China announced the launch of a massive amphibious assault ship at a shipyard in Shanghai on Wednesday, marking the rapid progress of the project since first images of its construction emerged six months ago.
The vessel, which has been referred to as the Type-075 class of landing helicopter dock (LHD), is estimated to have a maximum displacement of around 40,000 tonnes and a length of nearly 250 metres. Experts claim the Type-075 will be the largest amphibious assault ships in the world after the US Navy’s Wasp and America classes. An LHD is similar to an aircraft carrier and can carry helicopters to transport troops and equipment and also has a large ‘well deck’ to launch hovercraft and small vessels to transport personnel and even battle tanks.Read More…
