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Home» News»China’s First Type-075 Assault Carrier Is Starting Sea Trials
Chinese Navy Type-075 LHD Assault Carrier
Open source intelligence (OSINT) shows the lead Type-075 being prepared for sea trials. Note the smoke stains near the stern. Photo via @Rupprecht_A (via by78/SDF)

China’s First Type-075 Assault Carrier Is Starting Sea Trials

The Chinese Navy's newest amphibious warfare asset, the Type-075 LHD (Landing Helicopter Dock) is setting sail for the first time.

H I Sutton 28 Jul 2020

The vessel, which was built in Shanghai, has been fitting out since it was floated on September 26 2019. Candid photos surfacing on the Chinese internet show it being fueled, and tugs readied.

The Type-075 represents a step-change in Chinese Navy (PLAN) amphibious warfare capabilities. It will enable better over-the-horizon landing capabilities and improve air cover. And there are already rumors of the follow-on Type-076 LHD which is expected to include EMALS (Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System) for UCAVs or crewed aircraft. At this stage these rumors should be treated with caution. But they do give an indication of the direction PLAN amphibious capabilities are going.

In addition to the well-deck for Type 726 hovercraft (generally equivalent to the US Navy’s LCAC – Landing Craft Air Cushion), the LHD will have a large rotor-wing component. This will include the ubiquitous 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. This is, in our opinion, a copy of the Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk / Sea Hawk family.

There are also small rotor-wing UAVs and even a Ka-27/28 HELIX anti-submarine warfare helicopter model aboard for deck tests:

A new image showing two mock ups of these new rotorcraft UAV that was spotted on deck of the first Type 075 LHD and what appears to be Ka-27/28 mock up in front.

(Image via by78/SDF) pic.twitter.com/ikmUXDgXxs

— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) July 26, 2020
Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) shows a range of rotor-craft models aboard the Type-075. This is a common practice aboard Chinese warships and is a strong leading indicator of the operational air wing. Via Twitter @RupprechtDeino

The carrier suffered a fire incident on April 11 2020. Although the fire was quickly put out and damage appeared minimal, smoke stains are still visible in the aft port-side near to the ramp.

The Hudong-Zhonghua yard in Shanghai where the lead Type-075 has been built has already launched a second ship. And analysis of commercial satellite imagery suggests that module for a third may be on its way. At the moment the yard is building the Type-054A frigate for the Pakistan Navy and, it appears, a Type-071 LPD for Thailand.

Amphibious Warfare China Chinese Navy PLAN Type 075 2020-07-28
Tags Amphibious Warfare China Chinese Navy PLAN Type 075
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Authors

Posted by : H I Sutton
H I Sutton writes about the secretive and under-reported submarines, seeking out unusual and interesting vessels and technologies involved in fighting beneath the waves. Submarines, capabilities, naval special forces underwater vehicles and the changing world of underwater warfare and seabed warfare. To do this he combines the latest Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) with the traditional art and science of defense analysis. He occasionally writes non-fiction books on these topics and draws analysis-based illustrations to bring the subject to life. In addition, H I Sutton is a naval history buff and data geek. His personal website about these topics is Covert Shores (www.hisutton.com)

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