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French SSBN


Le Redoutable Class


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History & Modifications

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The design of Frances first SSBNs was based on the Lafayettes and were the first French postwar submarines to have a single hull. Unusually in SSBNs, turbo-electric drive is used instead of direct drive.

L'Indomptable and Le Tonnant have a metallic reactor core. The others have oxide cores.

L'Inflexible Class


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History & Modifications

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L'Inflexible is based on the Le Redoubtables, but has improved machinery and silencing.

Le Triomphant Class


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History & Modifications

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The Le Triomphants are to replace the Le Redoubtables. Originally two were planned, but budget restrictions forced two to be dropped. A fourth boat, as yet unnamed, is also to be built.