China's Sichuan amphibious assault ship departed a Shanghai shipyard on 14/11 for its maiden sea trial. "This testing phase primarily aims to verify the reliability and stability of its power system, electrical system, and other equipment," China's Ministry of National Defense stated.
The ministry added that the Sichuan warship had successfully completed mooring and equipment checks, meeting the technical prerequisites for sea trials. Operational trials of the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) on the warship reportedly commenced late last month.
The Sichuan amphibious ship at a shipyard in Shanghai on 14/11. *Video: China's Ministry of National Defense*
The Sichuan is the inaugural vessel of the Type-076 heavy amphibious assault ship class, developed by China and launched in 12/2024. It features an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) cluster, designed to deploy various aircraft, including a naval variant of the GJ-11 stealth combat unmanned aerial vehicle (UCAV).
Chinese officials stated the Type-076 class has a displacement of over 40,000 tons. Military specialist site War Zone estimates the warship's length at approximately 263 m and width at 43 m.
For comparison, the predecessor Type-075 amphibious ship class has a full-load displacement of 32,000-36,000 tons, a length of 232 m, and a width of 37 m. The Type-076 is considered substantially wider than other amphibious assault ships globally, including the US-made America class.
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The Sichuan amphibious ship heading to sea on 14/11. *Photo: China Daily*
Its superior length is a core element of the Type-076's design. Coupled with two superstructures, this design indicates the vessel is built for continuous aircraft take-off and landing operations. Fixed-wing aircraft will launch via the bow-mounted EMALS and land on the stern flight deck using arresting gear.
The Type-076 is seen as a solution to China's current lack of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) or short take-off/vertical landing (STOVL) fighters, such as the US F-35B. These types of fighters can operate from traditional amphibious assault ships or helicopter carriers.
Pham Giang (According to War Zone)
