{"id":39956,"date":"2024-12-28T11:27:03","date_gmt":"2024-12-28T16:27:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/world\/see-aboard-chinas-new-massive-assault-ship-that-can-launch-fighter-jets-or-drones\/28\/12\/2024\/"},"modified":"2024-12-28T11:27:03","modified_gmt":"2024-12-28T16:27:03","slug":"see-aboard-chinas-new-massive-assault-ship-that-can-launch-fighter-jets-or-drones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/world\/see-aboard-chinas-new-massive-assault-ship-that-can-launch-fighter-jets-or-drones\/28\/12\/2024\/","title":{"rendered":"See aboard China&#8217;s new massive assault ship that can launch fighter jets or drones"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\n<\/p>\n<div data-article-body=\"true\">\n<ul class=\"col-body mb-4\">\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">China unveiled its newest amphibious assault ship in a launching ceremony in Shanghai on Friday.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">The Sichuan&#8217;s standout feature is a catapult system capable of launching fixed-wing aircraft.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">The first-in-class flattop also has a massive flight deck as large as three football fields.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">China unveiled the new <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/chinas-unusual-assault-ship-was-rapidly-built-purpose-a-mystery-2024-8?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=yahoo.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:amphibious assault ship;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\">amphibious assault ship<\/a> it has been secretly building this past year at a launching ceremony at a shipyard in Shanghai.<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">The Sichuan, the first Yulan-class landing helicopter assault (LHA) ship, has a massive flight deck as large as three football fields. Once completed, it will be the largest vessel of its kind.<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">But the ship&#8217;s large size isn&#8217;t the only detail that sets it apart.<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">While other amphibious assault ships have only been able to carry helicopters and vertical\/short takeoff and landing aircraft, the Sichuan is equipped with a carrier-style catapult system and arresting gear that allows it to launch heavier fixed-wing aircraft, the Chinese navy said. Even with the unveiling, mystery still shrouds what is essentially a light aircraft carrier and China&#8217;s ambitions for it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">World&#8217;s largest amphibious assault ship<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative col-body mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-[4] size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>The Type 076 amphibious assault ship is much longer and larger than its predecessor, the Yushen-class Type 075.<span class=\"copyright\">Pu Haiyang\/VCG via Getty Images<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">Construction on <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/chinas-shipbuilding-power-players-making-warships-at-a-rapid-pace-2024-9?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=yahoo.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:the next-generation assault ship;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\">the next-generation assault ship<\/a> began in early 2024, according to the Pentagon&#8217;s annual congressional report on China&#8217;s military.<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">With a displacement of 40,000 tons, satellite images show the Sichuan measures more than 850 feet long and about 170 feet wide, making it considerably larger than its Chinese predecessor, the Type 075, but smaller than <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/chinas-new-aircraft-carrier-more-to-learn-to-match-us-2024-5?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=yahoo.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:the Fujian;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\">the Fujian<\/a>, the People&#8217;s Liberation Army&#8217;s newest and largest aircraft carrier.<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">The Type 076 is also much larger than Japan&#8217;s Izumo-class helicopter carriers. While the Sichuan is about as long as the US Navy&#8217;s America-class LHAs with a similar displacement, it is more than 60 feet wider.<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">The Chinese warship&#8217;s larger size and deck space allow it to accommodate both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, with additional storage capacity for more personnel and equipment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">Electromagnetic catapult system<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative col-body mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"A satellite image showing China's new amphibious assault ship being built in a shipyard. There is a text overlay showing the length of the trench for launching aircraft.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/bW1lWqNV2svg3G4oUP1L3g--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/insider_articles_922\/474da8a08ee536a58fe1b2ff67747ca7\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-[4] size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>A satellite image shows the Type 076&#8217;s top deck.<span class=\"copyright\">CSIS\/China Power\/CNES 2024<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">Unlike traditional light aircraft carriers, the Sichuan is equipped with a catapult system and arresting gear for the launch and recovery of fixed-wing aircraft \u2014 an operative capability typically reserved for aircraft carriers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">&#8220;This is not something that we&#8217;ve seen before,&#8221; Matthew Funaiole, a senior fellow with the China Power Project at CSIS, <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/chinas-unusual-assault-ship-was-rapidly-built-purpose-a-mystery-2024-8?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=yahoo.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:told BI previously;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\">told BI previously<\/a>. &#8220;No other country has an LHA that has a catapult system on it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">The electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) is likely similar in design to the catapult aboard the US Navy&#8217;s advanced Ford-class supercarriers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">The only warship in operational service that employs EMALS is the US Navy carrier USS Gerald R. Ford. China&#8217;s third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which has been undergoing shake-down trials at sea, also features three EMALS-style catapults, but the Sichuan&#8217;s catapult trench, which is over 425 feet long, is significantly longer by comparison.