China launches Fourth Type 071 LPD.

The Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai launched its fourth Type 071 landing platform dock (LPD) amphibious assault ship for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) on 22 January.

China launches Fourth Type 071 LPD.

Internet bloggers have also posted pictures online of two further ships launched by the Shanghai-Hudong shipyard the same day. The 21st Type 054A 'Jiangkai II' class frigate was launched and subsequently berthed alongside another Jiangkai II frigate (hull 19), which has been fitting out since it was launched in September 2013.

The other ship to be launched was the fifth Type 815 'Dongdiao' class intelligence gathering ship (AGI), which berthed adjacent to two other Type 815Gs that are fitting out, one of which was launched in April 2014.

A total of six Type 071 LPDs are anticipated. Three Type 071s are currently stationed in the PLAN's South Sea Fleet base at Zhanjiang and it is possible that three more may be based with the East Sea Fleet.

The Type 071 has an estimated length of 210 m, a displacement of 18,500 tonnes, and a well deck capable of holding four Yuyi-class assault hovercraft. If the hovercraft are removed it is estimated to be able to accommodate up to about 60 armoured vehicles and about 800 troops.

The Type 071s hanger can hold up to four 13-ton Z-8 or Z-18 helicopters. In 2014 the PLAN exercised with PLA Army Aviation Z-10 attack helicopters, so it is likely that the Type 071 may eventually accommodate this helicopter.

New lighter armour systems that have recently entered PLA Army and marine service have increased the flexibility of the Type 071 since its introduction. For example, the 26.5-ton ZBD-05 amphibious tracked infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) can be launched from the well deck. The 21-ton 8x8 ZBL-09 wheeled IFV and a new 30-ton light tank are better suited for carriage by assault hovercraft.

Chinese sources and models displayed at maritime trade shows suggest that China may follow the Type 071 with a 20,000-tonne class landing helicopter dock (LHD) similar to one offered for export. However, during a Chinese TV interview in November 2012, PLAN Rear Admiral Yin Zhou stated China's future LHDs would be much larger, potentially approaching a displacement of 40,000 tonnes and similar in size to the US Navy's LHDs.