The French Navy’s Rubis Class nuclear-powered attack submarine Perle has completed a refuelling and complex overhaul (RCOH), three weeks ahead of schedule.

During the 15-month refit carried out by DCNS, a total of 63,000 components, including 15,000 components for the nuclear powerplant, were replaced and refurbished.

Additional refit tasks for the vessel include detailed inspection of the hull and reactor vessel, inspection and refurbishment of all systems and equipment, removal of irradiated fuel rods and loading of new ones, and a range of modifications to the submarine sonars.

The submarine has completed sea trials since the refit, including tests to check its operational availability.

Rubis Class submarines are scheduled for a full RCOH once in every eight-year period.

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