NAVYPEDIA

Photo

Clio 1979

Ships

Name	No	Yard No	Builder	Laid down	Launched	Comp	Fate
Cybèle	M712		CMN, Cherbourg	15.9.1970	2.3.1972	28.9.1972	decommissioned 7.1997, to Turkey 12.1998 (Erdek)
Calliope	M713		CMN, Cherbourg	4.4.1970	20.10.1971	28.9.1972	decommissioned 2.1997, to Turkey 7.1998 (Edincik)
Clio	M714		CMN, Cherbourg	4.9.1969	10.6.1971	18.5.1972	decommissioned 3.1997, to Turkey 1.1999 (Erdemli)
Circé	M715		CMN, Cherbourg	30.1.1969	15.12.1970	18.5.1972	decommissioned 2.1997, to Turkey 8.1998 (Edremit)
Cérès	M716		CMN, Cherbourg	2.2.1971	10.8.1972	8.3.1973	decommissioned 4.1998, to Turkey 10.1998 (Enez)

Technical data

Displacement standard, t	423
Displacement full, t	508
Length, m	46.5 pp 50.9 oa
Breadth, m	8.90
Draught, m	3.60 max
No of shafts	1
Machinery	1 MTU diesel / 2 electric propulsors
Power, h. p.	1800 / 520
Max speed, kts	15
Fuel, t	diesel oil
Endurance, nm(kts)	3000(12)
Armament	1 x 1 - 20/90 MIT-20F2, 2 PAP-104 USV, 6 mineclearing divers
Electronic equipment	DRBN-32 radar, DUBM-20 sonar
Complement	47

Standard scale images

Graphics

Project history

The world's first purpose-built minehunters, the Circé class were designed round the DUBM-20 minehunting sonar and the PAP-104 minehunting vehicle, which was handled by the large articulated davit mounted on die stern. The system can detect mines laid to a depth of 60m at a maximum range of 500m from the ship. No sweep gear was fitted. The sonar and operations control room were housed in the superstructure block forward of the bridge. Cérès was fitted with the prototype EVEC automatic plotting table, which was subsequently retro-fitted to the other units.

A low magnetic signature and silent operation were design priorities. As insufficient expertise with GRP had been acquired it was decided that the hull should be of sandwich construction, with blocks of wood and foam inside an outer skin of wood. The outer skin was coated with a film of GRP to ease maintenance. The deckhead and superstructure were a composite of wood and glass resin.

There were two independent propulsion systems, one specifically for minehunting operations. The latter comprised two 'active rudders' each with a small crew propeller mounted at its base, energised by a 260hp electric motor. All propulsion machinery can be operated either from the bridge or from a soundproof control room located above the main deck.

Modernizations

mid-1980s, all: - DUBM-20 sonar; + DUBM-20A sonar

mid-1990s, all: - DRBN-32 radar, DUBM-20A sonar; + DRBN-34A radar, DUBM-20B sonar

Naval service

No significant events.

1979