China has begun construction of its first landing helicopter dock (LHD), a warship not currently in the inventory of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).

PLAN's new LHD, designated the Type 075, will be its largest amphibious vessel. One over eager Chinese pundit went so far as declaring the Type 075 will make the PLAN the second most powerful navy in the world after the U.S. Navy.

LHD is a U.S. Navy and NATO hull classification symbol for "multipurpose amphibious assault ships" capable of operating helicopters. These ships have a full flight deck for use by utility and attack helicopters similar in appearance to that of an aircraft carrier. Examples of this kind of warship are the U.S. Navy's Wasp-class LHD and the French Navy's Mistral-class.

The Type 075 might deploy up to 30 attack helicopters and displace 36,000 tons. Six helicopters will be able to take off at the same time. These warships will also be able to deploy landing craft and troops.

The Type 075 can also serve as a light aircraft carrier. Pundits said the Type 075 will give PLAN the ability to launch attack helicopters on missions against enemy warships, submarines and ground forces in the East China Sea and South China Sea.

A subsidiary of state-owned China State Shipbuilding Corporation is developing the Type 075. The first 075 is now being built by Hudong Zhonghua Shipbuilding Company, said state-owned media.

The Type 075 is far larger than similar PLAN amphibious ships. The current class of amphibious ships in operation with the PLAN is the smaller Type 071 amphibious transport dock.

Construction of the Type 075 ships will take two more years. The first Type 075 might be launched as early as 2019 and enter service with the PLAN after 2020.