LCI-9049

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Hello everyone, and welcome to this new suggestion.

Today, I am presenting a new French Navy vessel that took part in the Indochina War: the LCI-9049, formerly LCI-263.

LCIs, or Landing Craft Infantry, were amphibious landing vessels developed by the United States during the Second World War. These relatively small, all-metal ships were designed to approach the shoreline as closely as possible and rapidly deploy infantry. Troops were carried aboard the vessel and could disembark through ramps located along the sides, allowing large numbers of soldiers to be put ashore directly onto the beach.

LCI-263 was built in the United States during the 1940s. Following her completion, she was transferred to the United Kingdom, where she was initially used for training and preparation for amphibious operations. She was subsequently assigned to Canadian forces and took part in the Normandy landings in June 1944, contributing to the Allied return to mainland Europe.

However, the end of the Second World War did not mark the end of France’s military engagements. Almost immediately, French forces became involved in a new conflict in Indochina. The increasing need for amphibious landing craft led France to acquire several vessels from the Allies, including a number of LCIs.

In 1946, LCI-263 was purchased by France. After experiencing several technical issues, the vessel underwent a series of upgrades and modifications. She also received an armament configuration that differed slightly from that of her sister ships, increasing her usefulness in combat operations. Following these modifications, she was redesignated LCI-9049 and subsequently deployed to Indochina.

Assigned to DINASSAUT No. 4, LCI-9049 operated primarily in North Vietnam, taking part in numerous amphibious operations and frequently coming under enemy fire. Her combination of troop-landing capabilities and substantial armament made her a particularly valuable asset to French forces. She was increasingly used not only to transport troops, but also to provide direct fire support during operations along the rivers and coastlines of Indochina.

In September 1953, while operating in the Bambous Channel, LCI-9049 struck a naval mine. The explosion caused severe damage to the vessel and placed the crew in immediate danger. Bertrand Coffinières, who was serving as the ship’s acting commander, distinguished himself through his bravery and quick decision-making. Realizing that the vessel could not remain afloat for long, he managed to run her aground before she sank. This action allowed a large part of the crew to escape the sinking vessel and ultimately saved numerous lives. This event marks the end of the ship’s service with the French Navy.

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Characteristics

Length : 48.30 m

Width : 7.10 m

Draught : 1.80 m

Mass : 216 tons

The ship features a rather surprising propulsion system consisting of two propellers; the shafts for each are connected to four 225 hp Gray Marine diesel engines, providing a total output of 1,800 hp and a top speed of 12 knots.

The crew consists of 30 sailors.

Equipment

The ship lacks any particularly significant equipment, save for a navigation radar installed in the early 1950s.

Weapons

This vessel’s armament differs slightly from that of other LCIs; the forward turret—usually housing an automatic cannon—is replaced here by a larger-caliber gun. This allows for easier engagement of targets but places the operators at greater risk.

Guns:

  • 1 x 75mm gun (forward turret)
  • 5 x 20mm guns (2 on the spardeck, 2 aft, and 1 atop the command station)

In-game, this vessel would be an interesting addition to the French tree, offering respectable firepower while being limited by its size and speed, a combination that would help round out the coastal fleet line.

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+1 a good little gun boat you got a 75mm and enough 20mm to keep most things away from you.

Dh4eu2f

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