- Yes
- No
Hello everyone, and welcome to this new suggestion.
Today, I am presenting the second ship of the Ouragan class of TCDs (Transport de Chalands de Débarquement, or Landing Platform Docks): Orage (L9022).
These TCDs were the predecessors to modern amphibious transport ships. Their distinctive feature was an internal well deck capable of accommodating landing craft, which could transport combat vehicles such as tanks, armored vehicles, and trucks directly from the ship to the shore. This allowed troops and equipment to be deployed without relying on an operational port, making these vessels particularly valuable for amphibious operations and long-range force projection.
Construction of Orage began at the DCN shipyard in Brest in 1966, and the ship entered service with the French Navy the following year. Like her sister ship Ouragan, Orage spent her early career supporting France’s nuclear testing program in the Pacific. She was primarily used to transport personnel, equipment, and supplies required for the various testing operations.
Following the conclusion of the French nuclear testing program in the Pacific, Orage returned to France. During the following decades, she took part in a wide range of missions, from logistical transport and exercises to amphibious operations.
Among her most notable deployments was Operation Olifant, during which Orage participated in the evacuation of Beirut. She was also deployed to Yugoslavia, where she helped transport and land French troops serving under NATO command.In 1990, Orage took part in Operation Daguet, the French contribution to the coalition campaign during the Gulf War. Her amphibious capabilities allowed her to transport troops, vehicles, and equipment in support of the operation.
Throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, Orage also became a regular participant in Operation Corymbe. This long-running French naval presence mission in the Gulf of Guinea was intended to maintain a French presence in the region while protecting French interests and supporting regional security.
By the beginning of the 2000s, however, Orage was approaching the end of her career. After nearly four decades of service, the arrival of a new generation of amphibious vessels finally sealed her fate.
In 2006, the new PHA Tonnerre, the second ship of the Mistral class, emerged from the shipyard. As the newer vessel entered service, Orage was progressively relieved of her duties. After almost forty years of operational service, Orage was finally withdrawn from the French Navy, bringing an end to the career of the second and final ship of the Ouragan class.
Characteristics
Length : 149.00 m
Width : 23.00 m
Draught : 5.40 m
Mass : 8,500 tons
The ship is powered by two Pielstick diesel engines delivering a total of 8,600 hp, enabling it to reach a top speed of 17 knots and cover a range of 9,000 nautical miles at 15 knots.
The crew consists of 205 sailors.
Equipment
The ship is equipped with various systems for threat detection and weapon guidance; these systems have evolved over time.
1968
- DRBN-32, navigation radar
- Decca 202, search and navigation radar
1972:
- Decca 1226 (x2), navigation radar
1985:
- Decca 1226 (x2), navigation radar
- NRBI 21, IFF interrogator
1993:
- DRBN-34 (x2), navigation radar
- NRBI 21, IFF interrogator
Weapons
The ship’s armament is relatively simple yet capable of engaging a wide range of targets, allowing for defense against small vessels and aircraft. Its armament configuration differs slightly from that of the Ouragan, making it unique in this regard.
1968:
- No armament
1975:
- 4 x 1 40mm Bofors guns
1995:
- 2 x 1 30mm Mauser guns
- 3 x 1 12.7mm machine guns
- 2 x 1 Simbad system (twin Mistral launcher)
Additionally, the ship can carry either four ALAT Puma transport helicopters or two Navy Super Frelon transport and attack helicopters; since the Super Frelon is capable of firing the Exocet missile, this would represent an interesting addition for the vessel.
Naturally, this ship should not be added to the game immediately, as this type of vessel is simply not present at the moment. However, should more modern ships, particularly those with helicopter transport capabilities, be introduced, adding the Ouragan class could be a worthwhile move for the French tree, providing a vessel with strong capabilities in this area.
