18 June 2015

News Story: Google satellite images show PLA warship at Mischief Reef

The most recent satellite images provided by Google Maps show a PLA warship docked at Mischief Reef in the disputed Spratly islands in the South China Sea, according to the website of China's Global Times.

The boat's pennant number is 999, suggesting it is the Jinggang Shan, an Yuzhao-class Type 071 amphibious transport dock.

The ship can be used to transport 500-800 troops, 15-20 amphibious combat vehicles, as well as a main battle tank and the well deck can hold four Type 726 Yuyi class air-cushioned landing craft (LCAC). It also has a large helicopter deck. The ship measures 210 meters from fore to aft, with a beam of 28 m and a draft of 7 m. Its fully-loaded displacement is 18,500 tons.

Read the full story at Want China Times