A SERIES OF "BATRAL" LIGHT TRANSPORT LANDING SHIPS FROM FRANCE (CHAMPLAIN, ETC.)

The Prototype "Batral" military support ship Champlain and her sister ship Francis Garnier were built at the Brest naval shipyard, and from this design Ateliers Francais de l'Ouest <AFO>, of Rouen, have developed a series of four versions. All versions have a helicopter deck, and their various tasks include transport of troops and freight, beaching armoured vehicles, launching amphibious vehicles, logistic support, training, ocean survey, and 15-day patrols. Batral Type A is a simplified version without beaching equipment. Type E can embark amphibious vehicles or up to seven 40-tonne tanks; load capacity is 380 tonnes, and 180 troops can be carried; five of this version are already in service. Type F have a load capacity of 337 t, up to seven 14-t tanks can be carried, and there is accommodation for 138 troops and 47 crew; two 1800-bhp high-speed engines drive c.p. propellers; speed is 16 knots, and range at 13 knots is 4500 miles; principal particulars include:- length 80m o.a., 68m b.p., beam 13m, draught 2.5m, and deadweight 540 t; the article includes a brief description, with a side- elevation drawing, of this type, two of which <Dumont d'Urville and Jacques Cartier> have been delivered to the French Navy. Type S, the largest version, is under development; load carrying capacity is 600t and displacement is 1900 t; the article includes a side-elevation drawing. It is mentioned that the Batral ships are convertible for use as workshops, hospital ships, or hydrographic vessel, and that optional weapon systems can include a 40-mm and one or two 20mm guns and possibly short-range missiles.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Combat Craft, 1 <1983> p.108 <May> (2 pp., 1 tab., 2 diag., 1 phot.)
• Publication Date: 1983

Language

• English

Subject/Index Terms

• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00685166
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: British Maritime Technology
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 14 1995 12:00AM