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Engin de Debarquement Amphibie Rapide (EDA-R)

2011 MODERN NAVY

Amphibious Rapids (EDA-R) History

Amphibious assault has been a dangerous and vital operation in the military realm since ancient warfare. In modern times, operations have expanded significantly beyond simple infantry ship-to-shore transport.

Today, amphibious assault ships are tasked with transporting personnel, machinery, and supplies from offshore points to the beach ahead, with a view to establishing a beachhead quickly and efficiently. France's Socarenam has contracted to build four such vessels for the French Navy - the 285-ton Engin de Debarquement Amphibie Rapide (EDA-R), which will serve the ageing Chalands de Debarquement d'Infanterie et de Chars in service. "Should replace" the 406-ton ship.

Construction work began in 2000, but full construction did not begin until 2008. The catamaran hull is chosen to allow for good deep water pedalling and shallow water operation - it is classified as a Ro-Ro/Ro-Ro Catamaran Landing Craft or "L-CAT".

Testing of heavy duty loads continued until 2010, and these types were officially introduced to the French Navy in 2011.

These ships are specifically designed to fight alongside the French Navy's Mistral-class amphibious assault ships, bringing entire systems, main battle tanks, armoured vehicles, war materiel, cargo loads and infantry to shore. This includes a competing cavalry platoon with three main battle tanks (MBTs) and three-wheeled light armoured vehicles or similar vehicles. Up to 80 tons of cargo can be transported at speeds of up to 30 knots over 400 nautical miles.

The self-defense weapons carried by Crew 8 include two 12.7mm heavy machine guns (HMG) and two 7.62mm medium machine guns (MMG).

The dimensions of the vessel include a length of 30 meters, a beam of 12.8 meters and a draft of 2.5 meters, the latter of which is essential for coastal adaptability.

Propulsion for the vessel comes from 4 MTU Friedrichshafen 12V2000 M92 diesel engines, each with a power of over 1,600 hp. Fine-tuning by controlling 4 Wartsila pump nozzles. Its steering and handling are said to be as smooth and refined as competing Hovercraft deployed elsewhere.

The Egyptian Navy has ordered two EDA-R ships from France, which were built but never delivered. The U.S. Army is said to be considering using the L-CAT for its own use - albeit modified to meet the high demands of the service.