The launching of France's delayed (laid down 2007) first of class Barracuda-Suffren class SSN will free up a good part of Naval Group's design and construction labour force.
So far the main obstacle has been miniaturising France's tailored to SSBN K15 nuclear reactor (which also brings other improvements) so it will fit in the smaller Barracuda SSN hull.
Once freed up Naval Group managers, designers and builders can more fully begin to address Australia's huge Shortfin Barracuda (Attack class) SSK Program.
Pete
So far the main obstacle has been miniaturising France's tailored to SSBN K15 nuclear reactor (which also brings other improvements) so it will fit in the smaller Barracuda SSN hull.
Once freed up Naval Group managers, designers and builders can more fully begin to address Australia's huge Shortfin Barracuda (Attack class) SSK Program.
Pete
Those nuclear engineers may just want to drag out the K15 job, finishing it could mean heading over to the lines at Pole Emploi (where you look for jobs in France).
ReplyDeleteKQN
Hi KQN
ReplyDeleteYes there wouldn't be too many job offers at Areva to build French submarine reactors. Maybe only 4 models built:
- K48s? for Redoubtable class SSBNs. Subs in commission: 1971–2008
- smaller K48s for Rubis class SSNs In commission: 1983- (oldest is 36 years and still counting))
- K15s for Triomphant class SSBNs In commission: 1997-
- [building] smaller and "Improved" K15 for Barracuda/Suffren class SSNs not yet launched let alone commissioned
Interesting reference https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/frances-future-ssns-the-barracuda-class-02902/
"Areva TA will act as prime contractor for [Barracuda's Improved K15] nuclear powerplant, and NucAreva will take around 15% [probably much higher given delays] of the [Barracuda] contract’s value.
The [K15], derived from that developed for [Triomphant class] SSBN nuclear missile submarine, will be supplied by Areva TA under the prime contractorship of the French atomic energy commission (CEA)."
Regards
Pete
Is there any indication of what effect this delay has had? Can they then speed up to make up for lost time, or have they had to stop building till the first one gets out of the way? I realise that it is usual to start one & then start the next one when the first one is half way through. There is often extra delay on first of class in case things need to be modified on the second one. However this boat was supposed to be undergoing sea trials in early 2016. By now, boat number 2 should be ready to launch & boat 3 half way through & boat 4 about to start. These things are pretty big. You can’t just stack a whole bunch of half finished 5,000t submarines in the back shed & the more work you do on each one, the worse it is if sea trials bring you unstuck like happened in Spain.
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous [at 10/2/19 10:57 PM]
ReplyDeleteYour detailed questions sound like a consultant expecting free answers that you can then sell.
Read my many articles on Barracuda and Suffren first.
Then identify yourself and we can chat.
Cheers
Pete