NAVYPEDIA

Photo

Gymnôte 1970 Many thanks to Wolfgang Stöhr for additional information on this page.

Ships

Name	No	Yard No	Builder	Laid down	Launched	Comp	Fate
Gymnôte	S655	Q73	Arsenal de Cherbourg	17.3.1963	17.3.1964	17.10.1966	stricken 4.1987

Technical data

Displacement standard, t
Displacement normal, t	3000 / 3250
Length, m	84.0
Breadth, m	10.6
Draught, m	7.60
No of shafts	2
Machinery	4 SEMT-Pielstick diesel-generators, 2 electric motors
Power, h. p.	2600 / 2600
Max speed, kts	11 / 10
Fuel, t	diesel oil
Endurance, nm(kts)	5500(7) /
Armament	4 M-1 SLBM (4 M-1)
Electronic equipment	Calypso II radar, DUUA-1 sonar
Complement	78
Diving depth operational, m	150

Standard scale images

Graphics

Project history

In 1954 studies were made of a torpedo-armed nuclear-powered submarine; the boat was even laid down at Cherbourg in 1956 as hull No Q244. A surface displacement of 4000t on a length of 120m was projected. The inability of the French to produce enriched uranium at this time meant, however, that a heavy-water reactor using unrefined uranium was the only possible propulsion plant. This proved too heavy and construction was halted in 1958. Negotiations with the Americans for the purchase of a reactor failed, and even the purchase of enriched uranium was refused except for land experimental use. The project was abandoned in 1959.

With the decision to develop an independent sea-based deterrent force, it was decided to complete the hull (now designated Q251) as an experiment submarine for the testing of the new ballistic missiles. A prominent casing abaft the fin housed four vertical launch tubes. Gymnôte was also fitted with the prototype guidance and inertial navigation system intended for Le Redoutable.

Modernizations

1979: - 4 M-1 SLBM; + 2 M-4 SLBM (2 M-4)

Naval service

No significant events.

Many thanks to Wolfgang Stöhr for additional information on this page.