NAVYPEDIA

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, t	400
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 equipment	Calypso radar, DUUA-1 sonar
Complement	39
Diving depth operational, m	180

Standard scale images

Graphics

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.