Video | Type 076 Amphibious Assault Ship is a "Quasi-Carrier" Leading a New Development Model

Yesterday (the 1st) marked the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army of China. It has been a year and a half since the launch of the first ship of the Navy's 076 amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan. What is the current status of the Sichuan?

The Sichuan is undergoing sea trials

Assessing wave resistance and other combat capabilities

Military commentator Du Wenlong: The biggest difference between the Sichuan and other amphibious ships is the addition of electromagnetic catapults and arrestor wires, allowing general fighter jets, including carrier-based aircraft, to take off and land from a platform of 40,000 tons. This sea trial is assessing wave resistance and overall combat capabilities. If it passes, the next step will be to coordinate air and naval forces to perform various task role transformations within the fleet, which will certainly play an important role in amphibious assault operations.

The 076 is equipped with electromagnetic catapults

It is already a "quasi-aircraft carrier"

Lao Chunyan: The biggest feature of the 076 amphibious assault ship is that it is the only amphibious assault ship in the world equipped with electromagnetic catapults. Does this mean that its mission and role differ from that of the 075 amphibious assault ship?

Du Wenlong: The basic functions or aviation operational capabilities of the 076 with electromagnetic catapults are roughly the same as those of an aircraft carrier. In other words, with the addition of electromagnetic catapults, the 076 has become a "quasi-aircraft carrier," capable of launching multiple types of drones as well as manned aircraft, and can conduct continuous aviation operations. Therefore, the next step is for this combat style and model to expand globally, indicating that the 076 is guiding a new development model for amphibious assault ships and aircraft carriers worldwide.