Landing craft typically have speeds below 12 knots. They feature a bow ramp/slope the same width as the craft itself. The loading compartment is open. They are equipped with machine guns or small-caliber naval guns. With a shallow draft, they are highly maneuverable, allowing them to reach shallow waters and beaches inaccessible to landing ships; however, they have limited range, low speed, poor seakeeping, and a restricted operational area.
In the 1970s, hovercraft (or air-cushioned landing craft) emerged, possessing higher speeds and unique amphibious capabilities, making them ideal landing vehicles. China developed the Type 722 hovercraft experimental landing craft in 1980, with a total weight of 65 tons, a maximum speed of 50 knots, a range of approximately 200 nautical miles, and the capacity to carry 150 landing troops or 15 tons of supplies. The even more advanced Type 722-II hovercraft was completed in 1989.
