Chinese Experimental Aviation Platform And Combat USV Emerge In Detailed New Imagery

New imagery shared on social media has provided significant new details on characteristics of two new naval vessels at Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) at Longxue Island, Guangzhou. The Chinese designs are distinct concepts notionally serving as an experimental carrier for VTOL-drones or helicopters, and as an uncrewed or optionally crewed surface vessel (USV). Defense analyst and former submariner Tom Shugart first shared relevant satellite imagery of both vessels on “X” (formerly Twitter) in late October.

CSSC Experimental Aviation Platform

The first of the two new designs is what previous reporting referred to as light aircraft carrier or amphibious carrier. Several key characteristics are unconfirmed pending better imagery. However, based on the new photos, the design appears to be an experimental platform serving research and development and testing of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.

Notably, the design appears to remain operational under the control of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), not the Chinese Navy. This notion is supported by the CSSC-logo prominently appearing on the deck superstructure housing the exhaust funnel and vents for what is likely a diesel propulsion plant towards the stern of the flight deck.

The new vessel features a three part-island superstructure. The arrangement includes a navigation bridge forward, a second larger island containing the aviation control tower and primary sensor mast, and the aforementioned third structure housing propulsion. The layout of the flight control tower overall matches the design of similar features on existing PLAN amphibious assault carriers like the Type 075.

Carrier Design To Support VTOL-Drones Or Helicopters

The flight deck features markings for VTOL-operation. While the general assumption is that the ship primarily serves as a UAV-platform, size and layout reasonably also support crewed helicopter operations. Imagery so far does not clarify whether the ship features a hangar or well-dock. If no dock is present, the sizeable hull could accommodate a mission bay with stern launch facilities for surface drones or small boats.

Overall measurements of the ship shared via social media result in a length of approximately 200 metres. The beam measures slightly under 40 metres. Draft remains undetermined. Freeboard is notably lower than on established carriers including other Chinese designs like Type 075 or the new Type 076 currently under construction in Shanghai. Low freeboard has implications for seakeeping and may imply operations in primarily littoral waters. Nevertheless the new images confirm a rather substantial hull. Displacement may range anywhere between 12,000 and 18,000 tons depending on its overall load capacity.

Chinese Experimental Combat USV

The second vessel which appeared at GSI, Longxue Island first in satellite imagery shared on “X” (previously Twitter) is an uncrewed or optionally crewed combat vessel. CSSC in expo displays has labelled the design first as “300 ton multi-purpose unmanned combat surface vehicle”. In subsequent displays the company re-designated the drone as the “Jari-USV-A Multipurpose USV”. Huangpu Shipyard, also owned by CSSC and based in Guangzhou, similar to GSI, appears to be the builder.

The new imagery confirms a substantial vessel in trimaran configuration. The ship is armed with at least four vertical launch cells, equipped with multiple sensor panels likely for an electronically scanned array and additional sensors, and a sizeable aviation pad at the rear supporting a VTOL UAV. An organic UAV capability could support the USV particularly in over the horizon (OTH) -targeting for maritime and land attack-roles.

If previously shown models of a slightly different configuration are indicative, the design may contain further weapons in recessed bays, including an autocannon on the bow, and torpedo launchers at the sides. Forward of the four missile cells is a notable square area which may incorporate further missile cells.

Larger, More Capable Drone Following Jari USV

Propulsion is likely a pair of waterjets. The previously known “Jari”-USV also produced by CSSC back in 2019 uses a similar configuration. The USV measures approximately 60 metres in length, with a beam of 23.5 metres. Based on the original description of the effort by CSSC displacement is at least 300 tons, but likely higher. These specifications compare with a length of 15 metres and displacement of about 20 tons for the Jari catamaran USV. Jari in contrast to the newer effort includes provisions for dual torpedo tubes and a smaller vertical missile launch space on the forward superstructure. Sensors include a less elaborate electronically scanned array radar. A small calibre autocannon or heavy machine gun sits in a remote-controlled mount on the bow.

The Jari USV has undergone testing with the builder since its appearance. So far PLAN does not appear to have shown interest in adapting the design for wider use. CSSC has promoted both designs at various defence trade shows. The move may suggest the company pitches the designs at international customers as well.

For now both the new Chinese carrier design and the USV will likely serve experimental and demonstration purposes by builder CSSC. Plausibly such use will primarily advertise the builder’s know-how to the Chinese Navy, certainly for the aviation platform. Whether the USV, similarly to Jari, will attract interest by PLAN or notional export customers remains to be seen.

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