LHD model hints at potential Chinese requirements
Richard D Fisher Jr, Washington, DC - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
23 April 2015
A company-produced model of what could be China's first landing helicopter dock amphibious assault ship. Source: Via CJDBY website
An apparent company-produced model of a landing helicopter dock (LHD) amphibious assault ship may offer an indication of the configuration and capabilities of such a ship that is expected to be produced for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).
An image of the model appeared on Chinese military web pages on 22 April. A subsequent online search found the same image on a model manufacturer's website with the designation Type 081.
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However, for nearly a decade Chinese and other sources have projected that the PLAN would acquire an LHD, with up to six platforms in the class. These would complement an expected force of six Type 071 landing platform
The LHS has three sponsons featuring vertical launchers, possibly for SAM systems. (Via CJDBY website)
Last edited by Haijun watcher on Sun Jan 02, 2022 8:53 am, edited 5 times in total.
"Haijun" means "navy" in Mandarin Chinese.
"You have enemies? Good. It means you stood up for something in your life."- Winston Churchill
An interesting design - the VLS sponsons are an interesting "touch." I don't see any emphasis on LO so they would clearly not be trying to use these in an area they weren't already dominate in. With a single aft elevator they're clearly planning to deck park everything not undergoing maintenance.
Seems a response to the Izumo class "destroyers". Bet someone someone in JMSDF is already planning ahead a bigger project for a new class of "destroyers".
"Build few and build fast,
Each one better than the last"
John Fisher
That's my guess and it would make some sense if you're trying to have small, self-contained forces. We provide Harriers / F-35s with our amphibious groups and even have a one-off LHA. Use one of the helicopters, ground forces, or even a missile-launched drone as a spotter, and you've got some over-the horizon artillery packed in.
The sponsons seem a bit exposed. Plus, when the missile is leaving the tube it's going to do a lot of smoke/flame...not sure if that's healthy to nearby parked aircrafts.
"Build few and build fast,
Each one better than the last"
John Fisher
I wonder if the Chinese would use a cold-launch VLS on this ship. I know their Type 052C's use one, and while the system depicted on the model is different, I'd guess they could have a rectangular system if they wanted to.
If they adapted a cold-launch system and slanted the tubes outbound 10 or 15 degress they could probably minimize the danger to aircraft on deck.
ChrisH wrote:If they adapted a cold-launch system and slanted the tubes outbound 10 or 15 degress they could probably minimize the danger to aircraft on deck.
Perhaps and likely like you said, Chris. Still, they seem (the sponsons) dangerously close to the aircraft park and are not in a different deck like some other carriers show up their launchers. Not even a "secure" area around the silos. Well, it's just a model for starters. The outbound angle seems a better option now that I picture it in my mind.
"Build few and build fast,
Each one better than the last"
John Fisher
I don't see the positioning as any great danger to the air group. Operate from the forward spots while the aft VLS is designated the "active" launch group. Spot aircraft aft and more to starboard if possible when the forward port launcher is "hot" and dial in a knot or two of crosswind to blow the smoke away from the deck. Lots of different ways you can integrate the two, although I suspect that they wouldn't often plan on normally firing during air operations as a SOP.
The positioning is good in that you can more easily protect the rest of the ship from any fires or explosions than if it were centrally mounted the way the Burke's and most others do.
Perhaps, but that outboard position proud of the hull like that makes it easier to direct any explosion out and away from the primary structure. I think providing the ability to jettison these structures is a bit of a stretch, but it's within the realm of possibilities as well.
Oh I'm pretty suspect about "how real" this design is. Contractors make models all the time in an attempt to sell their design ... ships, aircraft, vehicles, etc. Marketing works well with Congressmen and those who don't know anything about designing weapon systems.
Tracy,
Another point about this design, they likely would learn the same lessons that the USN learned with sponsons in the forward quarters of the ship. They get the crap beat out of them. I came across photos (I don't remember where and didn't scan any of the photos) in 80-G showing sponson damage to USS FORESTAL after her first encounter with rough weather. That is why they were deleted on future versions of the large carriers.
Rick E Davis wrote:Another point about this design, they likely would learn the same lessons that the USN learned with sponsons in the forward quarters of the ship.
This design lacks the consistent and fairly careful stealth shaping common to all recent Chinese warships, including type 071 dock landing ship. So I think it is a fanboy work, not a real design model.
Assessing the impact of new area rug under modeling table.
First Details on Likely Future Type 75 LHD for PLAN Showed Up on China Government Website
The first details on a future landing helicopter dock (LHD) amphibious assault ship for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) may have emerged on a government website in China.
The first details on a future landing helicopter dock (LHD) amphibious assault ship for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) may have emmerged on a government website in China.
An article published on an official website of the Shanghai communist party mentions a company, Hudong Heavy Machinery Co., LTD (member of CSSC China State Shipbuilding Corporation, the largest shipbuilding group in China) that has been contracted to built "16PC2-6B" diesel engines for a new project of amphibious assault ship. The French Mistral class and Japanese Izumo class are mentioned as well.
(...SNIPPED)
"Haijun" means "navy" in Mandarin Chinese.
"You have enemies? Good. It means you stood up for something in your life."- Winston Churchill
China to Start Construction on 1st Type 075 LHD Amphibious Assault Ship for PLAN Soon
According to our source in China, the steel cutting of the first Type 075 Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN or Chinese Navy) is expected to take place by the first quarter of 2017.
(...SNIPPED)
"Haijun" means "navy" in Mandarin Chinese.
"You have enemies? Good. It means you stood up for something in your life."- Winston Churchill
