The Type 726 LCAC (with NATO reporting name Yuyi class) is a class of air-cushioned landing craft used by the People's Liberation Army Navy. Six Yuyi-class LCACs are believed to be in service with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), with the first one (3320) being seen at the end of 2007. It is thought that the vessels were delivered in two batches, with the first three LCACs reportedly powered by Ukrainian UGT 6000 engines, while the other subsequent production models are believed to use indigenous QC-70 gas turbines. Up to four Yuyi-class LCACs can be carried in the well deck of the Yuzhao-class landing platform dock (LPD) and Yushen-class landing helicopter dock (LHD).

Type 726 LCAC
Class overview
BuildersJiangnan Shipyard
OperatorsPLA Navy Surface Force
Preceded byType 724 LCAC
In commission2010–present
Building5[1]
Active16[1]
General characteristics
TypeAir-cushioned landing craft
Displacement
  • 150 tons (normal)
  • 160 tons (full load)
Length33 metres
Beam16.8 metres
Propulsion2 gas turbine engines
Speed80 knots[2]
Range320 km[2]
Complement
  • 5 crew
  • 60 - 70 troops
  • 1 Type 96 main battle tank or 2 ZBD-05 infantry fighting vehicles
Armament

The Type 726 LCAC is greater in size than the US LCACs in service, but smaller than the Zubr-class LCAC and can carry only one main battle tank (e.g., Type 96) or four armored vehicles.

The early variant, the Type 726, have encountered a number of technical problems that temporarily halted production of the class. This forced the four Type 071 LPDs to limit their projection capabilities to landing craft, amphibious IFVs and helicopters exclusively (not main battle tanks). However, recent commercial satellite imagery of China’s Jiangnan Shipyard near Shanghai shows that the country is producing additional Yuyi-class LCACs. Eight Type 726As that appeared to be nearly completed could be seen at the yard on 14 October 2020.

Eight Type 726s were seen at a Chinese at Damiao Naval Base on Nansan Island on 26 September 2020.

Ships of the class

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Pennant Number Builder Launched Commissioned Fleet Status
Type 726
3320 Jiangnan Shipyard 2011 South Sea Fleet Active
3321 Jiangnan Shipyard 2013 South Sea Fleet Active
3322 Jiangnan Shipyard 2013 South Sea Fleet Active
Type 726A
3330 Jiangnan Shipyard 2016 South Sea Fleet Active
3331 Jiangnan Shipyard 2016 South Sea Fleet Active
3332 Jiangnan Shipyard 2016 South Sea Fleet Active
3236 Jiangnan Shipyard 10 January 2018[3] East Sea Fleet Active
3237 Jiangnan Shipyard 10 January 2018[3] East Sea Fleet Active
3238 Jiangnan Shipyard 10 January 2018[3] East Sea Fleet Active
3239 Jiangnan Shipyard 10 January 2018[3] East Sea Fleet Active
3333 Jiangnan Shipyard 2019 South Sea Fleet Active[4]
3334 Jiangnan Shipyard 2019 South Sea Fleet Active
3335 Jiangnan Shipyard 2019 South Sea Fleet Active[4]
3336 Jiangnan Shipyard 2019 South Sea Fleet Active[4]
3337 Jiangnan Shipyard 2019 South Sea Fleet Active[4]

Operators

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  China

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "China building more Yuyi-class LCACs". Jane's 360.
  2. ^ a b "China Started Serial Production of New Type 726A LCAC for PLAN". Navy Recognition. 5 February 2017.
  3. ^ a b c d "中国野马登陆艇四艘同时交付 我军两栖作战信心十足". Sina.
  4. ^ a b c d "终于不是蓝精灵!野马气垫艇与直升机立体协同登陆". Sina.