ECA GROUP: Factory Acceptance Test for Electric Propulsion Motor of 4th Barracuda Submarine.

Late 2019, ECA GROUP carried out the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) of the 4th Ship set of the Electric Propulsion Motor (MEP) for the 4th Barracuda Submarine, alongside Naval Group and the French Armed Forces General Direction of Armement (DGA).

The Barracuda class (or Suffren class) is a nuclear attack submarine, designed by the French shipbuilder Naval Group. (Picture source Naval Group)

The Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) of the Electric Propulsion Motor(s) for the 4th Barracuda Submarine were successfully passed. All the tests carried out have confirmed the expected performances have been reached, including the most sensitive one, related to the low level of acoustic signature required for the equipment.

The ship set has been delivered to Naval Group in late December 2019 in order to be integrated into the motor device of the 4th Barracuda Submarine.

ECA GROUP team is now looking forward to the Sea trials of « The Suffren » Submarine (SM1).

The Barracuda-class (or Suffren-class) submarines are nuclear attack submarines, designed by the French shipbuilder Naval Group for the French Navy.

Over a 10-year-long period started in 2017, Barracuda-type submarines will replace the French Navy's current generation of Rubis/Améthyste-class submarines. The Barracuda program represents a vital contribution to the renewal of France's naval forces.

At the beginning of the Barracuda Submarine Programme, ECA GROUP was entrusted with the design and supply of cutting-edge technology energy conversion and propulsion systems. After successfully supplying equipment for the first three submarines of the program, the ECA GROUP has been once again selected to equip the remaining submarine. All four submarines are now expected to undergo a commissioning period staring in 2020.