Type 073-III (Yudeng Class) Medium Landing Ship

The Type 073-III (NATO codename: Yudeng class) is the medium landing ship designed by Shanghai-based 708 Institute and built by Zhonghua Shipyard (now Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard) in Shanghai. At least 11 hulls have been delivered to the PLA Navy since 1991.

Following the unsuccessful Type 073 and Type 073-II (NATO codename: Yudao class) medium landing ship programmes in the 1960s/70s, the PLA Navy required a new medium landing ship with improved performance in 1982. Shanghai-based 708 Institute submitted three design proposals (A, B, and C) in 1986, followed by an additional three designs (D, E, and F) in 1987. The PLA Navy finally chose the design E, which features an enlarged tank dock and improved living conditions for the crew and marines.

The first-of-class 990 entered the PLA Navy service in 1991, but the batch production did not start until 2001~02. The formal production variant features improved weapon systems and a slightly modified hull design. So far at least 10 hulls have been identified (941~950).

The Type 073-III Yudeng class medium landing ships is generally a scaled-down version of the Type 072 (Yukan class) large landing ship with similar bow/stern ramp and bridge structures. The tank deck provide a large floor area of 444 square metres for the transportation of material and can be accessed via both bow ramp and stern ramp. The ship is capable of carrying 180 troops; or 6 tanks, or 8 light amphibious tanks, or 9 armoured personnel carriers (APC), or 12 vehicles, or 250t cargo beaching.

Weapons

The ship is armed with one Type 76F 37mm/63-calibre AAA guns (manual or automatic, rate 180 rds/min; range 8.5km). Some units are also fitted with two Type 81H 40-tube 122mm multiple rocket launcher (MRL), which was modified from the Type 81 MRL in service with Army. The weapon can be used to provide firepower for the suppress of enemy shore defence. For mine warfare mission, the ship can carry 80 sea mines.

Propulsion

The ship's propulsion is provided by two 6PA6L-280 diesels rated at 4,800hp. There are two shafts driving two fixed-pitch propellers, giving a max speed of 16~17 knots.

Shiplist

Specifications

Displacement: (Standard) 1,460t; (full load) 2,000t
Dimensions: length 87.0m; beam: 12.6m; draft 2.25m
Speed: max 17 knots; economical 14 knots
Range: 1,500nm @14 kt
Crew: 74
Tank size: (length X width X height) 80m X 8m X 3.4m
Capacity: 179 troops; or 6 tanks, or 8 light tanks, or 9 armoured vehicles, or 12 vehicles; or 250 tons cargo

Last update: 21 June 2008