Chinese Type 076 landing ship with catapult closer to service

The boundary between the aircraft carrier and the universal landing vessel has long faded, but China, in the case of type 076, has gone one step further. Sichuan retained the ability to transport soldiers and equipment, receiving at the same time, equipment that has been associated primarily with aircraft carriers – electromagnetic catapult and aerofinishers.

The latest video released on July 10 by China National Radio shows almost completed universal flight deck landing ship-dock Sichuan (51), prototype type 076 unit. A single electromagnetic catapult track and devices intended to stop landing aircraft shall be visible.

However, it was not given when the ship was incorporated into service in the Navy of the People's Liberation Army of China.

Universal landing ship-deck type 076

Sichuan is a prototype of type 076, designated by NATO as Yulan. Sichuan is a prototype of type 076, designated by NATO as Yulan. Compared to earlier Chinese universal ships Type 075 landing docks received much more extensive aircraft equipment.

The ship has a continuous aircraft deck, hangar and two separate superstructures. In the forward, there are positions related to the operation of the ship, while the stern serves to steer the air operations and control the movement of aircraft around the unit.

Below the aircraft deck is a flooded dock designed for hovercraft and other landing craft. Thanks to this Sichuan may carry soldiers, vehicles and equipment and deliver them to shore by sea or air.

Electromagnetic catapult on landing craft

The most important solution used on type 076 is a single electromagnetic catapult placed on the left side of the aircraft deck. Three teams of aerofinishers were installed in its stern part.

This has not yet been applied to any other universal landing vessel. The catapult enables the launch of aircraft and large unmanned aircraft with more fuel supply and heavier equipment.

Similar technology was used on a Chinese aircraft carrier Fujian. Thanks to her. Sichuan it will not be limited exclusively to helicopters and vertical take-off and landing machinery.

Large unmanned systems on board Sichuan

Chinese Polish Navy has not yet indicated which aircraft will be equipped Sichuan. The full launch and landing cycle of the unmanned machine using catapult and aerofinishers has not been publicly shown.

The ship's design shows that it was primarily prepared to operate large unmanned aircraft. However, the Chinese authorities did not reveal what machines would be on board.

Such machines could conduct reconnaissance, track ships, identify targets and support landing operations. The scope of their use will depend on equipment, communication systems and on the ability to operate on board.

One of the largest landing ships

Sichuan It is approximately 252 m long and its full displacement is estimated at 40–50,000 tonnes. It therefore belongs to the largest landing vessels built so far in the world.

The unit was launched on 27 December 2024 at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding shipyard in Shanghai. The first naval trials began on 14 November 2025.

On the next exits into the sea, the ship-wide systems, propulsion system and electrical installation were checked. Catapult tests and aircraft reception devices will be one of the most important stages of the ship's entry into service.

Key take-off and landing attempts

It is not yet known what speed of take-offs and landings can be maintained using a single catapult track. The reliability of catapults and aerofinishers, the organisation of work on board and the time needed to prepare the flight machines again will be important.

Regardless of the test results Sichuan shows the direction in which Chinese naval forces are developing. Beijing consistently expands its ability to operate away from its own coasts and builds a fleet corresponding to the ambitions of the maritime power.