Chinese yard launches lead vessel of new drone-capable amphibious ship class

China's Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding launched a new People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) amphibious ship at its facilities in Shanghai on Friday, December 27.

The future Sichuan is the lead ship of the Type 076 landing helicopter docks (LHDs) ordered by the PLAN. It is an improvement of the PLAN's Type 075 LHDs but with slightly greater dimensions and added drone-carrying capability.

Upon completion, the future Sichuan will have a length of 252 metres, a beam of 45 metres, a displacement of 40,000 tonnes at full load, two island superstructures, and space for over 1,000 troops in addition to crewmembers. The ship will also be able to operate helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft with the latter being launched with the aid of an electromagnetic catapult system.

The well deck can meanwhile house two Type 726 air-cushioned landing craft each capable of transporting 60 troops and two armoured fighting vehicles.

The LHD will soon begin undergoing commissioning, mooring tests, and sea trials. It is scheduled to be commissioned into PLAN service by 2027.