Naval Group delivers refurbished Rubis class nuclear attack submarine Perle.

According to a PR published by Naval Group on July 6, 2023, the French Navy regained the full operational potential of the nuclear attack submarine 'Perle' on June 30, 2023. The submarine was successfully rejuvenated and returned by the Naval Group, a month after it had commenced sea trials.
Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

French Rubis class submarine Perle. (Picture source: Naval Group)

The 'Perle' had suffered significant damage to its front section during a fire incident in Toulon back in June 2020. Its refurbishment was meticulously carried out by Naval Group, guided by the Fleet Support Service.

The post-repair phase then gave way to planned periodic overhaul known as 'Interruption Périodique pour Entretien et Réparations' (IPER), during which the submarine underwent a comprehensive upgrade.

This included a reassembly of all the equipment, a modernization overhaul, reloading of the nuclear reactor core, requalification of the nuclear propulsion system, and a combat system update.

The restoration process involved the pioneering task of merging two submarines - the damaged 'Perle' and the decommissioned 'Saphir'. The operation demanded cutting-edge processes, particularly precise cutting, alignment, and fusion of the two submarines' halves, an operation achieved through Naval Group's advanced welding methods. This venture also involved the reconstitution of the interior structure in the joint area and the intricate task of connecting hundreds of cables and pipes.

This tremendous achievement, attributed to the unique expertise and dedication of the teams involved, has set a high bar in marine engineering and restoration. Consequently, the French Navy has regained a fully-functional 'Perle', expected to be in active service till at least 2028.

Technical data

Measuring a length of 74.6 meters (244 feet 9 inches), the submarine exhibits a beam of 7.6 meters (24 feet 11 inches) and a draught of 6.4 meters (21 feet).

The submarine can travel at speeds exceeding 25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph) and boasts a range of 8,500 nautical miles (15,700 km; 9,800 mi). She is also capable of operating at depths of over 300 meters (980 feet).

The submarine's armament consists of four 533 mm (21 in) tubes with a total mixed load of 14 weapons. These include F17 mod2 torpedoes, 14 Exocet SM39 missiles, and mines.