Type 072-II (Yuting Class) Large Landing Ship

In 1983, The China National Shipbuilding Co. (CNSC) and the PLA Navy’s Equipment Department signed contract to develop and build an improved variant of the Type 072 (Yukan class) large landing ship, designated Type 072-II (NATO reporting name: Yuting class). The design concept was approved by the PLA in the same year. The first-of-class hull 991 was launched at the Zhonghua Shipyard (now Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard) in 1992 and the ship was commissioned in 1993. A total of five hulls (991, 934~937) were built between 1992 and 1997. Due to the worsening situation in the Taiwan Strait, an additional five hulls (938~940, 909~910) were built between 1999 and 2002.

The Type 072-II Yuting class is generally similar to the Type 072 Yukan class, featuring a destroyer-style bow for high-speed cruise. Troops and vehicles can be loaded/unloaded via the bow ramp. The stern gate can be flooded to allow fast unloading of amphibious vehicles and air cushioned landing crafts directly into the water. The enlarged vehicle deck provides a large floor area of 810 square metres. A helicopter flight deck is added to the ship stern, capable of supporting a Z-8/SA 321-sized medium helicopter.

Weapons

The first batch of the Type 072-II were armed with two manually-operated Type 76 dual-37mm/63-calibre AAA guns (rate 400rds/min, range 9.4km) in front of the bridge, and a manually-operated Type 66 dual-57mm/70-calibre AAA gun (rate: 120rds/min; range 12km) on the front-end of the bow deck. On later batch these were replaced by three Type 76F dual-37mm AAA guns (manual or automatic, rate 180rds/min; range 8.5km). Additional air defence is provided using man-portable air defence missile systems (MANPADS).

Some hulls were temporarily installed with two Type 81H 40-tube 122mm multiple rocket launcher (MRL), which was derived from the Type 81 MRL deployed by the PLA ground forces. The weapon can be used to provide firepower for the suppress of enemy shore defence.

Systems

The ship is fitted with a surface search radar and a Type 756 navigation radar. Some hulls are also fitted with JPT-4G fire-control radar for the targeting of the Type 76F dual-37 mm AAA.

Aviation

The vessel is fitted with a stern helicopter deck, capable of supporting a medium-size helicopter such as Z-8/Sa 321 Super Frelon. This allows the Type 072-II to launch vertical landing by ferrying marines using helicopters to behind the enemy line. No helicopter hanger is provided.

Propulsion

The ship's propulsion is provided by two 12PA6V-280MPC diesels rated at 9,600hp. There are two shafts driving two fixed-pitch propellers, giving a max speed of 17~18 knots.

Shiplist

Specifications

Displacement: (full load) 4,800t
Dimensions: length: 119.5m; beam: 16.4m; draft: 2.8m
Speed: Max 17~18 knots, economical 14 knots
Range: 3,000nm @14 knots
Crew: 130
Loading capacity: 250 troops; or 10 tanks; or 500t cargo

Last update: 21 June 2008