The Ouragan (Hurricane) was one of two military ships in the Ouragan class of the French Navy. It belonged to the 'Transport de chalands de débarquement' (TCD) (Landing Craft Transport) type. Both ships were 149 meters long, 21.5 meters wide, and had a draft of 5.4 meters. Each ship had a crew of 205 men and could carry up to 470 men. The ships were equipped with two diesel engines, which together generated a power of 8,600 to 9,400 horsepower. The ships could reach a speed of 17 knots (28 km/h).

The class was designed to enable the rapid loading and unloading of landing craft. A landing operation could also be coordinated from the ship to a limited extent. However, the landing was usually accomplished by unloading a landing craft, which was transported in an internal raft called a 'radier'. The TCD could simultaneously transport, refuel, and coordinate four heavy helicopters, while at the same time overseeing a limited landing operation and the hospitalization and care of any injured.

Characteristic of this type of vessel was the internal raft, the 'radier', a submerged deck that could be lowered up to 3 meters underwater and featured a stern door in direct contact with the water. The movement of water inside the ship was controlled by locks, valves, and automatic pumps. This submerged deck accommodated two landing craft, each of which carried 11 light tanks.