🚢 China ahead to test Type 076, a new landing ship that combines some of the capabilities of the aircraft carrier.

🚢 China ahead to test Type 076, a new landing ship that combines some of the carrier's capabilities into one.

The first ship, named Sichuan No. 51, has a full expulsion tonnage of more than 40,000 tons, classified as one of the largest attack landing ships in the world, with a full flight deck and dual-island forced structure.

The point that distinguished the Type 076 was its installation, an electromagnetic catapalt and an aircraft stop cable system, which gave way to support pinned-wing aircraft in addition to helicopters and amphibious ordnance. ✈️

China launched the ship on December 2024 before the start of its first maritime test in November 2025 to inspect its propulsion systems, electrical systems and equipment, with the latest Chinese official media data indicating that Sichuan has passed several maritime tests.

🛰️ Analysts view that the pinned-wing unmanned aerial vehicle may be at the heart of this ship, but the model and number that will actually be stationed have not yet been officially announced, so it should not be determined which version of the piloted fighter will be supported.

The Type 076 is therefore not a full aircraft carrier, but a hybrid platform capable of carrying troops, landing craft, helicopters and pinned-wing aircraft, enhancing the flexibility of the Chinese Navy in both amphibious missions and long-range operations.

Sources: Xinhua | AP | Global Times

# deepkub # Type 076 # ChinaNavy # NavalTechnology # MilitaryTechnology