076 amphibious assault ship's second drone has made its debut, completely rewriting the balance of power in the Western Pacific.
Recently, the second type of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on the 076 amphibious assault ship appeared. This is not the previously known attack-11 or a derivative model of the Rainbow series, but an unmanned wingman with the designation 53431, which had only briefly appeared before. Its official appearance not only confirms the authenticity of the previous parade display content, but also marks a structural leap in China's naval aviation combat system.
The 076, as China's new generation of amphibious assault ships, emphasizes "aviation priority" from the design stage - unlike the 075, which focuses on landing ships and armored vehicle delivery, the 076 is equipped with electromagnetic catapults and arresting devices, essentially a light aircraft carrier.
This platform transformation means it requires a complete set of new shipboard aviation equipment, especially UAV systems capable of performing air superiority, reconnaissance, strike, and even electronic warfare missions.
The 53431 UAV that made its debut this time has a compact shape, blended wing-body, and some stealth characteristics. It features a V-shaped tail layout, and its overall aerodynamic configuration is highly similar to the US Air Force's planned CCA (Collaborative Combat Aircraft) Increment 2 program - while the US side has not yet completed the bidding for this model.
In the past, China's ship-based UAVs mainly focused on reconnaissance or ground attack, lacking true air superiority capabilities. The fact that the 53431 is a "air superiority UAV" suggests it may be equipped with active phased array radar, air-to-air missile mounting points, and even the ability to operate in coordination with manned aircraft.
Once deployed on the 076, it can form a "manned-unmanned collaborative" air combat force with the J-15D, future carrier-based sixth-generation aircraft, or early warning UAVs, greatly expanding the fleet's air defense perimeter and situational awareness depth.
At that time, the 076 will no longer just be an amphibious transport platform, but a "quasi-carrier" with regional air superiority potential.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1852626515361987/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.