071 LPD thread

[hmmwv]

re: PLAN Type 071 LPD & its Landing Craft

There are actually quite a few pictures on the Internet, however because it's a rather old ship it rarely attracts the attention of fans nowadays. It came out in 1996, at that time PLAN didn't even have Jiangwei II, and there were no Internet forums nor digital camera. I have included several pictures of it here, first in hospital ship configuration, it's capable of carrying up to 300 TEUs below and above deck, forming a city level central hospital, or a smaller hospital but retains aviation capability. This capability has since been adopted for civilian container ships and leading to the 865/COSCO Zhuanghe conversion during an 2008 exercise. Newer PLAN amphibious (074, 071) ships are capable of receiving commercial TEUs so it's possible to quickly add medical facilities to an amphibious task force.

 

[hmmwv]

re: PLAN Type 071 LPD & its Landing Craft

As an aviation training ship Shichang was the only ship PLAN could use at the time to train naval helicopter pilot to land two choppers on a ship simultaneously, pilots who landed on 071 likely to have received such training on Shichang. IIRC when it visited Australia and New Zealand it was in aviation training ship configuration. As a training ship the below deck cargo area is fitted with living space and classroom modules, and helicopter support equipment.

First picture shows all three of PLAN's training ships, second shows 82 with hangar formed by containers, I haven't seen it used in recent years.

 

[hmmwv]

re: PLAN Type 071 LPD & its Landing Craft

In recent years, besides serving as training and medical ships regularly, Shichang also took on specialized and experimental tasks. Most notable and bizarre is when it transported 2211 out of Shanghai in 2006. The fourth picture shows something more significant, and is actually related to 071. It's a containerized 300mm MLR module tested on Shichang, it's alleged that the launcher base doesn't penetrate any deck, and the container behind it houses rocket reloads and independent power supply and fire control system. Such system can be retrofitted to ships such as 071 (maybe clear some space on the bow deck) or 074 (open vehicle deck) to provide sustained fire support for the landing party, similar to a capability LPD17's original concept proposed.

 

[escobar]

re: PLAN Type 071 LPD & its Landing Craft

Very interesting. Thanks hmmvv.

 

[asif iqbal]

re: PLAN Type 071 LPD & its Landing Craft

Thanks hmmwv they are some nice pictures which I havent of seen before, certainly looks like a good ship and it's conidition is good considering its age, i guess they could also use it as a troop transporter and load the ships deck with APCs, jeeps and other vehicles for logistics purpose, it's a true multi role platform would be nice to have a few more of these

 

[CottageLV]

re: PLAN Type 071 LPD & its Landing Craft

Wow, it's like the jeep of WWII, jack of all trades.

 

[bd popeye]

re: PLAN Type 071 LPD & its Landing Craft

Thanks for that info and pictures hmmwv!

The link below has the best pix I've see to date of the PLAN sailors at work..at sea!

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I'm not spending any time downloading PIX from a flash player..

 

[tphuang]

re: PLAN Type 071 LPD & its Landing Craft

There are actually quite a few pictures on the Internet, however because it's a rather old ship it rarely attracts the attention of fans nowadays. It came out in 1996, at that time PLAN didn't even have Jiangwei II, and there were no Internet forums nor digital camera. I have included several pictures of it here, first in hospital ship configuration, it's capable of carrying up to 300 TEUs below and above deck, forming a city level central hospital, or a smaller hospital but retains aviation capability. This capability has since been adopted for civilian container ships and leading to the 865/COSCO Zhuanghe conversion during an 2008 exercise. Newer PLAN amphibious (074, 071) ships are capable of receiving commercial TEUs so it's possible to quickly add medical facilities to an amphibious task force.

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Thanks, I've been curious about PLAN's civilian container ships conversion plans.

read the recent CDF's entry on this

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Have you seen any kind of estimates on how many of these ships can be converted and operated on during times of war?

 

[Jeff Head]

re: PLAN Type 071 LPD & its Landing Craft

My experience in serving is timeless. Trust me. I served with the USN from 1971 until 1991 on five CVs and several shore stations.. How many days have you spent at sea? The USN has changed significantly since I retired in 1991. But operating a ship is basically the same. It really is. My son served with the USN from 1998 until 2007. And after speaking with him many times about his service..life at sea has not changed much.

Another thing..if you don't like my little sea stories I interject from time to time..don't read them.

No offense is taken over any members comments. Each one of us is entitled to our own opinion.

And my son-in-law still serves. He's a CPO and was just accepted into an officer training program that will send him to school, make him an officer (LT JG at the end of that time) and have another 10 year commitment. He will retire with 23 years in 2025, maybe at a full Commander..

He made CPO in a little over 7 years...a real up and comer!

I can tell you that popeye's stories and experience still have great relevence, particularly on aircraft carriers.

Today's senior non-commissioned officers and officers alike would listen to him and his advise in a heart beat.

If forum members cannot see that...alls the pity for them. Most however recognize it very quickly, particularly those with any sea legs about them at all.

 

[bd popeye]

re: PLAN Type 071 LPD & its Landing Craft

^^ Thank you Jeff..I'm humbled by your words. Truly I am.