Navy Recognition

aa Details: Published: Wednesday, 11 January 2012 12:18

World Naval Forces News - France / USA

French Navy LHD Mistral, new Fast Landing Craft set sail for Franco-American amphibious exercise

On January 9, 2012, the crew of the first Fast Amphibious Landing Craft (EDA-R) has completed its phase of operational readiness. Mistral and EDA-R No. 1 set sail for the US East Coast to participate in Bold Alligator exercise, a major step in the Franco-American cooperation in the field of amphibious operations.

CNIM's L-CAT, named EDA-R in French Navy service
(picture: CNIM)

EDA-R
(picture: French Navy)

Conducted under the supervision of trainers of the Marines Nationale's Naval Action Force in cooperation with the amphibious fleet, this phase of handling the vessel by its crew has successfully integrate the EDA-R in an amphibious assault ship (Mistral Class).

With this qualification, the EDA-R is able to participate in amphibious operations.

The L-CAT variable draft system explained
(picture: CNIM)

Designed to land troops and military vehicles from an over-the-horizon amphibious vessel (30 nautical miles/55 km), the EDA-R can be used for humanitarian operations in areas lacking port infrastructures. With a length of 30 meters and a width of 12 meters, the EDA-R has a payload of 80 tons with a speed of 18 knots fully loaded and 30 knots when empty. Its doors at the front and rear simplify the loading and unloading of vehicles.

On November 24, 2011 the Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA - French Procurement Agency) has taken delivery of the first fast amphibious landing craft (dubbed EDA-R for "engin de débarquement amphibie rapide"). The EDA-R offers five times the landing capacity of existing landing craft currently in service with the French Navy. The EDA-R will be used by the Marine Nationale's Mistral class LHDs.

French Army AMX-10 RC wheeled tank and Trucks waiting to board Mistral LHD at Toulon naval Base
(picture: French Navy)

Delivered to the Navy at the end of November 2011, it is the first operational deployement for this new type of Fast Landing Craft.

The Mistral LHD and EDA-R No. 1 have set sail the same day for the US East Coast to participate in Bold Alligator exercise, a major step in the Franco-American cooperation in the field of amphibious operations.

EDA-R inside the Mistral LHD's well deck
(picture: French Navy)