Future Thai Navy's Type 071 amphibious transport dock begins sea trials.

According to a tweet published by Louis Cheung on November 15, 2022, the Type 071 amphibious transport dock (LPD) purchased by Thailand has undergone sea trials and will be delivered to the Thai Navy soon.
Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

Chinese built Type 071 amphibious transport dock. (Picture source: Louis Cheung)

The Type 071 (NATO reporting name: Yuzhao) is a class of Chinese amphibious transport dock ships in service with the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). Type 071 provides the PLAN with capabilities and flexibility not found in its previous landing ships. The Royal Thai Navy ordered one export version, designated Type 071E, in 2019.

The amphibious warfare ship features a vehicle deck, well-deck, landing deck, and a hangar. It can carry a combination of marines, vehicles, landing craft, and helicopters.

The ship may embark 600 to 800 troops. The stern helicopter deck offers two landing spots for supporting the operations of two Z-8 (SA 321 Super Frelon) transport helicopters.

The twin-door cantilever hangar can house up to four Z-8 helicopters. The well deck houses up to four Type 726 air-cushioned landing craft, which can transfer vehicles or marines to the shore at high speed. The LCAC are launched by flooding of the docking area.

The vessel can also carry landing craft on port/starboard davits. The vehicle deck can house amphibious assault vehicles including the ZBD05 amphibious IFV and the ZTD-05 amphibious light tank.

The stern ramp, two side doors, and ramps allow rapid loading of the vehicles and equipment. The ship is armed with one 76 mm gun and four 30 mm close-in weapon systems.