Chinese Navy Z-8 transport helicopters conduct day-and-night take-off and landing from Wuzhishan amphibious landing ship.

According to information published by the Chinese Ministry of Defense on February 7, 2021, the Chinese Navy has conducted maritime coordinated training exercises with Z-8 transport helicopters performing long-distance transport of landing troops and day-and-night helicopter take-off and landing on Type 071 Yuzhao-class amphibious dock landing ship Wuzhishan (987).
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A Chinese Navy Z-8 transport helicopter conducts landing on Type 071 Yuzhao-class amphibious dock landing ship Wuzhishan 987. (Picture source China Mod)

The Wuzhishan (987) is a Type 71 Yuzhao-class dock landing ship in service with the Chinese Navy used to transport and launch landing craft and amphibious vehicles. This type of ship can transport and launch amphibious craft and vehicles with their crews and embarked personnel in amphibious assault operations. She can operate up to four Z-8 helicopters. The Type 071 is able to carry up to 800 troops.

The Type 071 may also conduct and support humanitarian, disaster relief, and counter-piracy missions, in addition to amphibious assault operations.

The Type 071 can also be used as a command post and control center during amphibious operations. The internal vehicle deck can carry amphibious combat vehicles as the ZBD05 amphibious IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle), and ZTD-05 amphibious light tank. The well deck houses up to four Type 726 Yuyi-class landing craft air-cushioned (LCAC), which can transport vehicles and troops both from ship to shore and across the beach. The LCAC is launched by flooding of the docking area.

The Type 071 amphibious ships have an estimated displacement of more than 19,855 tons, 66 compared to about 25,900 tons for the U.S. Navy’s new San Antonio (LPD-17) class amphibious ships. A total of six Type 071 ship was reportedly commissioned into service in September 2020, and at least two more reportedly are under construction.

The Z-8 is a triple engine, multi-role transport helicopter designed and manufactured by the Chinese company Changhe Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG). It is derived from the French-made SA 321 Super Frelon Helicopter built by Aerospatiale. In the Chinese armed forces, the Z-8 is used to conduct search and rescue, firefighting, frontier patrol, troop transport, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and emergency medical service (EMS) missions.

The Z-8 has a large cabin able to accommodate up to 27 fully-equipped troops or 15 stretchers. Troops enter and leave the helicopter via sliding side doors or rear ramp. It can carry up to 3 t of cargo.