Highlights on the newly launched Chinese landing ship

The Chinese Navy's Type 076 landing ship, which has just been launched, has a larger design than similar ships, and is also equipped with an electromagnetic catapult and a structure with two command towers.

Xinhua News Agency reported on December 27 that China has launched a new generation landing ship, the Type 076 “Sichuan”, named after a province in southwestern China.

The Type 076 has a full-load displacement of more than 40,000 tons, is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult and advanced braking technology, allowing the ship to deploy fighter jets, helicopters and amphibious equipment from the deck.

China's Type 076 "Sichuan" landing ship was launched on December 27.

According to analysis by the military website The War Zone , the Type 076 is estimated to be about 263 meters long and 43 meters wide, significantly larger than China's other landing ship class, the Type 075. The design on the Sichuan landing ship is also wider than landing ships in service with other countries, including the US Navy's America-class landing ship.

Another notable point in the Type 076 launching ceremony is the design of two separate command towers. This is a design that has been applied to the Royal Navy's HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier. Having two command towers will divide separate tasks, with one focusing on navigation and operations of the ship, while the other will monitor the operation of aircraft. Having a separate command tower like this will be effective in coordinating the large workload related to aircraft types.

The Type 076 also has a closed hatch at the stern, which is usually used to deploy and recover landing craft, sometimes boats or ground combat vehicles. Some US models have used this compartment to increase aircraft capacity.

Transport-focused ships such as landing ships or aircraft carriers are often not equipped with much firepower and will rely on the defense capabilities of escort warships. However, according to The War Zone , images on Chinese social media show that the Type 076 is also equipped with some notable defense systems, including at least three HQ-10 surface-to-air missile launchers, three Type 1130 close-in defense artillery systems and four defense platforms with each system containing 32 tubes, which can be used to launch decoys to deflect enemy missiles. This is considered a relatively active and diverse defense system compared to an amphibious ship and may even be better than some light aircraft carriers.

As a new generation of amphibious assault ships in service, the Type 076 will play an important role in accelerating the navy's transformation and enhancing its combat capabilities in distant waters, Chinese naval officials said. After launching, the ship will undergo a series of planned trials, including equipment testing, docking trials and sea operations.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/diem-nhan-tren-tau-do-bo-trung-quoc-vua-duoc-ha-thuy-18524122720582711.htm