FS TONNERRE - L9014

The French amphibious assault helicopter carrier TONNERRE arrived yesterday, ready to take part in Joint Warrior 082. Built jointly by two French shipyards - the forward section at Sainte Nazaire, and the stern at Brest - she joined the French Navy in 2007. Able to operate as a command ship, TONNERRE also features extensive medical facilities, including a 69-berth hospital. She can carry up to 16 heavy helicopters plus two hovercraft or up to four landing craft.  In active service she can accommodate up to 900 personnel. With her sister MISTRAL, they were the French Navy's first all-electric warships and are fitted with two Alstom 7MW electric azimuth pods, giving a speed of 19 knots.