According to International Online, a European Zubr class air-cushioned landing craft (LCAC), which was built in a Ukrainian firm, has delivered to the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) lately. European Zubr class LCAC is currently the world's largest Air-cushion landing craft.The LCAC aroused much attention the moment it arrived in Guangzhou.

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European Zubr (Project 12322 class)is currently the world's largest Air-cushion landing craft.This class of military hovercraft is the world's largest hovercraft by 2012. It is designed to sealift landing assault units from equipped or non-equipped vessels to non-equipped shore, as well as transport and plant navalmines. In addition, European Zubr is equipped with sophisticated weapons.

Not only theEuropean Zubr is in large shape, it also has amazing power. Its five gas turbines can drive 5,000-ton destroyer. The European Zubr can reach a top speed of 63 knots. TheSpeed is equivalent to 117km/h.

A rectangular pontoon, which is the main load-carrying part of the ship's hull, provides high strength and floatability for LCAC. The superstructure built on the pontoon is divided into three compartments.To improve working conditions, the battle stations, troop compartments and living quarters are fitted with air-conditioning and heating-systems. And interior structuresare made of vibration-absorptive material. The ship provides normal conditions for the crew to take meals and rest.At full displacement the ship is capable of negotiating up to 5-degree gradients on non-equipped shores and 1.6m-high vertical walls. The Zubr remains seaworthy in conditions up to Sea state 4.

A Chinesemilitary observer point out that Zubr may be deployedin the South China Sea.Its strong transport capacity can support the military transport. It will also play an important role in disaster relief. In addition, the Zubr landing craft has a cargo area of 400 square meters;it can transport a large amount of relief supplies, facilitate the tasks of medical emergency personnel. Thus Zubr is a dual-use craft that can be used for both peaceful and military aims.