CNS Hainan (31)

History of CNS Hainan (31)

The Chinese navy is enhancing its capabilities with the introduction of advanced submarines, destroyers, and aircraft carriers. They're also constructing Landing Helicopter Docks (LHDs), similar to those used by the US Navy. One such LHD, the CNS Hainan, became operational in April 2021, bolstering the South China Sea Fleet. It accommodates around thirty helicopters, features a spacious hangar, and possesses defensive systems to counter airborne threats.

This LHD, designed since 2011, serves a pivotal role in China's maritime strategy, particularly in relation to Taiwan. With a capacity for up to six simultaneous helicopter takeoffs or landings, the vessel is essential for amphibious assaults. It boasts a well deck for launching and retrieving amphibious vehicles, further enhancing its operational versatility.

China's plan includes the deployment of three LHDs, potentially facilitating the mobilization of 90 helicopters, as well as supporting craft. This significant force projection underscores China's naval ambitions, albeit the actual combat performance of these vessels remains untested.

Specification

BASIC

Service Years: 2021

Origins: China

Status: In service

Supplement: 200

Class: Type 075

Class Size: 3

Roles

Amphibious Assault

Shallow draft and other characteristics enable the ship to support nearshore amphibious assault operations.

Distinctive Features

Air Defense

Airborne systems warn and protect ships from airborne and low-altitude ballistic and/or missile threats.

On the horizon

The ship is granted over-the-horizon combat capability, usually provided by a 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.

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS

Length: 820.2 ft (250 m)

Beam: 98.4 ft (29.99 m)

Draught: 27. 1 ft (8. 26 m)

Displacement: 40,000 tons

POWER & PERFORMANCE

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)

ARMAMENT

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

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