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PACIFIC 2015: DCNS Showcased the Shortfin Barracuda Block 1A for SEA1000 Submarine Program

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PACIFIC 2015 Show News - DCNS Shortfin Barracuda
 
 
 
PACIFIC 2015: DCNS Showcased the Shortfin Barracuda Block 1A for SEA1000 Submarine Program
 
At PACIFIC 2015, the international maritime exposition held recently in Sydney, DCNS was showcasing for the first time a scale model of its proposal for the Australian SEA1000 submarine design and procurement program. Based on the French Navy Barracuda SSN currently in final stage of construction, the Shorfin Barracuda is 3 meters shorter (94 meters) and 200 tons lighter (4,500 tons).
     
At PACIFIC 2015, the international maritime exposition held recently in Sydney, DCNS was showcasing for the first time a scale model of its proposal for the Australian SEA1000 submarine design and procurement program. Based on the French Navy Barracuda SSN currently in final stage of construction, the Shorfin Barracuda is 3 meters shorter (94 meters) and 200 tons lighter (4,500 tons).Shortfin Barracuda Block 1A scale model on display at PACIFIC 2015
     

The two submarines share the same hull but DCNS further improved some aspects of the Shortfin Barracuda Block 1A hull shape in order to maintain the impressive speed and maneuverability qualities expected with the next SSN of the French Navy. Both are fitted with X-shape rudders which provides better handling to the submarine while surfaced and underwater. The "pump jet" allows for higher speed before the onset of cavitation and lower acoustic signature.

Earlier this year, the French Navy Barracuda Program Manager told Navy Recognition: "The Barracuda is a major capability investment for the Defense reflecting France's will to maintain its naval power status for the next fifty years. This new submarine will contribute to the deterrence strategy and to the use of conventional means in power projection or intelligence-gathering contexts. Therefore, it will act both as a power projection tool and as a warship". "The Barracuda received many technology transfers from the SSBN and some further developments that should give it a very high discretion, no comparison to the Rubis class. The stealth objectives of the new SSN are very close to those of the current SSBNs [ed. note: Le Triomphant class]."
     
Video: Shortfin Barracuda Block 1A at PACIFIC 2015
     
DCNS is the only one among the SEA1000 contenders to master the full spectrum of submarine types and size: SSK, SSN and the large SSBN.

Some of the key requirement for the Barracuda SSN were long endurance and high transit speed. The conventional Shortfin Barracuda will retain these intrinsic qualities: According to Xavier Mesnet, Marketing Director for Surface Ships and Submarine "It will be able to deploy far away, quickly and for a significant on-station period".

Finally, should Australia select the DCNS proposal, the Shortfin Barracuda will benefit from 2 or 3 years of operational deployement of the French Navy Barracuda.