Type 071-class (Yuzhao)
Summary
| Origin country | 🇨🇳 China |
| Category | Amphibious vessel |
| Subtype | Amphibious transport dock |
| Manufacturer | Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding |
| Year commissioned | 2007 |
| Units |
980 Longhu Shan 985 Qilian Shan 986 Siming Shan 987 Wuzhi Shan 988 Yimeng Shan 989 Changbai Shan 998 Kunlun Shan 999 Jinggang Shan |
Technical specifications
| Displacement | 25000 tons |
| Range | 10000 km at 18 knots |
| Width | 28.0 m (91.9 ft) |
| Length | 210.0 m (689.0 ft) |
| Air Park |
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| Armament |
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| Maximum speed | 25 knots |
Further Reading
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Description
The Type 071, NATO reporting name Yuzhao, is a class of amphibious transport dock ships built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding for the People's Liberation Army Navy. Development began in the mid-2000s, and the first vessel entered service in 2007. Nine ships were completed before production transitioned to the successor Type 075 landing helicopter dock.
The ship's design incorporates a vehicle deck, well deck, and a stern flight deck served by a cantilever hangar. These facilities support the transport and operation of Harbin Z-8 helicopters. The well deck facilitates the launch of air-cushioned landing craft by flooding the docking area, and the ship carries additional landing craft on port and starboard davits. A stern ramp and two side doors with internal ramps allow for the loading of armored vehicles, such as amphibious infantry fighting vehicles and light tanks. In 2024, the hull Siming Shan was modified with a laser-based directed energy weapon on its forward superstructure.
The People's Liberation Army Navy operates eight vessels within its South Sea and East Sea Fleets. The class is used for amphibious assaults, counterpiracy, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief missions. The ships are also equipped to operate as task force flagships. The Royal Thai Navy ordered an export variant, the Type 071E, in 2019 and commissioned the vessel as HTMS Chang in 2023. A modified version of the design was previously offered to the Royal Malaysian Navy.