The Type 068 (NATO reporting name: Yuqing class) is the upgraded variant of the Type 067 utility landing craft, but with smaller size and capacity. The first ship was completed in December 1967, and a total of over 300 examples have been built since then. Main building contractors of the ship include Zhonghua Shipyard (now Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard) of Shanghai, Dahe Shipyard of Hangzhou, and Guangzhou Shipyard of Guangzhou. The second-generation variant (Type 069?) upgraded with new navigation radar was introduced in 1997.
The Type 068 Yuqing class utility landing craft has a conventional layout with a flat bow door. The craft is capable of carrying 1 tank, or 2 light vehicles, or 36t cargo.
Weapon systems include two dual-14.5mm antiaircraft machine guns, or two Type 61 dual-25mm antiaircraft artillery guns. Some units were fitted with the Type 68 19-tube 130mm multiple rocket launcher.
The landing craft is driven by two 12V150C diesels rated at 600hp, giving a max speed of 11.5 knots.
Type 068 utility landing crafts in exercise (Chinese Internet)
