Recently, the first ship of China's Type 076 amphibious assault ship, "Sichuan Ship," went on sea trials. People were already paying attention to its construction speed. After all, it was built at an astonishing pace. However, the deck details exposed during the dock test directly caused a stir in the military fan circle!

Guess what? The aircraft parking lines and scheduling marks on the deck are different from those seen on our previous aircraft carriers and Type 075 amphibious ships. These few lines and several frames directly revealed the "real identity" of the 076—it is not a traditional amphibious assault ship, but rather a unique "hybrid warship" worldwide, capable of both amphibious landings and serving as a drone carrier!

First, let's look at the mystery: What are these "strange marks" on the deck?

Previously, people only guessed that the 076 was special, as it had been rumored for years that it would be equipped with electromagnetic catapults. But there was no solid evidence until now, when the deck details were exposed, finally revealing the secret.

From the clear photos online, we can see that the deck of the 076 has many aircraft outlines and towing routes. More importantly, some areas have particularly "customized" dimensions and shapes. They are not for helicopters or regular fighter jets, but rather match up with the stealth drones such as the Attack-21 that we have publicly seen!

This isn't just random drawing. Every line and mark on a warship's deck has significance. What kind of aircraft to park, how to drag, and how to schedule are all guided by these markings. The fact that specific parking spaces are drawn for large stealth drones indicates that the 076 has planned drones as a core combat force from the design stage.

Next, let's break down the situation: Why is this marking considered "revolutionary"?

To understand how groundbreaking this is, we need to first explain what traditional amphibious ships are like. Our previous Type 075, as well as foreign ones like the U.S. "Wasp-class," mainly rely on helicopters to transport troops and provide air support, with only a few vertical takeoff and landing fighters, and their combat capabilities have clear limitations.

But the 076 is different. It combines the concepts of a "drone carrier" and an "amphibious assault ship." Achieving all of this hinges not only on the deck markings but also on a more advanced feature. Visible on the deck are clear electromagnetic catapult tracks!

This is a powerful weapon! Traditional amphibious ships cannot allow fixed-wing aircraft to take off fully loaded because they lack catapult systems. Aircraft can only take off short distances, carrying limited fuel and weapons, making them unable to travel far or strike effectively. However, with the electromagnetic catapult, the situation is reversed: large drones can be fully loaded with missiles and fuel, and then launched with a "whoosh" via catapult, doubling their operational range and flight time.

Even more formidable is the speed of the electromagnetic catapult, allowing drones to be launched in batches for "swarm attacks." Dozens of drones flying in a black mass can overwhelm enemy air defense systems. This level of combat power is a complete game-changer compared to traditional amphibious ships.

Simple interpretation: What can this ship do in warfare? What's its use for us?

Some people might think these technologies are too abstract. Let's directly say what the 076 can do once it goes to sea, and you'll understand its strengths.

First, "cleaning up" before landing operations. In future landing missions, the 076 doesn't need to get too close. From a safe area out of the enemy's missile range, it can send out stealth drones. These drones can quietly fly over the enemy's beachhead positions, command centers, and air defense missile positions, conducting precise strikes to disable the enemy's defenses, and then sending in landing forces, significantly reducing casualties.

Second, low cost and high effectiveness. Drones are much cheaper than manned aircraft. Even if they are shot down, it's not a big deal. However, they can perform many tasks, including reconnaissance, bombing, and jamming. High-risk missions are all assigned to them, reducing pilot casualties and achieving "saturation attacks," maximizing cost-effectiveness.

Third, full battlefield transparency. The drones on the 076 combined with early warning helicopters can form a comprehensive surveillance network, allowing us to clearly see enemy ships, tanks, and troop movements. On the other hand, the enemy may not even know where the drones are, equivalent to us fighting with a magnifying glass against them, making our advantages obvious.

In conclusion, the recent sea trial of the 076 is not just about adding another ship. It represents a new approach taken by our navy. Western countries are still trying to figure out the old path of "amphibious ships + vertical takeoff and landing fighters," while we have skipped ahead, creating a combination of "electromagnetic catapult + drones."

Once the 076 is mass-produced and put into service, our navy will have another powerful tool for going deep into the blue. Whether it's maintaining maritime rights and interests or dealing with various emergencies, our backbone will be stronger. This move deserves a thumbs-up for our military industry!

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7572910701270942214/

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