French submarines abandoned by Australia have serious technical problems
The head multipurpose nuclear submarine S635 "Suffren", received by the French Navy on November 6, 2020, is still being tested. It turned out that the nuclear submarine has serious technical problems. This was reported by the French liberal newspaper L'Opinion.
The Suffren-class submarines are part of the Barracuda-class submarine family, as are the Attack-class diesel-electric submarines based on the Shortfin Barracuda Block 1A, which Australia has abandoned.
One of the turbines is leaking. This significantly limits the power and, therefore, the operational capabilities of the submarine, but not at low-noise moves.
- assured the publication of a specialist who wished to remain anonymous.
He clarified that special devices were installed around the agreed turbine to detect leaks. The problem could arise from the design of the turbine support, which deforms at a certain temperature.
Probably, the second submarine of this series, the S636 Duguay-Trouin, which is being completed, will also have a similar difficulty, the launch of which was previously postponed to November 2021.
The French Navy does not deny the existence of the problem, but believes that the "dramatic tone" would be "exaggeration."
During the tests, previous generations faced problems that were sometimes much more serious.
- explained the representative of the Navy.
The publication noted that otherwise there are no problems. All new submarines really have various difficulties during the tests. But the editors are awaiting answers from the Naval Group, as the Barracuda program is behind schedule by three years, including due to technical problems with the pipelines.
- Naval Group
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