China's Type 076: world's largest amphibious assault ship nears completion.

According to a report published by the CSIS on August 1, 2024, China’s defense industry continues its rapid production of advanced warships, with new satellite imagery revealing significant progress on the construction of the first Yulan-class landing helicopter assault (LHA) ship at the Changxing Island Shipbuilding Base.
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Construction of the first Type 076 landing helicopter dock. (Picture source: Zhao DaShuai 东北进修)

Once completed, the Type 076 will be the largest amphibious assault ship globally. Imagery from July 4, 2024, shows the flight deck measuring approximately 260 meters by 52 meters, covering over 13,500 square meters.

This size surpasses that of the U.S. America-class LHA and Japan’s Izumo-class helicopter carriers, as well as its predecessor, the Type 075. The Type 076 will carry dozens of aircraft, amphibious landing craft, and over 1,000 marines, offering greater internal hangar capacity and a larger flight deck for aircraft operations.

Technological upgrades further distinguish the Type 076. It will feature a catapult for launching fixed-wing aircraft, an innovation among amphibious assault ships traditionally limited to helicopters and V/STOL aircraft. The catapult, akin to the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) used by U.S. Ford-class carriers, allows for the launch of larger aircraft with heavier payloads.

The Type 076’s catapult trench is nearly 130 meters long, longer than the 108-meter catapults on China’s Type 003 Fujian carrier. Satellite imagery indicates the ship will have two aircraft elevators, enhancing aircraft operations compared to the Type 075’s design.

These advancements enable the Type 076 to potentially launch fixed-wing aircraft, which offer greater range, speed, and payload capacity than helicopters. The ship is expected to at least handle fixed-wing UAVs, with the possibility of manned aircraft launches.

China’s advanced UAV arsenal, including the GJ-11 stealth combat drone and the WZ-7 reconnaissance drone, positions the Type 076’s air wing as a formidable force. Imagery shows mock-ups of GJ-11 drones at a testing facility, indicating preparations for carrier-based operations.

The Type 076 is also designed for amphibious assault, featuring a floodable well deck for launching vehicles like the Type 726 air-cushion landing craft. This multifunctional platform will conduct air operations, amphibious landings, and provide joint command and control.

The exact construction timeline for the Type 076 remains unclear, but it could be launched by mid-2025, followed by additional months or years before commissioning into the navy. The ship is being built at a newly completed dry dock on Changxing Island, alongside three Type 054A frigates.