China positions “loyal wingman” drones for tests on the deck of the Type 076 Sichuan

English Posted on  —by Carro e motos

China positions 'loyal wingman' drones for tests on the Type 076 Sichuan ship's deck

China positions ‘loyal wingman’ drones for tests on the Type 076 Sichuan ship’s deck (X @RupprechtDeino)

Recent images reveal Chinese low-observability combat drones positioned at the Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai, where the amphibious assault ship Type 076 Sichuan was built.

The records suggest a possible preparation for naval tests of “loyal wingman” unmanned aircraft, highlighting the project informally known as Type C, which is considered China’s equivalent to the U.S. CCA programs.

The photos and satellite images show at least six CCA-type drones, as well as a model similar to the Wing Loong MALE, suggesting that the People’s Liberation Army Navy is evaluating different platforms to form the Type 076’s aerial wing. While there’s a possibility that these are just mock-ups, China’s history of using these models during development phases reinforces the significance of the material observed, especially given the ship’s unique capabilities, which include an electromagnetic catapult and were designed for sustained aerial operations.

Weighing 44,000 tons, the Type 076 could significantly enhance China’s naval aviation capability, complementing traditional aircraft carriers like the recently commissioned Fujian. The incorporation of onboard drones would enable attack, reconnaissance, and support missions for task forces, strengthening China’s power projection in strategic areas such as the South China Sea, signaling a new phase in the use of unmanned aircraft on large ships.

Source: The War Zone | Photo: X @RupprechtDeino | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team

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