China is constructing the world’s largest amphibious assault ship as part of its new Type 076 class, also known in the West as the Yulan class.Defense experts analyzed new images, showing major progress, particularly the installation of two island superstructures on the ship’s deck at the Changxing Island Shipbuilding Base near Shanghai, reports marine insight.
The twin-island superstructures are expected to streamline and improve air operations, including the use of larger drones.
Twin-island design
The ship’s twin-island design is similar to that used on other large naval vessels, like the British Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers and the Italian Trieste amphibious ship.
Per reports, the Type 076 will have a larger open flight deck than the usual amphibious ships. The flight deck is estimated to be 260 by 52 meters, providing about 13,500 square meters of operational space, much more than the U.S. America-class amphibious assault ships and the Japanese Izumo-class carriers.
The ship’s capability will most likely go beyond standard helicopters to incorporate fixed-wing aircraft and drones, maybe using a catapult system.
UCAVs
This technology would allow for the launch of larger fixed-wing aircraft and unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs). The ship is likely to have several aircraft elevators along with its advanced catapult system.
Per the CSIS, once completed, the Type 076 will be larger than most amphibious assault ships, carrying dozens of helicopters, drones, and landing craft, and over 1,000 marines.
Once operational, it is expected to greatly enhance China’s power projection capabilities, allowing more extended operations away from its coastlines.
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Source: Marine Insight
