Chinese shipyard launches Thailand Navy Type 071 LPD Chang.

According to a tweet published by the Thai MoD on January 5, 2022, the Chinese shipyard Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding launched the future Royal Thay Navy's Type 071 amphibious transport dock HTMS Chang.
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Thai Type 071 amphibious transport dock HTMS Chang. (Picture source: Royal Thai Navy)

The Type 071 (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 ship has a length of 210 m (689 ft 0 in), a beam of 28 m (91 ft 10 in), and a draft of 7 m (23 ft 0 in). She can reach a top speed of 25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph).

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 amphibious transport dock is armed with one AK-176 76 mm (3.0 in) gun, four AK-630 30 mm (1.2 in) CIWS, and four 18-tube Type 726-4 decoy/chaff launchers.

Type 071 may operate as the flagship of a task force. The Type 071 may also conduct and support humanitarian, disaster relief, and counterpiracy missions, in addition to amphibious assaults.