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China began sea trials of its most advanced amphibious assault ship to date.
One week after deploying its most recent assault ship, China unveiled the Sichuan Type 076, a vessel combining traits of an aircraft carrier and amphibious assault ship.
The specifications remain undisclosed, but it can launch aircraft and troop-filled landing craft.
Amphibious assault ships are known to be faster than carriers and have more operational flexibility.
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China’s navy launched sea trials for its newest Type 076 Sichuan, the most advanced amphibious assault ship in its fleet. (Zhang Liang/Xinhua via AP)
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The Type 076 Sichuan combines features of an aircraft carrier and amphibious ship, signaling China’s growing naval reach. (Zhang Liang/Xinhua via AP)
The Sichuan emphasizes amphibious and air-launch capabilities, not nuclear or missile propulsion systems. Unlike China’s conventionally powered aircraft carrier Fujian, the new amphibious assault ship is designed for drone and marine operations rather than traditional carrier strike missions.
Both Chinese ships have the same electromagnetic catapult system that has already been tested successfully on the Fujian.
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China’s latest amphibious ship, capable of launching drones and aircraft, begins sea trials to test power and stability. (Zhang Liang/Xinhua via AP)
The electromagnetic system can launch fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and drones, as well as short- and vertical-takeoff aircraft (STOVL and VTOL), according to official Chinese media.
The Sichuan has a full-load displacement of more than 40,000 tons and a full-length flight deck.
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The sea trial is set to test the ship’s power and stability, as well as its systems, according to Chinese media.