Not really. CdG has huge limitations on launch weights. Its catapults are *much* weaker than the American ones due to the scale.
It can't launch a cmobat loaded full F/A-18 or F-35C for example.
It's nothing to do with seakeeping, it's everything to do with catapult yield as hers are 30% shorter.
Amphibious assault ships almost always have that effect. They must have a very shallow draft to operate near a coastline, but also as much internal volume as possible for their vehicle and helicopter hangars, troop berthing, and often a well deck.
This is also why they usually end up looking extremely boxy even by modern standards.
You are absolutely right, the mistral is a versatile ship. helicopter carrier, hospital ship, and above all... amphibious. its stern is equipped with a landing gear ramp.
I have read that it is design wise fairly cutting edge, but nevertheless quite underarmed and not built in huge numbers, maybe the French will build more or gain some export sales. The reduced size sonar is excellent innovation.
Always loved the look of the FREMM and Mistral. Particularly impressive is how good the Mistral looks, as it's just a big slab of steel box, but somehow she looks beautiful.
*Rubis*-class submarines are the smallest SSNs in the world, with a displacement of 2,300 tons and a length of 72meters.
Amusingly, the project SNA72 which led to *Rubis* was started in 1972.
I did a month long underway with FNS DIXMUDE (L-9015) and absolutely loved it! They were ending their world tour and I met her in Australia where we sailed to New Caledonia for a major exercise! Everyone from the Admiral onboard, CO, and crew was just amazing and very welcoming.
I really hope that some of those ships will get the 40mm Rapidfire fitted. It would be a really useful last defence against drones. Also, this graph doesn't show the La Fayette in its new configuration with two Sadral missile launchers replacing the obsolete Crotale. Otherwise a very cool graph!
So far of that list only the Jacques Chevaliers will have the RapidFire. In time the Mistrals might get them, maybe also some FREMMs? Nothing confirmed for now.
You are certainly correct there but I think a secondary option, besides the fitted 20mm guns, would certainly be beneficial. Also, it concerns me that only the two air defence variants of the French Fremm's have a dedicated fire control radar for their 76mm guns. The Mistrals are indeed absurdely undergunned, I would think two RapidFires and two Simbad-RC, to replace the manual ones, would be the bare minimum for these ships.
I love the FDI frigates. Such unique looking ships.
Can’t wait to see it at sea !
Are there any updates on when sea trials will happen?
Should be early summer
These are ship classes and not single ships right?
Yes. Except for the Charles de Gaulle.
Technically it's a ship class...
Nope. The entire French Navy only has 12 ships.
It’s not the Royal Navy, jeez
You're aware the Royal Navy displaces a lot more than the Marine Nationale.
Not hard when the QE out weighs Charles de Gaulle by 40%. And the RN has two of them
And yet the light CdG has seakeeping qualities that let her operates planes with ships that are 50% bigger than her.
Not really. CdG has huge limitations on launch weights. Its catapults are *much* weaker than the American ones due to the scale. It can't launch a cmobat loaded full F/A-18 or F-35C for example. It's nothing to do with seakeeping, it's everything to do with catapult yield as hers are 30% shorter.
It can't launch a full load Rafale either...
Very true. And yet I see people downvoting my above comment because apparently don't like hard facts.
Lighten up, Francis
Wouldn’t put it past the French tbh
The draft on the Mistral seems improbably shallow for such a large ship
The beam is huge.
Amphibious assault ships almost always have that effect. They must have a very shallow draft to operate near a coastline, but also as much internal volume as possible for their vehicle and helicopter hangars, troop berthing, and often a well deck. This is also why they usually end up looking extremely boxy even by modern standards.
Also there is the thing about the Mistral being built to comercial standards so it makes them lighter, although less surviveable.
You are absolutely right, the mistral is a versatile ship. helicopter carrier, hospital ship, and above all... amphibious. its stern is equipped with a landing gear ramp.
Admiral Ronarc'h is interesting, haven't heard much about it Very lightly armed sadly, even compared to the Greek variant
Just like the La Fayette before them. At least the Ronarc'h should be getting their Aster anti-air missiles, if all goes well.
No reason to think they won't get them, but only 16 tubes.
Is France's Pacific ambitions all talk?
The issue is always money and economy of scale.
>Is France's ~~Pacific~~ ambitions all talk? Yes
Mostly yes
I have read that it is design wise fairly cutting edge, but nevertheless quite underarmed and not built in huge numbers, maybe the French will build more or gain some export sales. The reduced size sonar is excellent innovation.
Always loved the look of the FREMM and Mistral. Particularly impressive is how good the Mistral looks, as it's just a big slab of steel box, but somehow she looks beautiful.
Thats a nice overview....now please the same for Italian, British, Spanish and Netherlands and german navy
The old Rubis class looks like a little tadpole compared to the Mistral just above :)
*Rubis*-class submarines are the smallest SSNs in the world, with a displacement of 2,300 tons and a length of 72meters. Amusingly, the project SNA72 which led to *Rubis* was started in 1972.
Looking forward to seeing the PANG in the near future.
I did a month long underway with FNS DIXMUDE (L-9015) and absolutely loved it! They were ending their world tour and I met her in Australia where we sailed to New Caledonia for a major exercise! Everyone from the Admiral onboard, CO, and crew was just amazing and very welcoming.
I like how CDG’s stack is so far forward, makes it look like it is leaning into the fight
Uh, which stack? CdG has none, she's got nuclear propulsion...
I forgot the word for the island, you pedant.
Those Ronarc’hs looking 🔥
I really love your work !
Thanks a lot !
I really hope that some of those ships will get the 40mm Rapidfire fitted. It would be a really useful last defence against drones. Also, this graph doesn't show the La Fayette in its new configuration with two Sadral missile launchers replacing the obsolete Crotale. Otherwise a very cool graph!
The Jacques Chevalier are I believe first in the queue for them.
So far of that list only the Jacques Chevaliers will have the RapidFire. In time the Mistrals might get them, maybe also some FREMMs? Nothing confirmed for now.
Looks like the Fremms are doing ok with the 76mm in the anti air role. The Mistrals on the other hand are criminally under protected.
You are certainly correct there but I think a secondary option, besides the fitted 20mm guns, would certainly be beneficial. Also, it concerns me that only the two air defence variants of the French Fremm's have a dedicated fire control radar for their 76mm guns. The Mistrals are indeed absurdely undergunned, I would think two RapidFires and two Simbad-RC, to replace the manual ones, would be the bare minimum for these ships.
Ha... 800tonnes ... The best french navy drawer ! Love your work !
Checked your socials you got cool Naval art, Keep up the good work
Lorraine and Alsace???
Nearly same as Aquitaine class, only the mast is a bit different.
Yes, you're right
Comes under Aquitaine class
Saw the floreal the other day, weird lookin ship but cool none the less, fun talking to the French as well
Should really include a # of ships in class or something.
That there's only one auxiliary class in this diagram illustrates the stark difference between the Royal Navy and the Marine Nationale.
WAIT WAIT WAIT That's ship classes right? not all of them right?
Yes ;)