Ouragan-class landing platform dock

The Ouragan was a class of French landing platform docks operated by the French Navy. They were called Transport de chalands de débarquement (TCD) (in English: landing craft transport).

Overview
The ships in this class were used for:
 * the fast loading and unloading of landing craft, and other equipment, carrying troops and vehicles;
 * carrying, supplying and operating helicopters transporting commandos or providing close support;
 * transporting the mission crew;
 * commanding a landing operation of limited scale.

The landing is accomplished by means of an unloading barge transported in an interior raft called a radier. The TCD could simultaneously transport, refuel and put into operation four heavy helicopters, while ensuring the control of a limited landing operation, hospitalization and care of the wounded.

The essential characteristic distinguishing the TCD was the interior raft or radier, which was submersible in three metres of water and with a rear door that put it in contact with the water. The radier's dimensions were 120 metres long under 3.5 metres of water.

The ship had a 120 metre long well deck that could be submerged 3 metres under water.

The class comprised:
 * Ouragan (Hurricane), L9021, (Retired January 2007)
 * Orage (Storm), L9022, (Retired June 2007)

Ouragan was launched on November 9, 1963, the Orage in 1968.

The two ships of this class were supposedly due for transfer to the Argentine Navy in 2006 and 2007 but the whole operation was placed on hold by the Argentine Government due to concerns about asbestos, a toxic material used in the ships' construction. They are presently moored in Toulon harbour.