Type 071 amphibious warfare ships, the Qilianshan and the Wuzhishan recently conducted highly intense, combat-oriented exercises for five days in undisclosed waters, China National Radio reported on Wednesday.
The exercises featured target acquisition, the firing of main guns and close-in weapons systems, and deployment of smoke decoys, video shows.
“We will continue to maintain high training intensity, pursue challenges and compete with other friendly vessels to improve together,” Li Yizhen, captain of the Qilianshan, was quoted as saying after exercises with the Wuzhishan.
Having entered service for under six months, the Qilianshan has gained multiple combat capabilities, including multidimensional troop delivery, air defence and precision anti-ship and land attack, the captain said.
While the exact date of the Qilianshan‘s commissioning was not revealed to the public, a report by China Central Television showed the vessel for the first time in November 2020 and identified it as the eighth hull in its class.
Type 071
The Type 071 (NATO reporting name: Yuzhao) is a class of Chinese amphibious transport dock ships in service with the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).
The amphibious warfare ship features a vehicle deck, well-deck, landing deck and a hangar. It can carry a combination of marines, vehicles, landing craft and helicopters. The ship may embark 600 to 800 troops. The stern helicopter deck offers two landing spots for supporting the operations of two Z-8 (SA 321 Super Frelon) transport helicopters. The twin-door cantilever hangar can house up to four Z-8 helicopters. The well deck houses up to four Type 726 air-cushioned landing craft, which can transfer vehicles or marines to the shore at high speed. The LCAC are launched by flooding of the docking area. The vessel can also carry landing craft on port/starboard davits. The vehicle deck can house amphibious assault vehicles including the ZBD05 amphibious IFV and the ZTD-05 amphibious light tank. The stern ramp, two side doors and ramps allow rapid loading of the vehicles and equipment.
The ship is armed with one 76 mm gun and four 30 mm close-in weapon systems.
Check out Naval Library App to find out the specifications of the Type 071 LPD’s.
