China’s Type 076 LHD Sichuan, which incorporates an EMALS catapult and arresting gear for UCAVs, has begun its sea trials a year after its launch in late 2024.
Chinese local media broadcast the initiation of Type 076 LHD’s sea trials. The new LHD class is a follow-up to the Type 075 LHD, which is fitted with one EMALS catapult to launch various fixed-wing UCAVs as well as an arresting gear set for landing. Type 075 LHD, for a comparison, can only operate helicopters.
The presence of a catapult renders Type 076 as a distinct configuration with both amphibious assault and long-range strikes, thanks to fixed-wing aircraft operation. Most of the LHD configurations consist of flat decks or ski jumps with a limited number of them being available for V/STOL aircraft operations.
It is known that China intends to operate a CATOBAR variant of GJ-11 flying-wing UCAV. While GJ-11 lacks the air-to-air capabilities of a fighter jet, low observable design and unmanned use presents advantages in deep strikes and quicker replenishment of lost aircraft.
Alongside the Type 003 Fujian aircraft carrier, the Type 076 Sichuan is the second ship to incorporate an EMALS catapult in the PLAN.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
