China’s 40,000-ton ‘drone carrier’ begins final trials as GJ-21 stealth aircraft reappears

According to Chinese media, China’s new GJ-21 stealth drone has been spotted in the wild once again. This time, however, the spotting has occurred at the same time that China’s new Type 076 amphibious assault ship entered its final sea trials. Called the Sichuan, this new ship, in terms of size, sits roughly in between a traditional amphibious assault ship and a small aircraft carrier. According to known details, the ship displaces around 40,000 tonnes. It is likely that the Type 076 will be used to carry troops, landing craft, armored vehicles and helicopters for an amphibious invasion. However, what makes Sichuan different is its alleged use of an electromagnetic aircraft-launch system. Normal amphibious assault ships generally operate helicopters and vertical/short-takeoff aircraft such as the F-35B. Sichuan, on the other hand, has a catapult embedded in the flight deck, similar in concept to the EMALS system on the US Navy’s Ford-class carriers. That means it could potentially launch conventional fixed-wing aircraft that cannot take off vertically, like drones. If true, it might be more accurate to call the ship a “drone carrier.” New toys for the PLAN As the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reports, China appears to be designing it around large unmanned combat aircraft such as the GJ-21, rather than simply filling the deck with small quadcopters or reconnaissance drones. For reference, this is the naval variant of China’s GJ-11 stealth attack drone. It was first unveiled during China’s Victory Day parade in September last year. As for the drone, new sightings saw it fly over a highway service in the northeastern Chinese city of Huludao in Liaoning province. Another sighting on August 19 showed the drone flying over the same service center, SCMP reports. A third video, released Thursday (August 27), showed the drone in the same location as the first, except at a different angle. According to the SCMP, satellite imagery was also released the same day showing the Sichuan alongside two Type 052 destroyers and three Type 054 frigates. All six ships appear to have been located off Qingdao naval base, the headquarters of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Northern Theatre Command navy. This image also appears to show China’s first-ever aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, moored nearby. What this all means is up for interpretation, but it could mean the PLA is starting to test how it operates as part of a naval task group. Though this is just speculation at this point. Would it carry the GJ-21 drone? The presence of Liaoning makes things more intriguing. In principle, China could eventually operate groups where a conventional carrier provides fighters while ships like Sichuan provide drones, helicopters, troops, and landing craft. But, again, we cannot be sure. That said, if true, such a ship would prove very useful for amphibious assaults, especially for a potential conflict with Taiwan. Under such a scenario, the ship could carry troops, vehicles and landing craft close to the island. Troops could be transported to the coast using helicopters, all the while having drones in the air for reconnaissance and air strikes. It could also provide airborne surveillance or electronic warfare, and potentially operate some crewed fixed-wing aircraft as well. Whatever the outcome of its trials, China is clearly experimenting with a new kind of hybrid warship. What remains to be seen is how effective that concept will prove in operational service. Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Christopher graduated from Cardiff University in 2004 with a Masters Degree in Geology. Since then, he has worked exclusively within the Built Environment, Occupational Health and Safety and Environmental Consultancy industries. He is a qualified and accredited Energy Consultant, Green Deal Assessor and Practitioner member of IEMA. Chris’s main interests range from Science and Engineering, Military and Ancient History to Politics and Philosophy.