071 LPD thread

[delft]

On a vessel like an LPD or LHD, they will have both.

It's just that they do not necessarily need a manned fixed wing fighter/bomber in order to effectively use an LHD.

They can (and IMHO will) use manned attack helicopters to give close support to the troops ashore.

Helicopters are the first aircraft on these ships and do not need mentioning.

 

[Jeff Head]

Helicopters are the first thing on these ships and do not need mentioning.

But not necessarily attack helicopters.

Yes, since they are used for air assault (meaning carrying assault troops to shore) the transport helicopters are a given.

But although the US has used them for many, many years (the US Marine Cobras), it is only relatively recent that other nations have done so (as in the last few years).

I expect that is how the Chinese will provide the close support without needing jump jets.

 

[Blackstone]

LHDs carry many more troops.

LHDs have a larger craft (both water and air) carrying capacity with much larger hanger space for upkeep of more aircraft.

LHDs typically have larger and much more functional command spaces, hospital facilities, etc.

If the Chinese foresee any need for large amphibious operations, or very large humanitarian capabilities, LHDs makes sense.

Otherwise, they can certainly double up on LPDs.

I expect the PLAN is going to do both.

LHD as Space Control and command centers make sense, but surface action groups based on the 071 LPDs already outclass every other claimant in the SCS. In the short-run, I see PLAN buying more LPDs, even if it also orders an LHD.

 

[asif iqbal]

I think the point is this

Amphibious ready groups (ARG) have 3 main components

Number one
Ground combat element (GCE) which has sailors and marines the infantry battalion
This force is lifted by th LPD fleet in the case of PLAN the Type 071 LPD

Number two
Next is the Logistics combat at element (LCE) which carries the marine and sailors logistics battalion
This force is lifted by the LSD or LST in the case of the PLAN the Type 072 III

Number three
Last is the aviation combat element (ACE) which has marine and sailors
This force is carried by the LHA and in the case of PLAN the Type 075 LHD


ACE does not need fixed wing aircraft like F35B or Harriers and it also does not need the KC-130J aerial refuelling from a land base on CONUS standby these are requirements only for USN

 

[Jeff Head]

You said:

I see PLAN buying more LPDs, even if it also orders an LHD.

I said:

I expect that they will do both.

Sounds like we agree.

 

[EdT586]

But not necessarily attack helicopters.

Yes, since they are used for air assault (meaning carrying assault troops to shore) the transport helicopters are a given.

But although the US has used them for many, many years (the US Marine Cobras), it is only relatively recent that other nations have done so (as in the last few years).

I expect that is how the Chinese will provide the close support without needing jump jets.

They have the option to use their Harbin Z-20 on the carrier as well, which would give them the best of both ASW/attack/troop transport performances similar to the US Black Hawks. Would love to see the Z-20 on their carrier.

 

[Jeff Head]

They have the option to use their Harbin Z-20 on the carrier as well, which would give them the best of both ASW/attack/troop transport performances similar to the US Black Hawks. Would love to see the Z-20 on their carrier.

I agree...for the carrier, or any of their surface vessels, once the fully develop the Z-20, it would make an excellent ASW, or SAR, or patrol helo.

For the LHAs it could be outfitted either for transport or for gunship duties...though the PLAN could also adopt a naval version of the Z-10 for the support rle too.

 

[steve_rolfe]

According to Henri.K, China is expected to build 8 071's. Has anyone else seen any news that could confirm this?

 

[andyshz1]

According to Henri.K, China is expected to build 8 071's. Has anyone else seen any news that could confirm this?

Well they are half way there

 

[Jeff Head]

According to Henri.K, China is expected to build 8 071's. Has anyone else seen any news that could confirm this?

I have read that six are approved. That's the only number I have heard with any confidence.

Time will tell. They are certainly capable of building that many.