FS Charles de Gaulle (R91)

History

Charles de Gaulle (R 91) is a nuclear powered aircraft carrier currently in service with the French Navy. It is the first nuclear-powered surface vehicle ever produced in France and is equipped with many modern high-tech systems, making it a major player on the global stage.

It deploys the powerful Navy-type Dassault Rafale (known as the Rafale M) and, if required, a variety of other specialized aircraft and helicopters. Charles de Gaulle (or "CDG") is the current flagship of the French Navy - also known as the "National Navy".

Despite being smaller than her Western counterparts, Charles de Gaulle is still a formidable carrier serving the interests of the French Navy. Although her island layout is very forward compared to Western designs, her island layout goes along the starboard side. The superstructure contains most of the detection, communication and radar equipment systems. Most of the ship's surface area consists of her flight deck and includes a stern from starboard/stern to port.

The design features a distinctly smooth silhouette that extends above the waterline.

Like most airlines at sea today, de Gaulle advertised her offensive presence through her airborne squadron. It can be deployed on demand of up to 40 different makes and models, but is more traditionally equipped with Super Ensign and Dassault Rafale fighter jets, Grumman E-2C Hawkeye aircraft and SA365 Dauphin series naval helicopters.

As a defensive measure, Charles de Gaulle can use her 4 x 8 cell SYLVER launchers to fire MBDA Aster 15 series surface-to-air missiles or a Mistral - short-range 2 x 6 cell Sadrar launchers equipped with surface-to-air missiles. Air missiles. In addition, the CDG is equipped with an 8x20mm single-barreled GIAT 20F2 series cannon for protection against air and surface threats.

Support systems include ARBR21 detector kit, ARBB 33 countermeasure kit, decoy launcher, ARBG2 MAIGRET interceptor system and SLAT anti-torpedo countermeasure unit.

De Gaulle was deployed to support the Allies during Operation Enduring Freedom. Together with a contingent of French naval ships and submarines, the Charles de Gaulle conducted daily raids and reconnaissance operations against Taliban forces in Afghanistan with their Super Ensign, Rafale, Hawkeye and helicopters while in direct contact with active belligerent surface-to-air forces - Aircraft standing position.

The ship and its super-ensign were later involved in the reconnaissance that led to Operation Anaconda, and their involvement in the area officially ended in May 2007.

First ordered by Charles de Gaulle in 1986, it was not built until 1989 at the DCN Brest Naval Shipyard (then called Richelieu). Launched in 1994 and officially commissioned in 2001, it remains the only aircraft carrier currently in active service with the French Navy, breaking the historical tradition of requiring the use of two active aircraft carriers. Based in Toulon, France, de Gaulle was aptly nicknamed "CDG" by her staff.

The ship was named after the French general and Free Army politician Charles de Gaulle.

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