French aircraft carrier PA2

Porte- Avions 2 (short: PA2 ) is the project name for the future second aircraft carrier of the French Navy. It is developed on the basis of the British Queen Elizabeth class and to be put into service between 2015 and 2020.

History

In 2001, the French Navy aircraft carrier its new Charles de Gaulle in service. Originally it was planned to build a second ship of this class, but massive technical problems, delays and cost overruns eventually led that this plan was not pursued. Instead, France sought after a cheaper alternative and showed interest in the British CVF Project, under which two new aircraft carriers should be developed for the British Navy.

In 2002, there were initial talks between the two countries with respect to a cooperative and 2004 confirmed President Jacques Chirac finally official that France was interested in participating in the CVF Project. On January 26, 2006, the United Kingdom and France agreed to collaborate in the further planning. This includes an analysis of how the UK approach for the French Navy can be adapted. Since France favored an aircraft carrier for the conventional starting ( CTOL ) aircraft of the type Rafale, some changes to the British STOVL design had to be made. It paid off, that the United Kingdom could conceive from the beginning so the support that they can be converted from STOVL to CTOL relatively simple.

At the fair Euronaval France announced in October 2006 that the British concept agree to over 90 percent with the French requirements and applies a participation as safe. A final decision on whether France a CTOL variant of the - now known as the Queen Elizabeth Class - builds British support was originally expected in mid- 2007, but delayed due to problems with financing. In April 2008, the French Defence Minister Herve Morin put the acquisition of PA2 in the context of budget cuts in question. He pointed out that it would be problematic in the current budgetary situation, to realize such an expensive project. On May 27, 2008, President Nicolas Sarkozy announced that the decision had been postponed on the construction of the support on 2010/11. The commissioning ceremony will be thereby delayed for at least two to three years.

Drive

Since the British Navy has opted for a conventional drive and it also gave a number of problems with the nuclear reactor, the Charles de Gaulle, France also decided against a nuclear propulsion for the PA 2 The drive system is either of two Rolls- Royce MT30 gas turbines with 36 MW each, or two General Electric LM2500 G4 gas turbines with 28.6 MW exist. The top speed is 27-30 knots are, the range should be about 10,000 miles at a speed of 15 knots.

Aircraft

Original plans stipulated that the PA 2 could take up to 48 planes and helicopters on board, but in the recent concepts of only 40 machines mentioned. Dassault Rafale, the chosen, to be carried by up to 32 pieces - as a fighter aircraft was - as well as on the Charles de Gaulle. Aerial reconnaissance is to be ensured by three aircraft of type Grumman E-2. In addition to five NH90 helicopters will be carried for air transport and anti-submarine defense.

Construction

The adaptation of the British to the French concept needs was conducted by the arms companies Thales, its subsidiary Thales UK is also involved in the British media, and DCN. Will be built the PA 2 at the shipyard Chantiers de l' Atlantique in Saint- Nazaire.

Name of ship

The French government has so far not set on a name for the new aircraft carriers. Favorited is currently the name of Richelieu, the original should bear the Charles de Gaulle. The vessel's identity will be R92.