PLAN Proposed LHD
by Chris King

1/700 PLAN Proposed LHD Amphibious Assault Ship (Scratchbuilt)

The PLA Navy is planning to build new 15,000 to 20,000t LHD class amphibious ships that use new hovercraft tank and troop conveyers and large transport helicopters, allowing assaults from greater distance and against more difficult shore terrain. My model is based on the LHD design by China National Shipbuilding Co., and as with many new Chinese warships it appears to exhibit stealthy design to reduce radar signature. The ship features a large stern helicopter flight deck, and dock to accommodate four large air cushion landing craft. The ship is also equipped with strong air defence (HQ-7 SAM) and anti-surface weapons (100mm gun) for landing operations near enemy coasts. Once commissioned the ship will significantly improve the PLA Navy’s sealift and power projection capabilities. The LCAC was scratchbuilt, and is smaller than the US Navy LCAC. The Mi-8 helicopter is from Pitroad, and the Z-9 (Chinese copy of the French Dauphine) came from White Ensign Models.