China’s Catapult-Equipped Sichuan Emerges: The First Amphibious Ship Built to Launch Stealth Drones
With its deck markings painted and systems being installed at Shanghai’s Hudong-Zhonghua yard, the Type 076 “Sichuan” is no ordinary landing ship. Thanks to an electromagnetic catapult, this 50,000-ton giant can launch not just helicopters but fixed-wing unmanned combat aircraft — making it the first vessel to erase the line between an amphibious assault ship and a light aircraft carrier.
At a Glance
- What: Type 076 amphibious assault ship; lead ship PLANS Sichuan (hull 51)
- Where: Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard, Shanghai — approaching harbor acceptance trials as of July 2026
- Who: People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN)
- Headline feature: 50,000-60,000 tons full load; electromagnetic catapult (EMALS) with arresting gear
- Air wing: 30-40 aircraft, led by the GJ-11 “Sharp Sword” flying-wing stealth drone
Why a catapult-equipped landing ship matters
Until now the world’s amphibious assault ships — including the U.S. America and Wasp classes — launched their aircraft either through vertical takeoff (like the F-35B) or from a helicopter deck. Catapults were the exclusive privilege of full-size carriers. The Type 076 breaks that divide: an integrated electromagnetic catapult (EMALS) and arresting gear allow heavy, fuel-laden fixed-wing drones to be launched from, and recovered aboard, an amphibious ship.
The implication is significant. While putting troops ashore, Sichuan can simultaneously launch its own fleet of reconnaissance, electronic-warfare and strike drones. It is at once a floating landing base and a light drone carrier. Across the disputed waters and island chains of the Pacific, that flexibility hands Beijing meaningful reach and deterrence.
Sichuan versus America and Wasp, by the numbers
At 50,000 to 60,000 tons full load, Sichuan is larger than the 45,000-ton America and the 41,000-ton Wasp. The America class fields a potent air wing of F-35B fighters and MV-22B Ospreys, yet has no catapult. The Type 076 plays a different game, launching stealth drones by catapult. The ship also carries 900-1,200 marines, ZTD-05 and ZBD-05 amphibious armor, and Type 726 air-cushioned landing craft (LCACs).
| Feature | Type 076 Sichuan | America (LHA) | Wasp (LHD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-load displacement | 50,000-60,000 t | ~45,000 t | ~41,000 t |
| Catapult | Yes (EMALS) | No | No |
| Primary air wing | GJ-11 stealth UAV, Z-20/Z-8/Z-18 | F-35B, MV-22B | AV-8B/F-35B, helos |
| Aircraft capacity | ~30-40 | ~20+ | ~30+ |
| Marines | 900-1,200 | ~1,700 | ~1,700 |
The GJ-11 “Sharp Sword” takes center stage
What truly sets Sichuan apart is the air wing it will carry. The GJ-11 “Sharp Sword,” a flying-wing stealth combat drone, will handle reconnaissance and strike with a low radar signature. It will be joined by Z-20 utility, Z-8 heavy-lift and Z-18 anti-submarine/early-warning helicopters. China is also developing carrier-capable reconnaissance, electronic-warfare, early-warning and communications-relay drones. In short, Sichuan is conceived as a seagoing base for unmanned air operations.
Sources
- Army Recognition — “China’s Type 076 Amphibious Ship Challenges U.S. Navy America-class and Wasp-class with Aircraft Catapult” (2026)
- Wikipedia — Type 076 amphibious assault ship
- PLA Navy open-source satellite imagery
