- Yes
- No
Hello everyone, and welcome to this new suggestion.
Today, I am presenting another class of French TCDs (Transport de Chalands de Débarquement, or Landing Ship Docks): the Ouragan class. To begin, let me introduce the lead ship of the class, Ouragan (L9021).
These TCDs were the predecessors to modern amphibious transport ships. Their defining feature was an internal well deck capable of housing landing craft, which could transport combat vehicles such as tanks, armored vehicles, and trucks from the ship directly 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.
The Ouragan class was the second-to-last class of French TCDs. Comprising two ships, the class featured a distinctive design with two helicopter landing pads, one of which was positioned alongside the ship’s bridge. This unusual arrangement gave the vessels an appearance somewhat reminiscent of a small aircraft carrier. The lead ship, Ouragan, was designed by DCN beginning in 1963 and entered service with the French Navy in 1965. Shortly after her commissioning, she was assigned to her first major mission: transporting a Mirage IV strategic bomber to the Pacific to conduct drop tests for a new nuclear weapon developed by French engineers.
After completing this mission, Ouragan remained in the Pacific region, where she carried out a variety of transport and logistical duties. Her ability to carry large quantities of equipment and vehicles made her particularly useful for supporting French forces and installations spread across the region.
During the 1970s, Ouragan was recalled to France, where she continued to participate in a wide range of exercises and military operations. Her career eventually took her into an actual combat environment for the first time in the early 1990s, when she was deployed during Operation Daguet, the French contribution to the coalition effort during the Gulf War.
The following decade proved to be particularly active for the vessel. Ouragan participated in operations related to the conflicts in Yugoslavia and was also repeatedly deployed to Africa. During this period, she conducted more than ten deployments to the African continent, carrying troops, vehicles, and equipment in support of French operations.
However, by the beginning of the 2000s, Ouragan was approaching the end of her long career. The arrival of a new generation of amphibious vessels eventually made the aging TCDs obsolete. In 2006, with the commissioning of the PHA Mistral, the lead ship of her class, Ouragan was relieved of her duties. After more than forty years of service, she was finally withdrawn from active service in 2007. The ship was subsequently dismantled, bringing an end to the career of one of the last representatives of the TCDs in French service.
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 output of 8,600 hp, enabling it to reach a top speed of 17 knots and cover a range of 9,000 nautical miles at a speed of 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.
1965:
- DRBN-30, navigation radar
1968:
- DRBN-32, navigation radar
1971:
- Decca 1226, navigation radar
- Decca 202, search and navigation radar
1980:
- 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 but capable of engaging a wide range of targets, allowing for defense against small vessels and aircraft.
1965:
- 4 x single 40mm Bofors guns
- 1 x mortar (model unknown)
1995:
- 2 x single 40mm Bofors guns
- 2 x single 12.7mm machine guns
- 2 x single Simbad systems (twin Mistral launchers)
Additionally, the ship can carry a choice of either four ALAT Puma transport helicopters or two Navy Super Frelon transport and attack helicopters; given that 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 it represents a type of vessel that simply isn’t 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.
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