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Barracuda class Suffren class


 
a
Barracuda class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) - French Navy
Also known as Suffren class SSN - DCNS
 
 
 
 
Between 2017 and 2027, Barracuda-type SSNs will replace Marine Nationale (French Navy's) current-generation Rubis/Améthyste-class SSNs. The Barracuda program represents a vital contribution to the renewal of France’s naval forces. The Barracuda submarine (Suffren class) was designed to be quieter than the current Rubis class SSN, even at higher speeds, with increased underwater detection capabilities and a larger weapons payload.
Picture: DCNS
Description

Between 2017 and 2027, Barracuda-type SSNs will replace Marine Nationale (French Navy's) current-generation Rubis/Améthyste-class SSNs. The Barracuda program represents a vital contribution to the renewal of France’s naval forces. The Barracuda submarine (Suffren class) was designed to be quieter than the current Rubis class SSN, even at higher speeds, with increased underwater detection capabilities and a larger weapons payload.

In December 2006, the DGA (French procurement agency) awarded the overall Barracuda contract to DCNS, appointing the group as program prime contractor and Areva-TA as nuclear power plant prime contractor. The firm order placed at the same time calls for the development and construction of SSN Suffren, the first of six Barracuda-type SSNs. The contract also covers through-life support for all six submarines during their first years of operational service. The second and third tranches, confirmed in 2009 and 2011 respectively, cover the construction of the second- and third-of-type SSN Duguay-Trouin and SSN Tourville.

Suffren, first of the new Barracuda class of nuclear powered submarine, will begin its sea trials in the spring of 2016 for delivery to the French Navy in 2017. Assembled in the shipyard of DCNS Cherbourg, the 99.5 meters hull is almost finished. The ships will be named after French admirals and famous sailors (Those names were already used in the past to name several French Navy frigates): Suffren, Duguay-Trouin, Tourville, Duquesne, De Grasse, Dupetit-Thouars. They will enter service between 2017 and 2027 at a rate of one every two years. The total program costs 8.5 billion euros.

 
Shiplist
Name
Launched
Commissioned
Suffren
2016
2017
Duguay-Trouin
-
-
Tourville
-
-
Duquesne
-
-
De Grasse
-
-
Dupetit-Thouars
-
-
 
Variants
- SMX OCEAN: A conventional diesel-electric SSK/AIP version based on the Barracuda with the nuclear propulsion replaced by a combination of diesel engine, new generation air fuel cells and Li Ion batteries. Link to SMX OCEAN video.
Technical Data
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Design
Barracuda class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) - French Navy

The Barracuda pressure hull is made of 21 steel rings.
1- From left to right: Multifunction antenna for radio communications/SHF antenna for Syracuse 3 satellite link/wire antenna for radio
/1st non penetrating optronic mast with ESM capabilities/Unknown/Navigation radar/2nd optronic mast.
2- Forward diving bars: Provides better maneuverability at periscope depth.
3- A dry dock shelter may be fitted for special forces support.
4- X-shape rudder: Provides better handling to the submarine while surfaced and underwater. The "pump jet" allows for higher speed before the onset of cavitation and lower acoustic signature.
Barracuda was designed to be quieter than the current Rubis class SSN, even at higher speeds.

Missions
» ASW
» ASUW
» Land attack
» Special operations
» Intelligence gathering
» Escort of aircraft carrier or LHD battle group
» Escort/Support of strategic oceanic force SSBNs
Weapons
» F21 Heavy Torpedoes
» SM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles
» MdCN Naval cruise missiles
» Mines
» Ability to deploy future UUVs
Sensors, Electronics, Decoys
  • Combat Management and Information Systems:
    DCNS SYCOBS combat management system
  • Radars, ESM and sonars:
    1x Navigation radar (Series 10 CSR by Sagem/Kelvin Hughes)
    2x Optronic masts (Series 30 SOM & Series 30 AOM by Sagem for search and attack)
    2x ESM sensors (one per optronic mast)
    1x UMS 3000 hull sonar
    2x flank array sonars
    Thales S-CUBE integrated submarine sonar suite
    Thales SEACLEAR mine and obstacle avoidance sonar
    Thales VELOX-M8, broadband sonar interceptor
    Thales NUSS-2F MK2 navigation echo sounder
  • Decoys/Counter measures/Jammers:
    DCNS CANTO-S counter-measure system
  • Communications:
    Link 11, 16 tactical data links
    Thales DIVESAT SATCOM system
    Thales TUUM-5 MK2 distressed submarine (DISSUB) communication system
    Thales PARTNER communication management system
Engines/Propulsion/Power
Propulsion type: Nuclear - combined steam and electric
Engine: 1 x K15 nuclear reactor
Pump jet propulsion, single screw.
Emmergency thruster fitted at the bow (used as bow thruster for port maneuver)
 
Specifications
Type
Nuclear Attack Submarine (SSN)
Crew
60 (+15 for special forces)
Operators
French Navy
Performance
Speeds: > 25 kts
Range: n/a @ n/a kts
Endurance: 90 days at sea
Designer / Builder
DCNS
 
Displacement
5,100 tonnes submerged / 4,650 tonnes surfaced
Diving depth
>350 m
Dimensions
 
Length: 99.5 m
Beam: ~8.8
m
Maximum Draft: 9 m
 
Detailed View
Barracuda class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) - French Navy
Barracuda class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) - French Navy
Barracuda class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) - French Navy
Barracuda class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) - French Navy
Barracuda class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) - French Navy
 
Pictures - Video
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