China is doing something with their fleet and the direction isn't clear.
While it’s still the case that the Type 076 appears to be primarily intended to operate rotary-winged aircraft, like a more traditional amphibious assault ship, all signs currently point to drones being a major part of its air wing, too. Once again, the twin-island configuration should help make the integration of both crewed and uncrewed aircraft simpler.
Is this a copy of our America-class ships that are amphibious warfare ships with a secondary light carrier capability?
The USS America has been commissioned as a new type of amphibious warfare ship that focuses on air operations rather than launching small vessels to carry Marines to shore. While the ship can work as a poor-man's aircraft carrier, it is not a carrier.
Where would the Type 076 fight? Would it carry troops to invade Taiwan as a primary or secondary mission?
Why bother when this Chinese VTOL can reach Taiwan:
A Chinese aviation firm has built the first prototype of a large tilt-rotor drone that can carry a 2-ton load, according to a local report in Anhui province. ...
The Lanying R6000, or the Lanthanum Shadow, is designed with a maximum take-off weight of about 13,000 pounds and a maximum load of up to 4,400 pounds, the report says.
Alternatively, it can take up to 10 passengers at a time, Wuhu News reported.
United Aircraft intends for the drone to fly at up to 340 miles an hour, with a maximum range of 2,400 miles and a cruising altitude of up to 25,000 feet.
China doesn't really need sea-based air power to invade Taiwan, does it?
Is China's Type 076 intended to be a light carrier first?
Maybe China's new Type 076 ship is for operations in the South China Sea. Troops and air power for taking small bits of land would work to make China's claims there concrete.
Is it intended to be a multi-purpose peacetime power projection asset capable of deploying troops ashore and supporting them with air power far from China's shores to protect China's extensive trade routes?
Heck, is it even a navy ship? Does the speed of construction indicate shoddy military construction or lower standards for a civilian ship?
Or are China's shipbuilders on a deadline (2027?) set by Xi Jinping to be literally ready for war?
Face it, assuming we know how China will use sea power is dangerous.
NOTE: TDR Winter War of 2022 coverage continues here.
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