SSN TourvilleNaval-technology.com/wp-content/uploads/static-progressive/SSN%20Tourville.jpg” style=”padding: 10px” width=”300″ />

The first pressure hull ring of the French Navy’s third Barracuda-type nuclear-powered attack submarine, SSN Tourville, has been completed at DCNS’s Cherbourg centre, France, one month ahead of schedule.

Completion of the ring marks a step forward in the Barracuda submarine programme, with three vessels currently at various stages of construction.

Twenty one steel rings comprise the pressure hull of a Barracuda submarine, with the rings 3m-long and 9m in diameter.

The first hull ring forms part of the aft has been designed to store the vessel’s powerplant.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The French Délégation Générale pour l’Armement (DGA) had placed an order with DCNS and Areva-TA in December 2006 for development and construction of six Barracuda-class submarines.

Construction contracts for the first, second and third submarines of the class, SSN Suffren, SSN Duguay-Trouin and SSN Tourville, were awarded to the team in 2006, 2009 and 2011 respectively.

Capable of accommodating a crew of 60, the 85m-long submarines have a surface displacement capacity of 4,100t, a diving depth of more than 350m and can cruise at a speed of 25k.

Barracuda-class submarines will provide intelligence gathering and special operations capabilities, as well as anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, land strikes capabilities using stealthy long-range cruise missiles.

Armed with next-generation F21 heavyweight torpedoes, as well as SM39 anti-ship and MdCN naval cruise missiles, the submarines will feature système de combat pour Barracuda et SSBN (SYCOBS) battle management system and a communications suite.

The six vessels are scheduled to be delivered to the French Navy between 2017 and 2027 to replace four SSN Rubis submarines and two SSN Amethyste-class submarines.


Image: DCNS completes SSN Tourville’s first pressure hull ring construction. Photo: courtesy of DCNS.