China has officially deployed its new amphibious assault helicopter carrier (LHD), the Hubei (034), belonging to the Type 075 class.
This LHD has been assigned to the South China Sea Fleet based in Zhanjiang, Guangdong, joining the lead ship of the class, Hainan (031).
The Hubei is the fourth and currently last ship of its class; the original plans envisioned another four Type 075 ships to be built for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).
The ships of the Type 075 class are distributed between the South China Sea Fleet and the East China Sea Fleet, including the Guangxi (032) and Anhui (033).
Characteristics of the LHD Type 075
The Hubei displaces about 40,000 tons, has a length of 232 meters, width of 36.8 meters, and a draft of 8.1 meters.
The Type 075 LHDs are powered by four diesel engines with a total output of 66,000 hp, guaranteeing a maximum speed of less than 24 knots.
For close defense, the Type 075s are armed with 2 SAM HHQ-10 systems each with 18 launchers and 2 ZAK H/PJ 11 30 mm 11-barrel (gatling) CIWS.
On board the LHDs are seven takeoff and landing spots and a hangar that can accommodate about 28-30 helicopters, including the Z-8J transport helicopters, Z-9s for general use, and the WZ-10 or Z-19 combat helicopters, as well as AR-500C reconnaissance drones.
The Type 075s can transport a thousand marines with 35 amphibious armored vehicles that can be deployed by the onboard helicopters and by three Type 726 LCAC hovercraft carried in the well deck.
Photo via Chinese internet
