China's Sichuan assault ship nears delivery with electromagnetic catapult
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China's Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan, about 250 meters long, is nearing delivery to the navy after completing tests. The vessel features an electromagnetic catapult enabling it to launch large fixed-wing drones, including the GJ-21 stealth combat drone. The ship is expected to be handed over to the navy once testing is complete.
Key Facts
- The Sichuan is approximately 250 meters long and can operate helicopters and fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.
- The ship is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system on its flight deck, a feature that distinguishes it from the earlier Type 075 class.
- The GJ-21 stealth combat drone, a naval adaptation of the GJ-11, has recently been seen during flight tests.
- The Sichuan is expected to be delivered to the navy after the completion of tests.
Electromagnetic Catapult System
The most important feature distinguishing the Sichuan from the previous Type 075 class ships is the electromagnetic catapult system installed on the flight deck. This technology allows large and heavy unmanned aerial vehicles to take off at high speed from a short deck. Thus, the ship can be used as a mobile drone base in the middle of the sea. Large unmanned aerial vehicles that can carry more fuel, sensors, and ammunition are intended to take off from the Sichuan for long-range missions. The ship also has an arresting system to stop fixed-wing aircraft returning from missions in a short distance.
Comparison with Type 075
The Type 076 Sichuan is considered a more advanced successor to the Type 075 class, which has a displacement of about 35,000–40,000 tons. However, the main difference between the two ships lies not in size but in air operation capability. While the Type 075 was developed primarily for helicopters and landing operations, the Sichuan can also include large fixed-wing drones in operations thanks to the electromagnetic catapult. The Sichuan can also carry troops, armored vehicles, landing craft, and helicopters. Therefore, the ship stands out not only as a drone carrier but as a multi-purpose warship combining air and landing operations on a single platform.
GJ-21 Drone Integration
One of the aircraft expected to be used with the Sichuan is the stealth combat drone called GJ-21. The unmanned aerial vehicle, considered a naval adaptation of the GJ-11, was recently seen during flight tests. Previously published computer images showed a scenario in which a GJ-21-like unmanned aerial vehicle was launched from the electromagnetic catapult on the Sichuan's deck. However, these images did not show a real deck takeoff but the planned mode of operation. The simultaneous continuation of the Sichuan's sea tests and flight trials of new combat drones indicates that preparations for using the ship with unmanned aerial vehicles are progressing.
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China's Sichuan assault ship nears delivery with electromagnetic catapult
