China’s Type 076 Supersized Amphibious Assault Ship Heads To Sea On Its Maiden Voyage

“Simply having more naval aviation capacity overall would give the PLAN added flexibility for various operations closer to the mainland, including a potential military intervention against Taiwan  - Joseph Trevithick

China’s first super-sized Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan, has left port for its first sea trials. 

• The Type 076 is unlike any other big deck amphibious warship design globally, featuring an electromagnetically-powered catapult to support an air wing expected to include naval versions of the GJ-11 stealthy flying-wing uncrewed combat air vehicle (UCAV)
• Overall, Sichuan represents a particularly notable development for the PLAN...
• Type 076s could also help project naval and air power further from China’s shores, something that has also been a driving factor behind the country’s broader carrier ambitions.”..