The Marine Design and Research Institute of China (708 Institute) of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation began design work in 2011.[6] Debate over the desired result may have continued into 2016. Reportedly, the Central Military Commission Equipment Development Department favored a smaller design than the final Type 075, effectively an enlarged Type 071 amphibious transport dock, possibly due to concerns that the existing propulsion plant was insufficient for a larger ship. Ultimately, the PLAN's desire for an LHA prevailed.[13]Hudong–Zhonghua Shipbuilding received the contract in 2018 and construction began that year.[2]
Images of Hainan, the first ship,[14] under construction in drydock appeared by June 2019.[15] She suffered a minor fire while fitting out in April 2020 which did not slow construction.[16]Hainan commissioned on 23 April 2021[1] and reached initial operating capability in March 2022.[3]
In November 2022, The PLAN announced that the first two ships were combat ready.[17]
Design
Profile image of Guangxi (32), year 2023.
The flight deck is 226 meters long and 36 meters wide. There are seven flight spots - six along the port side and one aft of the island.[18] The forward aircraft elevator can carry one medium helicopter with rotors folded; the stern elevator is larger and can carry Changhe Z-8 helicopters with rotors folded.[19] Two weapons elevators are located on the forward flight deck.[20] The hangar may be 150 meters long, 20 meters wide, and 6 meters high. The ship may operate 20-35 aircraft.[19]
The well deck and vehicle deck are one continuous space.[21] The well deck has a 20 meter wide gate and may be 80-90 meters long, sufficient for two or three Type 726 LCACs.[22] The vehicle deck is large enough for a PLAN Marine Corps amphibious mechanized infantry company plus additional platoon-sized tank or artillery elements. An opening on each side allows roll-on/roll-off access to the vehicle deck.[23]
People's Liberation Army Navy
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