The PLAN LCAC Type 726 Yuyi Class
- Thread starter Jeff Head
- Start date
That thing is a MONSTER! Here's a youtube video of the Chinese Zubr being readied and loaded up.
[video=youtube;tg83d9GX0Ks]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg83d9GX0Ks[/video]
asif iqbal
Lieutenant General
Great video Jeff, we can see from the screen shots of the video that the second Zubr is also under construction and also quite far along, I would think its due to be delivered this year also
China might try out these two for a few years and of they do well they might go ahead and build 2 more inside China or even more
China might try out these two for a few years and of they do well they might go ahead and build 2 more inside China or even more
I honestly believe that the deal is for the PLAN to build the next two in China already...and that they will begin doing so as soon as they can.
It is my understanding that the deal is for four in total, first two built in Ukraine, 2nd two built in China. I would expect that within a yer or so of the 2nd one being delivered, they will start building in China. And once they know how...who knows? If they like them, maybe they will build more all on their own.
They could use them in a number of ways:shen said:
1) In any large operational landing within range of the mainland, once sea control is established by the main fleet, they dash in and land their personnel and equipment on the beach along with other landing craft.
2) They could be used to flank enemy positions where the traditional landings occur with great fanfare and fix the attention of the adversary...and then these rapidly move a decent force onto the flank of the enemy position.
3) In the islands of the South China Sea, within range, they could operate independently in pairs, with air support to secure smaller islands...or woith a flotilla of Type 022s providing ASuW support who could keep up with them.
etc.
But the speed is not the real issue. These vessels can easily and more ecpnomically travel with the rest of the fleet at 20 knots, and then use their high speed for rapid ingress to shore when necessary, under covering fire, both fire support from ships and air support.
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shen
Senior Member
I don't think Zuhr can economically cruise at 20knots. Half the power is going to the lift fans, even at slow speed, these have to be at full power. Traveling at fleet speed just reduce Zuhr's range by half, and give up it most important asset, speed. It may be as you wrote, fleet establish sea control first. Zuhr dash out to target, covered by MPA and fighters.
These vessels reminds me of the Abdiel-class minelayer,
RN used them as fast transports during WWII, like them enough to build more in the middle of the war. Zuhr also suppose to have mine laying ability, could be useful in a offensive mining scenario. Abdiel class had very strong AA capability, if Zuhr is going to operate in similar role, I hope to see stronger AA weapons, at least Type 730s in place AK640, perhaps even FL-3000N replacing the MRLs. Are air cushion vessels immune to torpedo attack?
These vessels reminds me of the Abdiel-class minelayer,
RN used them as fast transports during WWII, like them enough to build more in the middle of the war. Zuhr also suppose to have mine laying ability, could be useful in a offensive mining scenario. Abdiel class had very strong AA capability, if Zuhr is going to operate in similar role, I hope to see stronger AA weapons, at least Type 730s in place AK640, perhaps even FL-3000N replacing the MRLs. Are air cushion vessels immune to torpedo attack?
It's most important asset is its ability to carry very large cargo on a cusion of air at decent speeds.
It's absolute max speed is 63 knots. It can only do this briefly. It's maximum sustained speed in the best sea states is 55 knots and its range is 300 nm when it does so.
It's cruise speed is 30 knots, which is its most economical speed, with the longest range.
It can easily and effectively operate at 20 knots for sustained periods, and doing so has a greater range than at the maximum sustained speed of 55 knots.
The Zubr is made either for point solutions for relatively small invasions, or to act in concert with a larger force and provide (depending on the number of Zubrs involved) very fast surges of force, either on point, or on the flanks at the time of assault which is when its high speed come into play...not to be wasted over long voyages at high speed. Rather to be used judiciously when required.
shen
Senior Member
ok, 30-40knots is said to the normal cruise speed, probably depending on sea state. That's still too fast for any conventional warship to keep up with. Note that the sources doesn't say 30-40k is the economic speed. All sources also list 300nm at 55kn as the range figure. Normally the best range is one listed, so it a reasonable deduction that Zubr achieve the best range at 55kn rather than a slower speed. If 55kn can't be sustained, due to sea state or other reason, the range only get's shorter.
There are five thirsty gas turbines on Zubr, two turbines dedicated to lift must be keep at more or less constant power during cruise regardless of speed. The propulsion turbines can operate at lower power level at slower speed, but due to the nature of gas turbine which has a narrow powerband, the fuel saving is not going to be dramatic compare to marine diesels.
google Zubr, I've yet to find a picture of Zubr LCAC in formation with conventional warships.
There are five thirsty gas turbines on Zubr, two turbines dedicated to lift must be keep at more or less constant power during cruise regardless of speed. The propulsion turbines can operate at lower power level at slower speed, but due to the nature of gas turbine which has a narrow powerband, the fuel saving is not going to be dramatic compare to marine diesels.
google Zubr, I've yet to find a picture of Zubr LCAC in formation with conventional warships.