The ship

The porte-avions FNS Charles de Gaulle (R91) is the first French aircraft carrier with nuclear propulsion. The construction started in 1989, 5 years later in 1994 the ship was finished. After many delays and construction problems, the ship was finally commissioned for operational service at sea in 2001. One major reconstruction was the extension of the landing-deck with 4 meters, to accommodate for safe landings of the E-2C Hawkeye’s. After catching the landing cable, a Hawkeye come to a complete stop in the middle of the 4-meter extension. During a test trip on the Atlantic Ocean, one of the ship’s propellers broke off. For a while, the spare propellers of the predecessor aircraft-carriers Foch (R99) and Clemenceau (R98) were used. The length of the ship is 260 meters, the height is 64 meters. The 2 nuclear reactors give the ship a maximum speed of 27 knots, while it displaces of 40.000 tonnes.

In order to get the aircraft airborne, 2 steam catapults give the aircraft a speed of 260 km/hour. These catapults are the same type as used by the US Navy aircraft carriers. ‘Old-fashion’ cable-launches are performed for the Super Etendard’s, while the Rafale’s and Hawkeye’s are launched using the ‘newly’ nose-wheel method. The landing system is American design too; the landing-lights, called ‘meatball’ and the 3 landing cables are also used by the US Navy carriers. One major difference is the location of the cables and the catapults on the flight-deck, a landing aircraft will obstruct both catapult areas. It is impossible to launch and recover simultaneously, after each launch all catapults need to be covered completely to assure safe landings. The ship has an advanced stability system, just like a commercial cruise ship. During a turn, the flight deck will remain nearly horizontal. There are rumors that the French Navy will participate in the British ‘new carrier programme’ UK CVF, were the HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, are expected to enter service around 2015. Creating a second French carrier originating from the British requirements in the UK CVF programme.

The aircraft

Super Etendard Modernisé

The 10 Dassault 'Super Etendard Modernisé' (SEM) aircraft of the 11F Flottille (based at Landivisiau in Bretagne) were all on the ‘standard 5’ modification level. Until the Super Etendard’s will be decommissioned around 2013-2014, all remaining 36 Super Etendards will receive a latest software update, to bring them to ‘standard 5 level’. This update will incorporate improvement in weapon handling using the new Damocles targeting pod and improvements in aircraft controls for the autopilot.

Between 2009 and 2014 all Super Etendard’s will be replaced by the new Rafale M version, 11F Flotille will start with the conversion, while 17F Flottille will be the last Super Etendard squadron in the French Navy. The Super Etendard’s are equipped with a SNECMA Atar 8K50 non-afterburning turbojets, reaching transonic speeds. The aircraft does not have a steerable nose-wheel, turning the aircraft on deck is performed by applying the brakes. Major disadvantage of this lack of nose-wheel control is clearly seen when the arresting hook does not release from the arrestor cable after landing. Then the deck-crew needs to push the aircraft a meter backwards, in order to release the cable manually.

For the next 4 days the Super Etendards would fly short missions: a catapult launch, a landing pattern around the ship, followed by the landing. The Charles de Gaulle will go the Indian Ocean during the first quarter of 2007 and the Super Etendards of 11 Flottille were practicing for their next tour. The older Super Etendards are used in the ground-attack en photo-reconnaissance roles. French Navy's new Dassault Rafales (not on board during the small cruise) will provide air-cover to the Super Etendards during operations.

Last update : 13-09-2008 11:14

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