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FIGHTING SHIPS OF THE WORLD
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SUBMARINES
AMÉTHYSTE nuclear attack submarines (1992 - 1993)
Photo
Améthyste 2008
Ships
| Name | No | Yard No | Builder | Laid down | Launched | Comp | Fate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Améthyste | S605 | Arsenal de Cherbourg | 31.10.1983 | 14.5.1988 | 3.3.1992 | in service (2019) | |
| Perle | S606 | Arsenal de Cherbourg | 22.3.1987 | 22.9.1990 | 7.7.1993 | in service (2019) |
Technical data
| Displacement standard, t | 2280 |
|---|---|
| Displacement normal, t | 2410 / 2680 |
| Length, m | 73.6 |
| Breadth, m | 7.60 |
| Draught, m | 6.45 |
| No of shafts | 1 |
| Machinery | 1 K48 nuclear reactor, 2 turbo-generators, 1 electric motor |
| Power, h. p. | 9500 |
| Max speed, kts | / 26.5 |
| Fuel, t | nuclear |
| Endurance, nm(kts) | practically unlimited |
| Armament | 4 - 550 TT (bow, 14, inc. SM39 Exocet SSM (4 SM39) or 32 mines) |
| Electronic equipment | DRUA-33 radar, DMUX-20 sonar suite (DSUV-22, DUUA-2B, DUUX-5, DSUV-62C towed array, DUUG-2 sonars), ARUR-13 ECM suite, TITAC CCS |
| Complement | 70 |
| Diving depth operational, m | 300 |
Standard scale images
Améthyste 2010
Graphics
Améthyste 2008
Project history
The Rubis class proved to be generally successful, but were significantly noisier than their British and US counterparts, which limited their effectiveness against other submarines. The reduction of noise emissions was therefore the priority for the second group of SNA. Améthyste is not only the name of the lead-submarine of the class, but is an acronym for AMElioration Tactique, HYdrodynamique, Silence, Transmission, Écoute (= tactical, hydrodynamic, silencing and sonar improvement).
The hull has an improved body-of-revolution configuration with a lengthened bow section constructed of composites. This bow is being retro-fitted to the Rubis class, which were brought up to the same acoustic standard as the Améthyste.
The pressure hull is of high-tensile HLES 80 steel. They had the new DMUX-20 multi-function search and attack sonar suite, improved communications and a new tactical data system. The propulsion system is essentially that of Rubis, but with greater attention given to the flexible mounting of machinery.
Construction was delayed by budgetary problems, and the third boat S607 Turquoise, ordered 24.4.1990, was never begun and cancelled in September 1992. Fourth boat, S608 Diamant, was planned but never ordered, planes to built her were abandoned in September 1991.
Modernizations
2006, Améthyste; 2009, Perle: - ARUR-13 ECM suite, TITAC CCS; + DALI ECM suite, Dilsat torpedo decoys, TITLAT CCS
Naval service
No significant events.
