naval-forces-focus-french-technology

Mer et Marine12INTERNATIONAL SHOWS » 2014-2015© MARINE NATIONALEL-CATThe L-CAT or Landing Catamaranis a fast landingcraft concept developedby CNIM. It has been operational since2012 with the French Navy, which orderedfour L-CATs for its Mistral-classvessels. The L-CAT has an aluminiumhull and a central lift platform rated at80t that can be raised or lowered asneeded to allow loading and unloadingof armoured vehicles, including a mainbattle tank. With the platform raised,the L-CAT can reach speeds of 18ktswith a full load, thanks to its catamaranconfiguration. To unload, the platformis lowered, transforming the vesselinto a beachable flat-bottomed landingcraft. The L-CAT has two ramps, enablingit to load and unload from eitherend. This roll-on/roll-off capability facilitatesmanoeuvres and makes it easierto manage cargo and equipment in thepayload dock. Compared with conventionalcraft, CNIM's L-CAT solutionoffers significantly improved speed,endurance, seakeeping and flexibilityfor more efficient amphibious operations.It can also be deployed furtherfrom the coastline for launching surpriseattacks while allowing the hostvessel to remain at a safe distance, outof range of enemy defences. «» DIMENSIONS (m): 30 x 12.6» POWER: 5,360 kW» SPEED: 18 to 30 kts» RANGE: 500 to 700 NM» ACCOMMODATION: 4» WEAPONS: 2 x 12.7 mm© JEAN-LOUIS VENNEMPC» DIMENSIONS (m): 40 x 17.4 x 2» POWER: 4,300 kW» SPEED: 21 kts» RANGE: 1,500 NM» ACCOMMODATION: 12 (+ 16)» WEAPONS: Machine guns© CNIMBuilding on the success of the L-Cat,CNIM has developed a family of hybridpatrol vessels and landing catamarans.The Multipurpose Patrol Craft isa member of this family.The aluminium-hulled MPC featuresa bridge above the central platform(rated at 60t) and is designed to carryhumanitarian or military equipmentand vehicles, including armouredvehicles, on the open ocean. Likethe EDAR and L-Cat 44 landing craft,the MPC can beach to load or unloadpassengers and cargo. With the platformlowered the catamaran becomesa flat-bottomed boat with a draughtof just 75cm (instead of the catamaran’s2m), enabling it to manoeuvrein shallow waters before landing itspayload. It can also serve as a smallmother ship, launching high-speedRHIBs from the lowered platform. Withaccommodation for 30, the designincludes a sick bay and living area. Yetanother potential application is as anoil spill response vessel from offshoreto coastal areas. «