Type 068 Class (Yuchin Class) Chinese Landing Craft Mechanized (LCM)
Type 068 Class
Landing Craft
Other
Basic Information
Name
Type 068 Class (Yuchin Class) Chinese Landing Craft Mechanized (LCM)
Designation
Type 068 Class
Alternate Designation
Type 068 Class; NATO: Yuchin Class
Equipment Type
Landing Craft
Manufacturer
—
Date of Introduction
1962
Description
The Yuch'in class landing craft, mechanized entered the People's Liberation Army Navy service from 1962–1972 and consists of two types, the Type 068 and Type 069, one of steel construction, the other of aluminum. Type 068 / 069 landing craft comes from a long series of landing craft originated in the mid-1950s.
Ground Specifications
Crew
12
Active Protection
2 x 14.5mm Machine Guns
Variants
Type 363/363A/55 landing craft:
The origin of Type 068/069 landing craft dates back in 1955, when China decided to produce its own version of landing craft, after the successful production of Soviet T-4 class landing craft. Designed by the Ship Product Design Directorate of the Shipbuilding Industry Managerial Bureau of the First Machinery Industrial Ministry , Type 363 is the first indigenous developed amphibious warfare boats in China, and it is a scaled-down version of former Soviet T-4 landing craft. Work begun in October 1955 at Dalian Shipyard, and on March 30, 1956, the first unit was completed and entered service. Redesign immediately begun after shortcoming was revealed during the trials, and the new designed was named Type 363A (363甲) landing craft. Further refinement of this class eventually resulted in Type 55 landing craft.
Type 066/066K/066A landing craft
In 1959, to meet urgent need of Fujian Military District to supply coastal islands, PLAN issued requirement to improve Type 55 landing craft. The new design was named Type 066, and construction begun on Aug 1, 1959 at Qiuxin Shipyard vat Shanghai and was completed on December 30, 1959. Redesign begun immediately in February 1960 after shortcoming revealed in trials of the first unit, and the refined design was designated as Type 066K, and went into series production. In August, 1968, a further development of Type 066K designated as Type 066A (066甲) entered production, and the design team member included Mr. Lu Zhengrong (陆正荣), Mr. Zhang Tiemin, Mr. Mei Baoqing, Mr. Jiang Wenbai and Mr. Zheng Zongzhen. A total of 30 Type 066/066K/066A boats were built, including conversions of earlier units to the latest standard, and this class received NATO reporting name Yuzhai class. Some have been converted as buoy tenders.
Type 068/069 landing craft
Type 068/069 landing craft is the natural development of earlier Type 066 landing craft. PLAN needs a scaled-down version of Type 067 landing craft utility, and Type 066 is developed into Type 068/069 to be used in conjunction with Type 067 landing craft. In addition to domestic Chinese use, exports include six to Bangladesh, and two to Tanzania. Due to its small size, this class can be and often are maintained and stored on land and thus remain in good condition despite their age, though some have been converted for survey missions.
System
Alternative Designation
Type 068 Class; NATO: Yuchin Class
Type
Landing Craft Mechanized
Builder
Wuhu Shipyard Wuhu, Anhui
Crew
12
Troops
150
Dimensions
Length
24.8 m
Beam
5.2m
Draft
1.3m
Displacement, Standard
INA
Displacement, Full Load
58 tons
Propulsion System
Engine Name
2 × Type 12V 150C
Engine Type
Diesel
Engine Power
600 hp (447 kW), 2 shafts
Maximum Range
450 nmi (830 km) at 11.5 knots (21.3 km/h; 13.2 mph)
Maximum Speed
11.5 knots (21.3 km/h; 13.2 mph)
Endurance
INA
Gun Weapon Systems
Gun Weapon System #1
Name
QJG02
Type
Heavy Machine Gun
Caliber
14.5mm
Quantity
2 x QJG02 14.5mm Heavy Machine Gun
Manufacturer
NORINCO
Length
2.39m
Weight
75 kg
Elevation
INA
Traverse
360°
Rate of Fire
500 - 600 rpm
Maximum Firing Range
1 to 2 km
Carriage
Tripod mount for QJG02
Manpack
Can be disassembled into 5 parts of about 20 kg each
Gun Weapon System #1 Ammunition
Type
Rifle
Caliber
14.5
Cartridge
14.5x114mm
Basic Load
INA
Fire Control Systems
FCS Name
INA
Computerized FCS
INA
Battle Management System
No
Radar Systems
Navigation Radar
Retrofitted with a navigational radar
Protection
Active Protection System
2 x 14.5mm Machine Guns
Countermeasures
INA
NBC Water Washdown System
Yes
Details
Country of Origin
China
Category
Naval
Naval
Filter Label
T
Classification
Domain
Ground
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
24.8 m
Width
—
Height
—
Weight
—
Operators (2)
China
Tanzania
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