Foudre-class Landing Platform Dock
The Foudre-class landing platform docks are class of amphibious warfare vessel in the French Navy.
They carry large stowage areas which can be used to ferry battle tanks and vehicles, a 52-ton elevating platform, a lateral ramp and a flight deck able to simultaneously operate several helicopters.
Three rotations of such ships can ferry a whole armoured regiment with its 22 AMX-30 or Leclerc main battle tanks, 44 AMX-10 RC heavy armoured cars, 22 véhicules de l'Avant Blindé, 41 all-terrain light vehicles (including 16 MILAN anti-tank missile systems), 54 TRM 4000 trucks, 15 TRM 2000 light trucks, 5 fuel trucks, 2 tug trucks, 6 120 mm mortars, 67 towed containers and one beach carpeting system, overall 3300 tonnes.
The hull is built around a well deck which constitutes ¾ of the length of the ship, and can accommodate up to eight landing craft. They can be put to sea by filling ballast tanks and lowering the ship, and opening the rear door.
The aeronautical installations allow all-weather operations of transport helicopters, intended to carry commandos. four Super-Puma or two Super-Frelon helicopters can be accommodated in the hangar.
In 2011, both the Foudre was sold to Chile and renamed BAC Sargento Aldea. In 2015, Siroco was sold to Brazil and renamed NRB Bahia.
