- Yes
- No
Hello everyone and welcome to this new suggestion.
Today I’m presenting a rather unusual ship that belonged to the French Navy: the LSSL-3 Hallebarde.
The LSSL-3 is one of a class of 130 ships designed for a support role, though not intended to support ships at sea, but rather infantry during amphibious landing operations. With its shallow draft and substantial armament, the LSSL-3 is ideal for support missions. In fact, its hull is based on that of the American LCI landing craft, allowing the LSSL to approach beaches and run aground without fear of becoming stuck.
Used by the American 7th Amphibious Force during World War II and placed in reserve at its end, the LSSL-3 was transferred to the French Navy in 1950, then in the midst of the Indochina War and in need of this type of vessel. Indeed, French forces, often engaged in marshland operations, had limited support, as the French Navy at the time possessed virtually no ships capable of fulfilling this role.
The Halebarde was thus deployed to North Indochina with five other similar vessels and carried out numerous missions, providing the necessary firepower to support infantry forces (the ship was nicknamed “The River Cruiser” due to its firepower and durability). It was cited twice in dispatches before being returned to the United States at the end of the war.
The various LSSL-3s used during the Indochina War were all named after a medieval weapon, the Halberd being the French name given to the halberd, a polearm from the Middle Ages.
Characteristics
-
Length : 48.30 m
-
Width : 7.10 m
-
Draft : 1.90 m
-
Mass : 387 tons (maximum)
The ship was powered by 4 Gray-Marine engines giving it a total power of 1000hp and thus enabling it to reach a speed of 25.5 knots and to travel a maximum of 8000 nautical miles at a speed of 12 knots.
The crew is composed of 58 sailors
Equipment
Radar :
- SL radar
- DRBN30 radar
Weapons
Guns :
- 1 x 76mm canon
- 4 x 40mm Bofors canon
- 2 x 20mm Oerlikon canon
Other :
- 2 x 81mm mortar
This rather unusual French naval vessel would be a very interesting addition to the coastal tech tree, providing a ship with strong firepower and versatility, thus complementing the French tech tree.
