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On August 5th, in Shanghai, China’s first project 075 amphibious assault ship (LHD) entered factory sea trials at the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard of the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group.
Pictures showing the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Type 075 amphibious assault ship (LHD) heading out to sea emerged on the Chinese-language Internet today.
A 2020 report from the US Office of Naval Intelligence says the Chinese Navy is currently constructing three amphibious assault ships.
The CRS report, which detailed the capabilities of the Chinese Navy, said China could use the amphibious vessels for various actions ranging from noncombatant evacuation operations to protecting its stated claims in the South China Sea.
“Although larger amphibious ships such as the Type 071 and Type 075 would be of value for conducting amphibious landings in Taiwan-related conflict scenarios, some observers believe that China is building such ships as much for their value in conducting other operations, such as operations for asserting and defending China’s claims in the South and East China Seas, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HA/DR) operations, maritime security operations (such as antipiracy operations), and noncombatant evacuation operations (NEOs),” the report reads, referring to China’s Type 071 amphibious transport dock.
“The PLAN began development of the Type 075 in 2011 as a helicopter carrier that would displace about 35,000 tons — smaller than the U.S. 45,000-ton Wasp and America-class big decks,” USNI News reported.
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The Type 075 enables better over-the-horizon landing capabilities and improve air cover. In addition to the well-deck for Type 726 hovercraft (generally equivalent to the U.S. Navy’s Landing Craft Air Cushion), the LHD will have a large rotor-wing component.
This will include the Z-8 transport helicopter which is based on the French SA 321 Super Frelon. More modern types seen aboard, in mock-up form, include the naval variant of the Harbin Z-20.
There are also small rotor-wing UAVss including a Ka-27/28 HELIX anti-submarine warfare helicopter model aboard for deck tests.
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Nice standards with some flexibilty.
Looking good, almost like a 21st century version of the Essex class. And yes, that was a compliment.
This ship can attract some attention only if EXPLODES now in huge (preferably nuke) explosion If not ….nobody here cares, since not related to Beirut situation…
I wouldn’t be surprised if they add a ramp on it so aircrafa that’s proving close air support could land and take off if needed to be so…Would’ve been clever to match superiority at sea and land..