Type 271-II/III Utility Landing Craft

The Type 271 utility landing craft was originally introduced by 708 Institute in 1967 in response to the PLA Navy’s demand for a 100-tonne class cargo craft. The craft was intended mainly for the transport of fuel and water supplies to remote coastal islands without docking facilities. Its secondary mission included the transport of personnel and vehicles in support amphibious assault operations. The first boat was completed in 1970 at Qingdao Shipyard, with a total of 25 units delivered in the 1970s.

In the late 1970s the PLA Navy introduced the improved Type 271-II which adopted a more powerful 1,000hp diesel engine and a hydraulically operated bow door. The first ship was completed by Changsha Shipyard in 1975. A further improved variant Type 271-IID was introduced 1979. Most early variants of the Type 271 landing craft family have already been retired from active service.

In 1987 Changsha Shipyard began to construct the second-generation Type 271-III landing craft with an increased 150-tonne loading capacity. The full displacement of the craft was also increased to 600 tonnes. The building programme continued in the 1990s to replace the older variants of the Type 271 landing craft.

Last update: 20 June 2008