<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">Earlier Chinese carriers had ski-jump-style ramps for launching aircraft without catapults, leaping past steam-power catapult technology to pursue the more advanced electromagnetic launch system.<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">Operating for a little over a decade, China&#8217;s relatively young carrier force could still face a&#8221;steep learning curve&#8221; in employing modern catapult technology, retired Adm. Raymond Spicer, the CEO and publisher at the US Naval Institute, previously told BI. But the installation of the technology aboard the Type 076 could indicate China&#8217;s confidence in the design.<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">Potential future &#8216;drone carrier&#8217;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative col-body mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"The wide flight deck of the Chinese amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/DEtzotYAWCQkzkrkrxuCgw--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/insider_articles_922\/85b3f72af0f3a289da557f405c167875\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-[4] size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>The Sichuan has a full-length launch deck featuring an electromagnetic catapult system, likely for launching unmanned aerial vehicles.<span class=\"copyright\">Pu Haiyang\/VCG via Getty Images<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">The Chinese navy has yet to confirm what kind of air wing will operate aboard the Sichuan, but it could have a future role as a massive drone carrier, according to <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.csis.org\/analysis\/chinas-massive-next-generation-amphibious-assault-ship-takes-shape\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:the Center for Strategic and International Studies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\">the Center for Strategic and International Studies<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">The vessel&#8217;s catapult, wider flight deck, and unobstructed runway make it highly capable of <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/china-navy-likely-built-world-first-drone-carrier-report-taiwan-2024-5?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=yahoo.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:large-scale drone operations;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\">large-scale drone operations<\/a> as China expands its arsenal of UAVs, like the Hongdu GJ-11 stealth combat drone, Guizhou WZ-7 reconnaissance drone, and the CASC CH-4B Rainbow strike UCAV.<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">&#8216;A substantial step forward&#8217;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative col-body mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Plumes of colorful smoke surround the Sichuan during the amphibious assault ship's launching ceremony in China.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"565\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/Uvf6z0o4zhbP7IeWjkz24w--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU2NQ--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/insider_articles_922\/25a3a4ec5125fbe76e61d5b311a54047\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-[4] size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>Plumes of colored smoke surround the Sichuan during the amphibious assault ship&#8217;s launching ceremony in China.<span class=\"copyright\">Pu Haiyang\/VCG via Getty Images<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">While the exact timeline for the Type 076 still remains unclear, the Pentagon estimated the ship could join China&#8217;s naval fleet by the second half of the decade.<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">Operating more than nearly 400 naval platforms, China has the world&#8217;s largest maritime fighting force but has long been considered a green-water navy, meaning it operates mostly near its shores. <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/chinese-marines-planmc-us-corps-usmc-2024-11?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=yahoo.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Amphibious assault ships;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\">Amphibious assault ships<\/a> and carriers change that equation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">&#8220;I think it is as important, if not more important, to emphasize how mind-bogglingly impressive <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/chinas-shipbuilding-power-players-making-warships-at-a-rapid-pace-2024-9?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=yahoo.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:China's ability to build ships is;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\">China&#8217;s ability to build ships is<\/a>,&#8221; Funaiole said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">While not much is known about the capabilities or primary mission of China&#8217;s next-gen amphibious flattops, the CSIS said the Sichuan &#8220;represents a substantial step forward&#8221; toward the PLAN&#8217;s blue-water ambitions, projecting power in waters thousands of miles away.<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0\">Read the original article on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/china-amphibious-assault-ship-sichuan-first-drone-carrier-2024-12\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Business Insider;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Business Insider<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.yahoo.com\/news\/see-aboard-chinas-massive-assault-154648270.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>China unveiled its newest amphibious assault ship in a launching ceremony in Shanghai on Friday. The Sichuan&rsquo;s standout feature is a catapult<br \/><button class=\"read-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/world\/see-aboard-chinas-new-massive-assault-ship-that-can-launch-fighter-jets-or-drones\/28\/12\/2024\/\">Read More &rsaquo;<\/a><\/button><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":39958,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39956"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39956"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39956\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/39958"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39956"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39956"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39956"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}