re: PLAN Type 071 LPD & its Landing Craft
I think a very strong indication that they at least intended a high number of LCAC per LHD scenario is the fact that they went for a long well deck. If a vehicle-based assault scenario were what they had in mind, they would have gone for a larger vehicle deck which would give greater flexibility while still retaining enough well deck space for 2 LCACs.
But the issue is insufficient LCACs if you are going to make a statement from a picture with one LCAC that the PLAN does not intend to use them very heavily. There was only one available to use...so that's all they could put there.
My point is that until they have quite a few more we will not know for sure what their preferred strategy will be. Perhaps they will go with just two per Type 071, and the rest amphib IFV, as you say. I think it will depend entirely on the particular operation.
My own guess is, that since they have built these very capable vessels with the capacity for four, they will use them for that, and use their many 072s as part of an Amphibious Ready Group when they "hit the beaches," to send in the IFVs from those vessels.
If the PLAN coupled 2-3 Type 072s with each Type 071, they could send in a large number of all sorts of IFVs from the Type 072s in each wave, and up to four LCACs in each wave.
If they had two Type 071s and 4-6 Type 072s, they could just double all of that for each wave.
That's how I would use them.
The PLAN could develop a significant air assault behind lines, or on a flank with helos from the Type 071s and perhaps from the carrier too, depending on the size of operation...get that fully engaged and progressing, then when the timing is right, hit the beach with the IFVs and LCACs.
I think a very strong indication that they at least intended a high number of LCAC per LHD scenario is the fact that they went for a long well deck. If a vehicle-based assault scenario were what they had in mind, they would have gone for a larger vehicle deck which would give greater flexibility while still retaining enough well deck space for 2 LCACs.