Amphibious Ships
Yuzhao (Type 071) Amphibious Ship. like other type of surface vessels, China has also modernised its amphibious ships to yuzhao (type 071) class, four of which have entered service. the type 071 has an estimated displacement of more than 18,500 tonnes, can carry about four air cushion landing craft, four or more helicopters, armoured vehicles and troops for long-distance deployments for an expeditionary force, ÔOver the horizonÕamphibious assault, ha/dR, diplomatic missions and counter-piracy capabilities. the amphibious ships are similar to landing platform/dock. it has also been reported that even larger amphibious ships called type 081 with a displacement of 50,000 tonnes are also in the pipeline to support ChinaÕs global ambitions and also competing with us. such capability will give China the ability to accomplish various amphibious operations short of a full-scale invasion of taiwan.
Zubr Class Air Cushioned Landing Craft. during June 2013, China has been reported to acquire four large Zubr class air-cushioned landing craft from ukraine. Zubr is reported to have a range of 300 nautical miles, a maximum speed of 63 knots (116 kmph) and a payload of 150 tonnes.
Mobile Landing Platform (MLP). ChinaÕs has also acquired a MlP type of ship which is a semi-submersible ship that can support ship-to-shore movement of equipment by serving as a Ôpier at seaÕfor ships that lack a well deck for accommodating landing craft.