China's Type 076 'Sichuan' Drone Carrier Begins Historic Sea Trials
- MM24 News Desk
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
Chinese state media has announced that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan, has begun sea trials, marking a pivotal step for the world's first dedicated drone carrier.
Featuring an electromagnetic catapult system typically reserved for advanced aircraft carriers, the 50,000-tonne warship is expected to be delivered by the end of 2026, reported Xinhua.
The commencement of sea trials for the Sichuan represents a monumental leap in naval aviation, fundamentally redefining the role of amphibious assault ships. While traditional vessels of this class are limited to helicopters, the Type 076 integrates a cutting-edge electromagnetic catapult and arresting gear (CATOBAR) system.
This technology, also found on China's newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, allows for the launch and recovery of fixed-wing aircraft, a capability previously exclusive to flat-top carriers.
This innovation positions the Sichuan as a unique and formidable asset. The primary beneficiaries of this launch system are expected to be unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), earning the ship its "drone carrier" designation.
The ability to operate fixed-wing drones from a mobile naval platform significantly extends the PLA Navy's reach for both reconnaissance and strike missions without risking pilot lives.
The ship's substantial size is a critical enabler of its advanced capabilities. With a flight deck stretching approximately 260 meters and a beam of 52 meters, the Type 076 is larger than its predecessor, the Type 075, and surpasses other global amphibious assault ships like the US America-class. This expanded deck and larger internal hangar provide the necessary space and launching capacity for a diverse air wing of drones and helicopters.
According to Xinhua, the initial sea trials will focus on testing the "reliability and stability of the engine and power system." These are crucial steps to ensuring the vessel can support the high-energy demands of its electromagnetic catapult and sustain long-duration operations at sea. The successful completion of these tests will pave the way for more complex trials involving aircraft operations.
One of the key drones expected to operate from the Sichuan is the GJ-11, a fixed-wing stealth UAV. The GJ-11's silhouette is featured on the ship's crest, and mock-ups were observed on the deck during its construction.
This drone, recently shown in footage operating alongside the J-20 stealth fighter, is designed for precision strikes and intelligence gathering, making it an ideal component of the Type 076's envisioned mission set.
The global trend toward integrating drone carriers into naval fleets underscores a shift in modern warfare doctrine. Shortly after South Korea revealed plans to build its own 30,000-tonne drone carriers, and Iran commissioned a converted container ship for UAV operations, China's launch of the purpose-built Sichuan demonstrates its commitment to leading this new frontier. By moving first with a dedicated, large-scale vessel, the PLA Navy is establishing a new template for naval power projection in the 21st century.
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