26.11.2009
French combat ship Mistral will conduct maneuvers with participation of Russian helicopters, said Didier Pyaton, commander of helicopter-carrier Mistral at press conference. The carrier moored at Lt. Smidt Quay in St. Petersburg on Nov 24.
According to Pyaton, "joint maneuvers are common when foreign ship pays a friendly call". Maneuvers may be carried out on Nov 27 at the Baltic.
The ship arrived at St. Petersburg on invitation of Russian Navy command under framework of strengthening friendly relations between French and Russian Navies, reminded the captain. Call at St. Petersburg is not directly related with Russia's intentions to purchase this ship, although Russian engineers, shipbuilders and Navy officials had a chance to have a look at the carrier, said Pyaton.
Multipurpose helicopter-carrier
Mistral having displacement of 21,000 tonnes and extreme hull length of 210 meters is capable to accelerate up to 18 knots; its operating range is about 37,000 km. Crew strength is 160 men; in addition, the ship is capable to carry 450 men and up to 900 men for a brief time. Helicopter group includes 16 RWAs, six of them may be simultaneously placed on the deck. Cargo deck may contain over 40 tanks or 70 automobiles.
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