LHD: Type 076

[Pelican]

Chinese Type 076 Amphibious Carrier Takes Shape In Shanghai, Drone Capabilities Emerge

New carrier represents the next stage for China's amphibious assault capabilities. Design will integrate catapult and fixed wing drones supporting amphibious operations.

Photos shared by enthusiasts through social media and updated satellite imagery via Google Earth have provided additional information on a new type of Chinese amphibious assault carrier generally referred to as Type 076 under construction at Hudong. Shanghai-based Hudong-Zhonghua is the yard responsible for construction of all amphibious assault carriers and dock landing ships for the Chinese Navy.

The Type 076 is a follow-up to the Type 075 amphibious assault carrier most recently produced by Hudong. The yard has launched four Type 075 LHD to date. Three ships, named Hainan (31), Guangxi (32) and Anhui (33) are in service with PLAN. The fourth ship is presently fitting out at HZ on Changxing Island, near where Type 076 is under construction. Unlike Type 075 the new design is longer and wider and appears to feature a different propulsion design. Most notably the ship has long been claimed by observers to feature an electromagnetic catapult for assisted take-off of fixed wing aircraft.

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