Recently, the Naval War College of the United States released an analysis report on China's new landing support ships, unveiling some aspects of this mysterious equipment. These multi-functional landing platforms (LPU), named "Shuiqiao", are considered a significant innovation in the amphibious warfare domain of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy. Their design and technical details have attracted widespread attention from outside. According to the report, three "Shuiqiao" series landing barges have been built in China and are undergoing trials near Zhanjiang. Meanwhile, another three ships of the same model are under construction. Based on the functions, paint jobs, and the absence of an Automatic Identification System (AIS), these barges are likely auxiliary ships for the PLA Navy rather than civilian vessels. The research institute divides them into "Shuiqiao-110 type", "Shuiqiao-135 type", and "Shuiqiao-185 type" based on hull length and bridge length, corresponding to different operational requirements and usage scenarios. The "Shuiqiao" series did not appear out of nowhere. As early as 2021, China revealed a landing platform with a highly similar design, which was considered the prototype of the "Shuiqiao" family and temporarily named "Type 2021". Analysis suggests that China Emergency Warning and Rescue Equipment Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (referred to as "China Hazen"), may have played a key role in this project. The company integrated advanced technologies from the offshore oil and gas industry into the design concept of the landing barge, giving it unique adaptability and multifunctionality. From a technical perspective, the shallow draft depth of the "Shuiqiao" series demonstrates its characteristics for coastal operations. For instance, the draft of the "Shuiqiao-110 type" may be only 2 meters or less, allowing it to operate closer to the shore. Related patents also reveal that this model can raise its bow by filling the stern ballast water tank to perform grounding operations in shallower waters. The drafts of the "Shuiqiao-135 type" and "Shuiqiao-185 type" are slightly deeper at around 4 meters, suitable for operation in more complex sea conditions. This flexible design indicates that the "Shuiqiao" series is designed to meet diverse landing environments. More impressively, the combat capabilities of the "Shuiqiao" platform are remarkable. The analysis assumes that, under sufficient water depth and calm sea conditions, both the "Shuiqiao-135 type" and "Shuiqiao-185 type" can simultaneously dock multiple vessels. Taking the "Shuiqiao-185 type" as an example, each side can dock two ships, and additional ships can be docked through a foldable ramp at the rear, supporting a total of five ships operating simultaneously. The docking targets include not only civilian roll-on/roll-off ships but also military vessels such as Type 072 tank landing ships. This design supports the transfer of everything from small vehicles to main battle tanks, and may even apply to other super-large military equipment. Additionally, the report speculates that LPU might install pipelines under the bridge for unloading and transferring supplies, although no relevant evidence has been found yet. The analysis by the U.S. Naval War Institute believes that the emergence of the "Shuiqiao" series reveals a new breakthrough in the amphibious warfare capabilities of the Chinese Navy. Its multifunctionality and modularity not only enhance the efficiency of troop deployment but also provide greater flexibility in landing operations. Especially its shallow draft and multi-ship docking capabilities may change the traditional mode of landing operations, making it harder for opponents to predict and defend against. The report concludes that behind this "secret weapon" lies China's continuous deep cultivation in the field of military-civil fusion technology, which deserves high attention from the international community. Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7489430253782221350/ Disclaimer: The article represents the views of the author alone. You can express your attitude by clicking the "like/dislike" buttons below.