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.
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
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)
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