On December 27, Xinhua news agency reported that China launched the new generation amphibious ship Type 076 “Sichuan”, named after a province in southwest China.
Type 076 has a full load displacement of more than 40,000 tons, is equipped with electromagnetic catapults and advanced braking technology, allowing the ship to deploy fighter aircraft, helicopters and amphibious weapons from the deck.
China’s Type 076 “Sichuan” amphibious ship was launched on December 27
According to military analysis The War ZoneType 076 is estimated to have a length of about 263 m and a width of 43 m, significantly larger than China’s other amphibious ship class, Type 075. The design on the Sichuan landing ship is also wider than other landing ships. in service with other countries’ militaries, including the America-class amphibious ships of the US Navy.
Another notable point in the Type 076 launching ceremony is the design of two separate command towers. This is the design that has been applied to the British Royal Navy’s aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. There are two command towers that will divide separate tasks, with one focusing on navigation and ship operations, while the other tower will monitor the operation of aircraft. Having such a separate command post will be effective in coordinating the large amount of work related to various types of aircraft.
The Type 076’s stern also has a closed door, usually a place to deploy and recover amphibious vehicles, sometimes boats or ground combat vehicles. Some American ship models have taken advantage of this compartment to increase aircraft capacity.
Ships with a transport focus such as amphibious ships or aircraft carriers are often not equipped with much firepower and will rely on the defense capabilities of escorting warships. Follow along The War Zoneimages on Chinese social networks show that the Type 076 is also equipped with a number of notable defense systems, including at least 3 HQ-10 surface-to-air missile launchers, 3 defensive artillery systems Type 1130 close range 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.
Chinese Navy officials said that as a new generation amphibious assault ship in service, the Type 076 plays an important role in promoting the navy’s transformation and enhancing combat capabilities in high seas. . Once launched, the ship will undergo a series of planned trials, including equipment testing, mooring trials and at-sea operations.
