CNS Hainan (31)

Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) / Amphibious Assault Support Ship [ 2021 ]

The first of three Type 075 Landing Helicopter Dock ships for the PLAN became CNS Hainan 31 in April of 2021.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 04/26/2021 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site.

Image released to the Public by way of Chinese media.

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Chinese naval capabilities continue to grow with the addition of powerful new, all-modern attack submarines, guided-missile destroyers, and aircraft carriers. With this power-projection mindset, the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is also investing in a new-generation of Landing Helicopter Docks (LHDs) similar in form and function to what is operated by the United States Navy (USN) through its Wasp-class ships. Up to eight of the vessels are planned to the Type 075 standard with three having been completed as of this writing (2021) and a single form achieving active service - this being CNS Hainan (31).

Hainan was built by Hundong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Company Ltd and launched to sea on September 25th, 2019. Formally commissioned on April 23rd, 2021, the warship takes its place as part of the formidable South Sea Fleet and remains in active service status (2021).

The PLAN service already features various amphibious assault support vessels though the Type 075 represents a wholly modern approach to the role. Up to thirty helicopters can be carried by the vessel with the fleet comprised of transport and attack types. Complete hangar facilities are offered for complete support of the rotary-wing force.

The profile of the warship features a straight-through flight deck with multiple helicopter landing/take-off points. Up to six helicopters can be launched or retrieved simultaneously. The island superstructure is offset to the starboard side in the usual way and integrates the bridge, smoke funnel, and flight coordination facilities as a single component. Self-defense is through 2 x 30mm H/PJ-11 Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWSs) and 2 x HQ-10 Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) systems - these as a last-ditch measure against inbound aerial threats. Otherwise, fleet support ships will typically help to defend attacks against this helicopter carrier.

Displacement is said to be in the range of 35,000 tonnes.

Beyond their inherent ability to support a rotary-wing force, the design also includes facilities to deploy and recover troop- or vehicle-laden landing craft and amphibious vehicles when attacking enemy shorelines. A well deck can take on water to support, launch, and retrieve hovercraft used in an amphibious assault action.

Hainan was under design as far back as 2011 and was known to be under construction as recently as June of 2019 - the same year she was formally launched. She stands as a potent addition to the attack capabilities of the PLAN, particularly as China has made no attempt to hide its desire to bring neighboring Taiwan in check. Should an all-out invasion of the island nation occur, amphibious assaults coupled with paratroop drops will play center stage in the Chinese takeover of the runaway republic and American ally - the LHD launching waves of attack and support helicopters in the action.

With three LHDs currently planned for the PLAN, this means the possibility of launching up to 90 total helicopters into combat as well as accompanying landing ships and hovercraft - overwhelming defended positions through numerical superiority - of course this all remains theoretical as the Type 075 remains wholly unproven in war time.©MilitaryFactory.com

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September 2019 - The first Type 075 vessel was dedicated and launched on September 25th, 2019.

April 2021 - CNS Hainan (31) was formally commissioned into service with the PLAN.

Specifications

Service Year

2021

Origin

China

Status

COMMISSIONED
In Active Service.

Complement

200
PERSONNEL

Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding - China

(View other Ship-Related Manufacturers)

Class

Type 075

Number-in-Class

3
VESSELS

Ships-in-Class

CNS Hainan (31); Vessel #2; Vessel #3

China

(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)

✓ Amphibious Assault
A shallow draught, and other qualities, give this vessel the ability to support amphibious assault operations close-to-shore.

ANTI-AIRCRAFT

Onboard systems alert and protect the vessel from airborne, low-flying airborne threats through ballistic and / or missile weaponry.

OVER-THE-HORIZON

An Over-the-Horizon operational capability is granted to the vessel, typically through launched fixed-wing / rotary-wing aircraft.

SHIP-TO-SHORE

Onboard facilities provide for the launching of air and/or land elements for shore attack and infiltration.

Length

820.2 ft
250.00 m

Beam

98.4 ft
29.99 m

Draught

27.1 ft
8.26 m

Displacement

40,000
tons

Installed Power: 2 x Marine diesels of unknown make, model, and output power driving 2 x Shafts under stern.

Surface Speed

23.0 kts
(26.5 mph)

2 x 30mm H/PJ-11 Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWSs).

2 x HHQ-10 Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) launchers.

Supported Types

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Image released to the Public by way of Chinese media.

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Type 075 LHD

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