China ready to roll out Second Type 075 Landing Helicopter Dock (LPD).

At the China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard on Shanghai’s Huangpu River, a giant is taking shape: the second Type 075 landing helicopter dock (LHD) is nearing completion.

First Type 075 Landing Helicopter Dock (LPD) (Picture source: Uncredited)

A video shared on Chinese social media on Thursday shows the new ship nearing completion in the dry dock. Based on the launch preparations for the first ship, she appears almost ready for launch, within a week or two. According to the pictures released on Twitter, the hull and flight deck, are already complete.

The Type 075 helicopter dock is a new generation of amphibious assault vessel and far larger than similar ships previously constructed for the PLA Navy. The Type 075 would give the Chinese navy the ability to launch various types of helicopters to attack naval vessels, enemy ground forces or submarines. The vessels will also be able to deploy landing craft and troops, plus house command and control operations.

The Type-075 assault carrier is around 895 feet long and 141 feet across. It will be able to carry a large air wing to transport the troops, including attack helicopters. And a flooded dock in the stern will be able to carry large hovercraft very similar to the U.S. Navy’s LCAC. Its main armament comprises of 2 H/PJ-11 30 mm (1.2 in) CIWS and 2 HHQ-10 SAM.

On September 25, 2019, the PLAN officially launched the first Type 075. A second Type 075 is being simultaneously built in the same dry dock as the first Type 075 and is likely that the third planned Type 075 will be built in the same location.