China's first Type 076 new-generation amphibious assault ship has incorporated innovative technologies and superstructure, making it better equipped for far-seas and air-borne operations, according to a military expert.
The ship, named Sichuan after southwest China's Sichuan Province, was put into the water at a launch and naming ceremony in Shanghai on Friday.
The Sichuan features advanced electromagnetic catapult and arrestor technologies, enabling it to carry fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and amphibious equipment.
It also has a full-load displacement of over 40,000 tons and boasts a dual-island superstructure along with a full-length flight deck.
With its innovative technologies and design, the ship is expected to significantly enhance the combat capabilities of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy in distant waters and aerial engagements, according to Du Wenlong, the expert.
"The Sichuan is the first to use the electromagnetic catapult technology, allowing for the vertical take-off and landing of fighters and drones, which require controllable thrust for launch. Should drones, including reconnaissance drones, be launched from the ship using the electromagnetic catapult technology, this amphibious assault ship will become the world's first unmanned aircraft carrier. This advancement would significantly enhance its strike range and effectiveness. As such, the ship is the only one worldwide able to make drones the core and main part of its carrier-based aviation. Therefore, from the perspective of comprehensive capabilities, the ship shows a significant improvement compared to traditional amphibious assault ships," Du said.
"The dual shipboard island structure makes it possible to divide the work of command. The shipboard island that supervises aviation can effectively coordinate drones, helicopters and fighter planes of allied vessels, thus avoiding chaos in the air. If each shipboard island operates independently and performs its own duties, it will significantly improve aviation and navigation capabilities. Especially in complex scenarios, each shipboard island will be able to address its own challenges by working independently, thus avoiding various adverse situations and elevating the overall combat capabilities at sea and in the air," he said.
China's next-gen amphibious assault ship better equipped for far-seas, air-borne operations: expert
China's next-gen amphibious assault ship better equipped for far-seas, air-borne operations: expert
Governments at all levels across China are promoting consumer goods trade-ins and industrial equipment upgrade with preferential policies and subsidies, bringing about significant growth in home appliance sales and equipment production. So far this year, the trade-in policies have brought a total sale of one trillion yuan (about 137 billion U.S. dollars) nationwide, and boosted production of trade-in-related goods like new energy vehicles (NEVs) and home-use freezers.
In Shanghai, in addition to the eight categories of nationwide subsidized products, like refrigerators, television sets, and computers, the local government introduced extra subsidies for additional home appliances, as well as interior materials, furniture, elderly-friendly products, and more to meet local needs.
According to statistics, Shanghai's trade-ins of home appliances have exceeded 6.4 million times, boosting trade of the eight categories by 30 to 40 percent compared to last year's statistics, and the total sales of home appliances on all platforms exceeded 10 billion yuan (about 1.37 billion U.S. dollars).
In central China's Hubei Province, the local government is providing subsidies unlimited times for passenger vehicles trade-ins, expanding subsidized kitchen and bathroom appliances, and involving interior goods and materials to the list, benefiting consumers in over 4.5 million transactions and bringing a total sale of 50 billion yuan (about 6.8 billion U.S. dollars).
In the first three quarters, industrial equipment upgrade policies have stimulated investments in equipment and tools, featuring a 16.4 percent year-on-year increase, with food manufacturing, agricultural products processing, and metal smelting equipment production increasing by 38.1 percent, 34.6 percent, and 13.2 percent, respectively.
In addition to consumer goods, governments at all levels have been actively offering allowances and providing guidance for companies to upgrade appliances and technologies to facilitate domestic consumption "We have applied for nearly 50 million yuan (about 6.8 million U.S. dollars) funding for equipment upgrades. With active advertising and mobilization, we encouraged local advantageous companies in machinery and medicine and health to apply, and provide guidance for them on company digitalization and technology upgrade," said Yu Biao, deputy director of the Development and Reform Bureau of Xinchang County in Shaoxing City of east China's Zhejiang Province.
Companies are also benefiting from the policy, and many are pursuing expansion with government allowances.
"We have benefited from the 'one-time pre-tax deduction policy for equipment and tools under 5 million yuan (about 680,000 U.S. dollars)' and reinvested additional funds for the Phase II expansion. As a result, the annual processing capacity has increased from 80,000 tonnes to 130,000 tonnes," said Tang Kaibo, general manager of Liaoning Lvyuan Renewable Energy Development Co., Ltd.
Local governments promote trade-ins, equipment upgrade with policies, subsidies
