Type 075 landing helicopter dock

Type 075 landing helicopter dock. The Type 075 is a class of amphibious warfare ship designed and constructed for the People's Liberation Army Navy. As a key component of China's power projection and blue-water navy ambitions, these vessels significantly enhance the PLA's capabilities for conducting complex expeditionary warfare and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. The class represents a major technological leap from preceding platforms like the Type 071 amphibious transport dock.

Development and design

The development of the Type 075 was driven by the strategic requirements of the People's Liberation Army to establish robust amphibious assault capabilities. Its design is influenced by international counterparts such as the United States Navy's Wasp-class amphibious assault ship and the French Navy's Mistral-class amphibious assault ship. Key design features include a full-length flight deck equipped with six helicopter landing spots and a large well deck capable of deploying landing craft and amphibious vehicles. The vessel's integrated electric propulsion system, developed by CSSC, provides enhanced power management and operational flexibility. Advanced sensor suites, including the H/LJQ-382 radar and H/LJP-349 fire-control radar, are integrated for comprehensive air and surface surveillance.

Construction and service history

Construction of the Type 075 class began at the Hudong–Zhonghua Shipbuilding yard in Shanghai, with the lead ship's hull launched in September 2019. The rapid construction pace, overseen by China State Shipbuilding Corporation, saw three vessels commissioned within a three-year period. The lead ship, ''Hainan'' (with hull number 31), was commissioned in April 2021 during a ceremony at the Sanya Naval Base. It was followed by the ''Guangxi'' (32) in 2021 and the ''Anhui'' (33) in 2022. These ships have since participated in major exercises, including Joint Sea 2021 with Russia and extensive drills in the South China Sea and waters near Taiwan.

Specifications

The Type 075 has an estimated full-load displacement between 36,000 and 40,000 tonnes. It measures approximately 237 meters in length, with a beam of 36 meters and a draught of 8.1 meters. The integrated electric propulsion system drives two shafts, enabling a maximum speed of around 23 knots and an operational range exceeding 8,000 nautical miles. Its aviation facilities can accommodate a mix of 28 to 30 helicopters, including the Changhe Z-8, Harbin Z-20, and CAIC Z-10. Defensive armament consists of two H/PJ-11 close-in weapon systems and two HHQ-10 surface-to-air missile launchers. The ship's complement is roughly 1,100 personnel, with capacity for 900 embarked troops.

Role and capabilities

The primary role of the Type 075 is to serve as the centerpiece of an amphibious ready group, enabling over-the-horizon assaults and vertical envelopment operations. It can deploy a battalion-sized marine force via its embarked helicopters and landing craft, coordinating with assets like the Type 071 amphibious transport dock and the future Type 076 landing helicopter dock. Its capabilities extend to conducting anti-submarine warfare with embarked helicopters, serving as a command node for joint warfare, and leading humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions. The vessel's presence significantly alters the operational calculus in potential regional contingencies, such as in the East China Sea or the Taiwan Strait.

Ships in class

{| class="wikitable" |- ! Pennant Number ! Name ! Builder ! Laid down ! Launched ! Commissioned ! Fleet |- | 31 | ''Hainan'' | Hudong–Zhonghua Shipbuilding | 2018 | 25 September 2019 | 23 April 2021 | South Sea Fleet |- | 32 | ''Guangxi'' | Hudong–Zhonghua Shipbuilding | 2019 | 22 April 2020 | 26 December 2021 | South Sea Fleet |- | 33 | ''Anhui'' | Hudong–Zhonghua Shipbuilding | 2020 | 29 January 2021 | 1 October 2022 | East Sea Fleet |- | 34 | (Unnamed) | Hudong–Zhonghua Shipbuilding | 2022 | Under construction | — | — |}

Category:Landing helicopter docks Category:Ship classes of the People's Liberation Army Navy Category:Ships built in Shanghai