Final Phase of Sea Trials for Amphibious Ship with Electromagnetic Catapult
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy has reached the final stage of sea trials for the amphibious assault ship Sichuan, the first vessel of the Type 076 class. With a displacement of approximately 40,000 tons at full load, the ship is considered a hybrid platform positioned between conventional amphibious landing ships and aircraft carriers. Among the ship’s prominent technical features are the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) installed on the flight deck and arresting cables. This system enables fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles without vertical takeoff capability to launch from the ship.
GJ-21 Ghost UAV Spotted During Test Flight
During the ongoing ship trials, China’s next-generation navalized stealth UAV, GJ-21, was also spotted in the air once again. The flying-wing unmanned combat aircraft, a naval variant of the GJ-11 Sharp Sword developed for the navy, was filmed conducting a flight near the city of Huludao in China’s northeastern Liaoning province.
Featuring folding wings and landing gear used on aircraft carriers, GJ-21 is considered the primary attack and reconnaissance platform to be launched using the amphibious ship’s electromagnetic catapult system.
Testing Fleet Integration and Strategic Operations
Satellite images taken in August showed the Sichuan amphibious assault ship sailing alongside two Type 052 destroyers and three Type 054 frigates off the Qingdao naval base. The presence of China’s first aircraft carrier, Liaoning, anchored in the area also indicates that the military is testing a new naval task group concept in which aircraft carriers and amphibious ships carrying unmanned aerial vehicles will operate together.
Its Significance for Taiwan and Regional Balances
The ship offers extensive amphibious operation capabilities, with the capacity to carry more than 1,000 marines, armored vehicles, landing craft and helicopters.
As military activity intensifies in the region, developments such as the earlier detection of a Chinese research vessel near Taiwan’s strategic naval base are increasing the importance of amphibious and unmanned aerial vehicle-focused fleets. The Sichuan is expected to officially enter service by the end of the year.