Type 075 landing helicopter dock

In 2011, the Marine Design and Research Institute of China (708 Institute) of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation began design work.^[11] Debate over the desired result may have continued into 2016. Reportedly, the Central Military Commission Equipment Development Department favored a smaller design than the final Type 075, effectively an enlarged Type 071 amphibious transport dock, possibly due to concerns that the existing propulsion plant was insufficient for a larger ship. Ultimately, the PLAN's desire for an LHA prevailed.^[12] In 2018, Hudong–Zhonghua Shipbuilding received the contract and construction began that year.^[1]

In June 2019, images of Hainan appeared, the first ship under construction in drydock.^[13] In April 2020, she suffered a minor fire while fitting out which did not slow construction.^[14] In April 2021, Hainan was commissioned,^[2] and reached initial operating capability in March 2022.^[15]

In November 2022, the PLAN announced that the first two ships were combat ready.^[16]

The flight deck is 226 meters (741 ft 6 in) long and 36 m (118 ft 1 in) wide. There are seven flight spots - six along the port side and one aft of the island.^[17] The forward aircraft elevator can carry one medium helicopter with rotors folded; the stern elevator is larger and can carry Changhe Z-8 helicopters with rotors folded.^[18]

Two weapons elevators are located on the forward flight deck.^[19] The hangar may be 150 m (492 ft 2 in) long, 20 m (65 ft 7 in) wide, and 6 m (19 ft 8 in) high. The ship may operate 20 to 35 aircraft.^[18]

The well deck and vehicle deck are one continuous space.^[20] The well deck has a 20-meter (66 ft) wide gate and may be 80–90 m (262 ft 6 in – 295 ft 3 in) long, sufficient for two or three Type 726 LCACs.^[21] The vehicle deck is large enough for a PLAN Marine Corps amphibious mechanized infantry company plus additional platoon-sized tank or artillery elements. An opening on each side allows roll-on/roll-off access to the vehicle deck.^[22] The ship has an estimated displacement between 35,000 to 40,000 t (34,000 to 39,000 long tons),^[4] or more than 40,000 t (39,000 long tons) at full displacement.^[23]

• People's Liberation Army Navy Surface Force
• List of ships of the People's Liberation Army Navy