Missions Berliet-Ténéré

The expeditions demonstrated the ability of Berliet trucks to cross long stretches of desert and wilderness, and also supported geographical and scientific research.

A second expedition set off from Ouargla in October 1960, before taking a new, more easterly route via Séguedine and south of the Djado Plateau towards Zouar in the Tibesti and Faya Largeau.

The expedition reached Fort Lamy in November 1960 and returned to Djanet in December, travelling via Adrar Bous on the edge of the Aïr Mountains.

On the way back, from near Zouar in north-western Chad, across the northern Ténéré to Adrar Bous and up to Mount Tiska, close to Djanet, 22 Berliet-branded 'balises' or marker posts were erected.

As well as helping with dune navigation, a Bell helicopter was able to shoot spectacular aerial footage of the vehicles in action as well as hitherto unseen corners of the Sahara.

A picture of Berliet Balise n° 14, which was replaced in 2005 with an identical sign.
A Berliet GBC truck, with a military cab instead of the civilian version used for the expedition.