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| Photo suggests China is developing a Mobile Landing Platform |
China appears to be developing a Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) similar in concept to that being built by the United States, reports the Beijing-based Sina Military Network.
Photos of a Chinese military vessel resembling the US Navy's MLP were recently released by the Chinese military magazine Modern Ships, leading to speculation that China is trying to develop its own "floating base."
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| CGI of US Navy Montford Point class MLP |
The MLP is a type of amphibious assault ship described by Sina Military as "half-submarine and half-boat" because it has a semi-submersible deck for ease of transferring cargo and equipment.
The main purpose of the MLP is to transport heavy weaponry and combat supplies as well as act as a transfer point between large ships and small landing craft. It is different to ordinary landing ships and amphibious assault ships in that it is used primarily for transport as opposed to combat.
Read the full story at Want China Times