TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — China is reportedly building its first Yulan-class landing helicopter assault ship, which is expected to become the world's largest amphibious assault ship upon completion.

On Aug. 1, the U.S. think tank, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), released a report saying the vessel could be launched as early as the first half of next year. The report highlights its tonnage, which significantly surpasses that of its U.S. and Japanese counterparts.

Referred to in China as the Type 076 landing helicopter dock, it features an electromagnetic catapult system designed for launching fixed-wing aircraft. 

Satellite images from July 4 show the flight deck of the Type 076 measures approximately 260 meters long and 52 meters wide, covering over 13,500 square meters - nearly equivalent to three American football fields. With a displacement of 50,000 tons, it is substantially larger than the U.S. America-class LHA (45,000 tons), Japan's Izumo-class carriers (26,000 tons), and the Chinese navy's current Type 075 (36,000 tons).

Like other amphibious assault ships, the Type 076 can accommodate dozens of aircraft and drones, landing craft, and over 1,000 marines. Its larger size allows for greater capacity in its internal hangar and more space for takeoffs.

The ship will feature a catapult for launching fixed-wing aircraft, distinguishing it from other amphibious assault ships, which traditionally only launch vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft like the Harrier or F-35B. While China has yet to produce manned aircraft with V/STOL capabilities, unmanned versions have been tested on China's aircraft carrier, the Type 002 Shandong. 

CSIS suggested the Type 076 may be equipped with an Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System similar to that of the U.S. Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers. Only the U.S. and China have successfully deployed this advanced technology.

The report notes that China's third aircraft carrier, the Type 003 Fujian, is equipped with three electromagnetic catapults. If a similar catapult is installed on the Type 076, it would indicate confidence in its design. 

Satellite images indicate the Type 076 will feature one aircraft elevator on each side of the ship to transfer aircraft from the internal hangar to the flight deck. This new configuration optimizes aircraft takeoff and landing compared to the elevator placements at the front and rear of the Type 075.

The report says these features "open the door" for the Type 076 to support fixed-wing aircraft, which typically have greater range, speed, and payload capacity than rotorcraft. 

“At a minimum, the ship should be capable of launching fixed-wing unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UAVs/UCAVs), which are lighter and easier to launch and land than manned systems,” the authors noted.

The Type 076's extended catapult, wider flight deck, and optimized elevator design indicate it could be intended for the launch and recovery of manned aircraft, the report's authors believe. This could signify the emergence of a new category of amphibious assault ships, with capabilities that bridge traditional aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships.

Even if the Type 076 primarily carries drones, its aerial capabilities will still be formidable. The report highlights that China possesses an advanced and expanding arsenal of drones, including the stealthy Hongdu GJ-11 Sharp Sword unmanned combat aerial vehicle, the WZ-7 reconnaissance drone, and the CH series of armed drones.

The ship is also expected to have a deck at its stern for launching amphibious vehicles, such as hovercraft, to conduct "ship-to-shore" operations.