flight operations.
- The new views of Sichuan highlight the ship’s substantial close-in defense capabilities, including at least three HQ-10 surface-to-air missile launchers (two at the stern and on one top of the forward island), at least three Type 1130 close-in weapon systems (two on each side of the hull and one at the stern), and what looks to be four 32-tube defensive launchers (two on each side of the hull). This is a significant array of active defenses compared to what is found on many big-deck amphibious assault ships and even some light aircraft carriers. The Type 076’s defensive capabilities might also be further bolstered by electronic warfare and electronic support measure systems.
- The Pentagon’s most recent annual report on Chinese military developments, which it released earlier this month, underscores these assessments. The “ship will likely use a hybrid electric propulsion system and have electromagnetic catapults (EMALS) for launching large maritime UAVs [uncrewed aerial vehicles] for strike and ISR missions” and will be able to “provide additional sea control via catapult-launched UAVs.”
- The Type 076 further reflects China’s substantial shipbuilding capacity and the speed with which it is increasingly capable of producing very large warships. Sichuan underscores broader efforts by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to modernize and otherwise expand its capabilities across all domains.
- The Type 076 is really unlike any other amphibious assault ship in service or under construction anywhere else in the world at present.
- Imagery from the event does offer the best look at the ship to date, including its twin island configuration, its wide flight deck with a single electromagnetic catapult, its well deck, and its extensive array of close-in defenses.
- The PLAN has also now officially stated the Type 076 features a single electromagnetic catapult at the bow, as well as arresting gar towards the stern, for the launch and recovery of fixed-wing aircraft. There is considerable evidence that drones, including stealthy uncrewed combat air vehicles (UCAV), will make up a substantial part of Sichuan‘s air wing.
- The event today also offers a better view of Sichuan‘s twin island configuration, another feature optimized for aviation operations. Having two distinct islands allows for one to be dedicated to navigation and other ship operations-related tasks, while the other is focused on flight operations.
- The new views of Sichuan highlight the ship’s substantial close-in defense capabilities, including at least three HQ-10 surface-to-air missile launchers (two at the stern and on one top of the forward island), at least three Type 1130 close-in weapon systems (two on each side of the hull and one at the stern), and what looks to be four 32-tube defensive launchers (two on each side of the hull). This is a significant array of active defenses compared to what is found on many big-deck amphibious assault ships and even some light aircraft carriers. The Type 076’s defensive capabilities might also be further bolstered by electronic warfare and electronic support measure systems.
- The Pentagon’s most recent annual report on Chinese military developments, which it released earlier this month, underscores these assessments. The “ship will likely use a hybrid electric propulsion system and have electromagnetic catapults (EMALS) for launching large maritime UAVs [uncrewed aerial vehicles] for strike and ISR missions” and will be able to “provide additional sea control via catapult-launched UAVs.”
- The Type 076 further reflects China’s substantial shipbuilding capacity and the speed with which it is increasingly capable of producing very large warships. Sichuan underscores broader efforts by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to modernize and otherwise expand its capabilities across all domains.
“China has launched the world’s largest amphibious assault ship, in the latest demonstration of how Beijing’s industrial capacity is strengthening its military power amid rising geopolitical tensions with the US.
Combining elements of amphibious landing vessels — which are designed to carry and support an invasion force — with those of an aircraft carrier, the ship significantly strengthens Beijing’s ability to project power globally. It also adds to China’s capabilities in the event of an invasion of Taiwan.”
Combining elements of amphibious landing vessels — which are designed to carry and support an invasion force — with those of an aircraft carrier, the ship significantly strengthens Beijing’s ability to project power globally. It also adds to China’s capabilities in the event of an invasion of Taiwan.”
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