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FIGHTING SHIPS OF THE WORLD
FRANCE
SUBMARINES
ARÉTHUSE attack submarines (1958 - 1960)


Photo



Aréthuse 1976 Many thanks to Wolfgang Stöhr for additional information on this page.

Ships


Name No Yard No Builder Laid down Launched Comp Fate
Aréthuse S635 Q64 Arsenal de Cherbourg 3/1955 9.11.1957 1.2.1959 stricken 4.1979
Argonaute S636 Q65 Arsenal de Cherbourg 3/1955 29.6.1957 23.10.1958 stricken 7.1982
Amazone S639 Q66 Arsenal de Cherbourg 12/1955 3.4.1958 6.7.1959 stricken 6.1980
Ariane S640 Q67 Arsenal de Cherbourg 12/1955 12.9.1958 16.3.1960 stricken 3.1981


Technical data


Displacement standard, t400
Displacement normal, t

543 / 669

Length, m

49.6

Breadth, m

5.80

Draught, m

4.00

No of shafts

1

Machinery

2 SEMT-Pielstick diesel-generators, 1 electric motor

Power, h. p.

1060 / 1300

Max speed, kts

12.5 / 16

Fuel, t

diesel oil

Endurance, nm(kts) 
Armament

4 - 550 TT (bow, 8)

Electronic equipmentCalypso radar, DUUA-1 sonar
Complement39
Diving depth operational, m180


Standard scale images


<i>Aréthuse </i>1960
Aréthuse 1960
<i>Aréthuse </i>1970
Aréthuse 1970
<i>Argonaute </i>1980
Argonaute 1980


Graphics


<i>Aréthuse </i>1976 <i>Many thanks to Wolfgang Stöhr for additional information on this page.</i>
Aréthuse 1976 Many thanks to Wolfgang Stöhr for additional information on this page.


Project history

From their earliest conception the Aréthuse class were designated sous-marins de chasse. They were, therefore, the world's first hunter-killer submarines designed as such, and marked a significant departure from the ocean-going Narval class Designed specifically for the Mediterranean, they were to be based at Mers-el-Kebir to prevent enemy submarines infiltrating the extensive mercantile traffic between metropolitan France and the colonies in North Africa.

The staff requirements demanded a 100% submarine with a small silhouette and excellent manoeuvrability. They also specified the ability to dive deep and fast, to carry out operations at snorkel depth, and to maintain high speed for an hour when dived. Advanced sensors were to provide data for a well-equipped action information centre.

Although in conception the Aréthuse class was clearly influenced by the German Type XXIII design, they were bigger boats with higher submerged speed and a heavier torpedo armament.

They were the first French submarines to adopt diesel-electric propulsion. Two groups of electro-generators producing 337kW drove a single large electric motor of 1300hp. The generators and auxiliaries had spring suspension, while the electric motor was coupled directly to the shaft. This resulted in near-silent operation.

Modernizations

1965-1970, all: - DUUA-1 sonar; + DUUA-2 (active), DUUA-2 (passive), DUUX-2 sonars

Naval service

No significant events.

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