NAVYPEDIA

Photo

Germinal 2001

Ships

Name	No	Yard No	Builder	Laid down	Launched	Comp	Fate
Floréal	F730		Ch de l'Atlantique, St-Nazaire	2.4.1990	6.10.1990	27.5.1992	in service (2019)
Prairial	F731		Ch de l'Atlantique, St-Nazaire	11.9.1990	16.3.1991	20.5.1992	in service (2019)
Nivôse	F732		Ch de l'Atlantique, St-Nazaire	16.1.1991	11.8.1991	15.10.1992	in service (2019)
Ventôse	F733		Ch de l'Atlantique, St-Nazaire	28.6.1991	14.3.1992	20.4.1993	in service (2019)
Vendémiaire	F734		Ch de l'Atlantique, St-Nazaire	17.1.1992	23.8.1992	20.10.1993	in service (2019)
Germinal	F735		Ch de l'Atlantique, St-Nazaire	17.8.1992	14.3.1993	17.5.1994	in service (2019)

Technical data

Displacement standard, t	2600
Displacement full, t	2950
Length, m	85.2 pp 93.5 oa
Breadth, m	14.0
Draught, m	4.40
No of shafts	2
Machinery	2 SEMT-Pielstick 6PA6 L280BTC diesels
Power, h. p.	8800
Max speed, kts	20
Fuel, t	diesel oil 370
Endurance, nm(kts)	10000(15)
Armament	2 x 1 MM38 Exocet SSM (2 MM38), 1 x 1 - 100/55 Mod. 1968 CADAM, 2 x 1 - 20/90 MIT-20F2, 1 helicopter (Alouette III or Panther)
Military load	24 commandos
Electronic equipment	F730, 733: 2x DRBN-34A, DRBV-21A radars, Najir E/O director, ARBG-1A Saigon ECM suite F731, 732, 734: 2x DRBN-34A, DRBV-21A radars, Najir E/O director F735: 2x DRBN-34A, DRBV-21A radars, Najir E/O director, ARBR-16 ECM suite
Complement	89 + 25 commandos

Standard scale images

Graphics

Project history

A response to the requirement for a 'cheap frigate' capable of performing general patrol duties in low-threat areas, the Floréal class are the first French naval vessels of their size to be ordered from a private shipyard since the late 1950s.

They have been built to mercantile standards except in respect of the aviation facilities, damage control and munitions stowage. The reduction in cost was such that three hulls could be built for the price of a single frigate of the La Fayette class; the use of modular construction techniques reduced construction time to 24 months per vessel. The hull and superstructures are of welded steel, with transverse bulkheads. The design has an exceptionally broad beam for its length to enable a hangar and flight deck for a 9-10 ton helicopter to be worked in aft. The hangar can accommodate Super Puma or NH-90 helicopter. Fin stabilisers provide an exceptionally stable platform.

The twin shafts are each powered by two diesels, and have controllable pitch propellers. Twin rudders combine with the latter to provide exceptional manoeuvrability. Maximum speed is adequate only for patrol duties, but at a 7kt cruising speed endurance is virtually unlimited.

Contrary to standard naval practice, all four diesels are located in a single spacious machinery room for ease of maintenance and surveillance. Control and surveillance is exercised from a fully-automated machinery control centre. The three electrical generators are disposed fore and aft of the engine room, the two main switchboards being located in separate damage control areas. Diesel fuel and TR5 aviation fuel can be received by the abeam or astern replenishment method, although there is only a single transfer station as compared with two for first-line naval vessels. Provision is made for installation of ARBR-17 ECM suite, two Dagaie decoy RLs and two Simbad SAM launchers in place of 20mm guns. SATCOM system is installed only on F730 and F733.

Modernizations

2006, Floréal, Ventôse: - ARBG-1A Saigon ECM; + Tayio ECM suite

2006, Prairial, Nivôse, Vendémiaire, Germinal: + Tayio ECM suite

2013-2014, all: - 2 x 1 MM38 Exocet SSM, Najir e/o director; + EOMS NG e/o director

Naval service

Nivôse was damaged in an accident in September 2014 and returned to service only in January 2016.