China’s monstrous amphibious assault ship has twin island superstructures optimized for aviation operations

The first of China’s new class of large-deck amphibious assault ships is quickly taking shape, and we can now get a much better look at the ship’s dual island configuration. The design choice is generally made to simplify air operations and is most likely another indicator that this class of ships is, at least in part, tailored to naval use with improved air wings, including larger types of drones.

Recent photos of the first of the Type 076 landing helicopter dock ships (LHD) – known in the West as the Yulan class — Under construction at Shanghai’s Changxing Island yard, one island superstructure added to the deck from September 26 will be unveiled first, followed by another installed from September 28.

Since then, more close-in shots have revealed details of the superstructures of both islands, which were still surrounded by scaffolding on October 3.

The Type 076 is not the first aviation-optimized twin-island warship. Previously, this type of design was chosen for the considerably larger British Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers, and there are suggestions that this is the case could also be chosen for India’s future aircraft carrier Vishal. Closer to the Type 076 is the Italian Sadanother LHD, which also has two islands.

The two-island configuration was specifically chosen for these ships because it simplifies aircraft operations. With indications that the Type 076 will be heavily focused on generating air power – including in the form of heavier fixed-wing drones – this type of design is particularly relevant.

Simply put, having two islands means that one can be dedicated to navigation and other primarily ship-related duties, while the other is used solely for controlling flight operations. When it comes to drones, the additional requirements of remotely moving around the deck may also have contributed to this design decision.

In addition to the twin islands, the Type 076 has other features that suggest the primacy of air operations in its mission spectrum.

Already clearly visible in previous images is the very large open cockpit, considerably wider than on other amphibious assault ships. It is also almost certain that a catapult is installed on the bow of the ship, which will likely be supplemented with stopping equipment to accommodate stealth in particular unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAV) and other larger fixed-wing drones.

Also speaking to the increased emphasis on air operations is the apparent space for an aircraft elevator on the port side of the stern. This would complement another large lift in the center of the stern, as found on Type 075.

So far there is no mention of a ‘ski jump’ runway, although this could potentially be added in the future. However, it may be the case that the catapult – expected to be a electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) — would be sufficient for launching fixed-wing aircraft with higher operating weights. Using EMALS also has particular advantages for drone operations, as these systems are better suited for launching smaller and lighter aircraft.

As expected, the Type 076 will therefore become much more than a traditional amphibious assault ship, which also makes sense given its overall size: approximately between China’s current largest amphibious warship, the Type 075and the country’s newest and largest aircraft carrier, the Fujian.

Based on previous TWZ analysis of satellite images, the Type 076 is approximately 264 meters long and 141 meters wide (263 and almost 43 meters respectively). For comparison, again based on satellite images, the Type 075 is 230 meters long and 105 meters wide (nearly 239 and 32 meters), while the Fujian is 1,036 meters long and 275 meters wide (nearly 316 and almost 84 meters). .

While it remains the case that the Type 076 appears to be primarily intended for piloting rotary-wing aircraft, such as a more traditional amphibious assault ship, all signs currently point to drones also being an important part of the air wing . Again, the two-island configuration should make the integration of both manned and unmanned aircraft easier.

There are also other signs that point to this.

Like us explored in Juneapparent mockups of China’s stealth GJ-11 sharp sword UCAV has surfaced at a testing and/or training site on Changxing Island, just over a mile from where the first Type 076 is being built. The facility includes a large platform and structures that could be intended to mirror the island or islands on an aircraft carrier or attack ship.

This adds to the body of evidence indicating that the GJ-11, or a related development, is about to exist be part of future air wings for the The aircraft carriers of the People’s Liberation Army and it is more modern large deck amphibious assault ships.

Provided the Type 076 class eventually carries GJ-11s or similar drones, they could be used primarily for maritime strikes and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). But like we did discussed in the pastthere are many other potential mission sets, including electronic warfare systems, carrying directed energy weapons, launching decoys, and more generally expanding the targeting capabilities of friendly forces. Providing targeting data to ballistic missiles against ships, long distance anti-ship cruise missilesas well as manned attack aircraft, would be particularly relevant to the PLAN.

Reflecting wider developments within PLAN’s shipbuilding programme, construction of the first Type 076 ship is progressing at an impressive pace to date. We probably won’t have to wait long before more details emerge about this fascinating – and very impressive – design, including a better idea of ​​what kind of aircraft, manned or otherwise, it could use.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com