The Type 068 and Type 069 (NATO reporting name: Yuch'in or Yuqin) are classes of landing craft mechanized (LCM) of the People's Republic of China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). They may be based on the Soviet T-4 landing craft, or smaller versions of the Type 067 landing craft with shorter tank and longer poop decks. The Type 068 and Type 069 were mainly designed to transport cargo and personnel respectively.

The landing craft were built at Shanghai from 1962 to 1972. A few modified Type 069s were built at Zhoushan for Tanzania in the 1990s.

Yuch'in-class landing craft

Operators

Bangladesh bought six of the landing craft from China. Two Type 069s were fitted as inshore survey craft and entered service in 1983. Four Type 068s were delivered in 1986. The 1991 Bangladesh cyclone severely damaged two Type 068s, one of which was scrapped.

Yuch'in-class landing craft

Tanzania bought two modified Type 069s for logistics support. They were launched from the Kailing Shipyard and delivered in 1995. They have greater molded depth for increased cargo capacity, air conditioning and improved steering.

Yuch'in-class landing craft

References

Sources

Amphibious warfare vessel classes

Amphibious warfare vessels of the People's Liberation Army Navy