Type 076 LHD/LHA discussion

GiantPanda

Junior Member
Registered Member
I'm not sure if a up tempo operations' doctrine would make sense for a ship like this, where the primary mandate is still to perform and support amphibious operations. Every other such ship in the world, including all of the American LHAs that are outfitted as "harrier/lightning carriers" would need more than one launch position for fixed wing aircraft. Even full sized carriers like the QE sometimes have a single launch position.

So unless this is in fact not an LHA at all, but a medium carrier in doctrine and practice from the ground up, aka a non-nuclear CdG, I would have a very hard time believing that it needs multiple catapults. Whether unmanned or manned fixed wing does not really matter. So I would take any evidence with multiple catapults with a massive grain of salt, unless incontrovertible evidence exists somewhere.

Having two catapults means better tempo in situations when two cats are required.

It also means new roles are now available for this class. Including that of light or alligator carrier that the US America class is occupying.
 

TOKYO DRIFT ABC

Junior Member
Registered Member
Wait, if the 076 flies UCAVs with catapults and not angled decks, does that mean it will be WWII AC style? I don't see how the PLAN would take such a risk... it's dangerous and inefficient.

China should develop a VSTOL aircraft in the future, but joint development with Russia is a possibility. China has the funds and more advanced avionics, and Russia has the accumulation on VSTOL.
 

sndef888

Captain
Registered Member
Has there been any estimates for this ship's displacement? And which model they're using for the gas turbines?

I just hope they get rid of the boxy looking front
 

Deino

Lieutenant General
Staff member
Super Moderator
Registered Member
Latest update on the first 076 currently under construction at HZ's Changxing Island facility.and as it seems, the bow section or the forward flight deck element has been attached .

(image via @伏尔戈星图 from Weibo)

IMG_4692.jpeg
 
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