French fire up Duguay-Trouin SSN’s nuclear reactor
Suffren-class SSN Duguay-Trouin. (Photo: Naval Group)
The first controlled reaction has occurred inside the nuclear reactor aboard the submarine Duguay-Trouin.
France’s Suffren-class SSN project took another step forward on 3 October with the firing up of the nuclear reactor aboard the second-in-class boat Duguay-Trouin.
Starting up the submarine's nuclear boiler room involved triggering the first controlled nuclear reaction in the submarine’s nuclear reactor.
The nuclear start-up will be followed by sea trials of the boat ahead of its delivery to the French Navy in 2023.
France is building six new Suffren-class submarines under a project to replace its Rubis-class boats.
The first-in-class Suffren joined the French fleet in 2022.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the Suffren-class SSNs will have a surface displacement of 4,700t and a dived displacement of 5,300t, a length of 99.5m, a beam of 8.8m and a draft of 7.8m.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid]()
TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
-
![Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting]()
Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting
DDG 129, which will become the USS Jeremiah Denton on commissioning, was moved to dry dock to begin its technical fitting and testing.
-
![Russia and Ukraine agree maritime ceasefire – then Russia attaches strings]()
Russia and Ukraine agree maritime ceasefire – then Russia attaches strings
Tentative peace in the Black Sea broke down almost immediately amid Russian demands for a financial climb-down from the EU.
-
![Dune joint venture wins four year contract to bolster UAE OPV fleet]()
Dune joint venture wins four year contract to bolster UAE OPV fleet
The JV between Al Seer Marine and Damen International doubles down on a recent deal to increase the country’s offshore patrol vessel capabilities.
-
![US Navy sends second destroyer to patrol its own southern border]()
US Navy sends second destroyer to patrol its own southern border
The USS Spruance will help enforce anti-smuggling and anti-immigration laws.
