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| A landing craft from the French amphibious assault ship FS Mistral (L9013) hits the beach during the amphibious assault phase of Bold Alligator 2012. Bold Alligator 2012, the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years, represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. The exercise takes place Jan. 12 - Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tom Gagnier) |
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| French Marines approach the beach to deliver vehicles using an amphibious craft from the French amphibious assault ship FS Mistral (L9013) during the amphibious assault phase of Bold Alligator 2012. Bold Alligator 2012, the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years, represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. The exercise takes place Jan. 30 - Feb. 12, 2012, afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tom Gagnier) |
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| French Marines approach the beach to delivery vehicles using an amphibious craft from the French amphibious assault ship FS Mistral (L9013) during the amphibious assault phase of Bold Alligator 2012. Bold Alligator 2012, the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years, represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. The exercise takes place Jan. 30 - Feb. 12, 2012, afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tom Gagnier) |
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| French Marines lead a convoy during the amphibious assault phase of Bold Alligator 2012. Bold Alligator 2012, the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years, represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. The exercise takes place Jan. 30 - Feb. 12, 2012, afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tom Gagnier) |
An article was published on the French site "Le portail des sous-marins" about Bold Alligator and especially the cost of it for the French : http://www.corlobe.tk/article27571.html which is in fact mainly a translation of http://www.defensenews.com/article/20120205/DEFFEAT05/302050004/Our-View-Mistral-Amphib-Goldmine-Good-Ideas
ReplyDeleteThe main facts are centered about the Mistral :
- 650 marines, up to 90 véhicules and 16 heavy helicopters lourds or 35 light, manned by only 170 seamen and a price tag of 600 millions $.
- A bit less marines onboard than a LPD-17, one third the cost, but with an aviation capability almost up to a Wasp's
- Less armor, less strength, but much lower operation costs
- Already proved much more availlable for deployement than previous generations of ships
Still on this topic, you asked in another article wheter the LCAC was interoperable with US ships : the answer is yes, according to http://www.defense.gouv.fr/marine/a-la-une/l-edar-teste-son-interoperabilite-dans-le-radier-du-san-antonio : an LCAC went aboard a San Antonia class ship, which proves they are indeed compatible.
ReplyDelete