TCD Foudre (L9020)

Mathll · May 10, 2026, 5:27pm

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Hello everyone and welcome to this new feature.

Today I’m presenting a French Navy landing ship: the Foudre (L9020).

The Foudre began her career during the Second World War. Built for the United States Navy, the ship entered service in 1943 under the name USS Dagger. Like many Allied vessels of the period, she was later transferred to the Royal Navy before eventually being handed over to France after the war. In 1952, the ship officially joined the French Navy and was renamed Foudre.

Before becoming fully operational, the vessel underwent an extensive refit lasting about a year. This modernization adapted the ship to the needs of the French fleet, improving its equipment and allowing it to perform a wide range of missions such as transport, amphibious support, and logistical operations.

Soon after returning to service, the Foudre was deployed to Southeast Asia during the final years of the First Indochina War. Between 1953 and 1956, the ship carried out numerous rotations between the major regional ports, including Haiphong and Saigon. These missions consisted mainly of transporting troops, equipment, and supplies to support French forces stationed across the region and nearby islands.

After several years of operations overseas, the Foudre returned to mainland France. The ship made stops in several ports for maintenance periods and upgrades while also participating in naval exercises with allied fleets, including units of the Spanish Navy. These exercises helped maintain operational readiness and strengthen cooperation between allied maritime forces.

During the following years, the vessel continued to serve primarily as a transport and support ship. The Foudre traveled extensively across the globe, taking part in deployments to areas such as French Polynesia, various regions of Africa, and the Indian Ocean, reflecting the wide geographical reach of French naval operations during that period.

After more than two decades of service, the ship was finally decommissioned in 1969. She was then returned to the United States and ultimately sunk in the Mediterranean during a training exercise conducted by the United States Sixth Fleet, bringing an end to the long operational career of the Foudre.

Characteristics

Length : 139 m

Width : 21.9 m

Draft : 4.93 m

Mass : 4030 tons

This ship is powered by two Skinner steam engines, giving it a maximum power of 9,000 hp. This engine, coupled with two propellers, allows it to reach a top speed of 17 knots and a range of 8,000 nautical miles at 15 knots.

Its crew consists of 17 officers and 237 sailors.

Equipment

SL Maritime Surveillance radar
DRBV 21 Air Surveillance radar
1 Telemeter

Weapons

Guns :

1 x 105mm canon
4 x 40mm Bofors canons
4 x 20mm Oerlikon canons

Other :

2 x 120mm mortar

In-game, this ship would be an interesting addition, providing a large tonnage vessel with access to a wide range of armaments, while remaining limited by its lack of armor and low speed, thus complementing the tech tree in an interesting way.

Pictures

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