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Patrouilleurs Hauturiers
Patrouilleurs Hauturiers (English: Offshore Patrol Vessel), often shortened to PH, is a program to design and build 10 long-range patrol boats for the French Navy. Formerly known as the Patrouilleurs Océanique (PO) program, the ships will replace various aging patrol vessels in a wide variety of tasks off France. Development began in 2020 and construction will occur in two batches, with all ships expected to be in service by 2035. DevelopmentInitially known as the Patrouilleurs Océanique (English: Ocean Patrol) program, commonly shortened to PO, the program was unveiled in 2020 with the goal to design and develop a 10-ship series of patrol vessels to replace the aging Flamant, D'Estienne d'Orves, and P400-class patrol vessels. The ships' roles would include maritime patrol, protecting national waters, submarine escort, evacuation, surveillance, interception, protection of French interests, and other miscellaneous duties.[1][2] The program was announced during a major overhaul of the French Navy, which occurs every 30–40 years.[3] Designed by Naval Group, the first 7 ships were ordered in 2023 from Piriou Shipyard, Constructions Mécaniques de Normandie, and Socarenam. Construction of this batch began in 2024 and all 7 are estimated to be in delivered by 2030. The remaining 3 ships are planned to be ordered as part of a later budget and are planned to enter service by 2035.[2] DesignThe new patrol ships will be significantly larger than their predecessors, allowing for an improved range of 6,000 nautical miles at 21 knots, or, 30 days at sea through the diesel-electric drive. The ships would displace 2,400 tons, be 92 m (302 ft) long, have a beam of 14.2 m (47 ft), and a draft of 3.6 m (12 ft). Fitted on the bow is a 40CT, a 40 mm (1.6 in) multi-role autocannon that will serve as the main weapon. Immediately behind the gun is a panoramic bridge fitted with two 12.7 mm (0.50 in) machine guns. On top of the superstructure is space for future instillation of a Mistral anti-air missile, located near the life rafts, and the ship's mast. The rest of the superstructure will include a 7 m (23 ft) long RHIB on the deck and one 9.3 metres (31 ft) long RHIB per side incorporated into the superstructure. Towards the aft is a hanger and helipad that can fit an Airbus H160M helicopter and a VSR700 UAS, with a 7.62 mm (0.30 in) machine gun on top of the hanger.[2] The French Navy states that there would be room for a total of 84 people on board, not specifying how many of those are crew members. One of the most unique elements of the design is the incorporation of a sonar, allowing the ships to track underwater targets in their mission to monitor and intercept submarines despite such tasks historically not being done by patrol ships.[2] ShipsEvery ship in the class is named for people who fought for Free France during the Second World War, in recognition of the war's 80th anniversary. In addition, the names would be the first time that a modern French ship would be named for women, aside from Joan of Arc.[4]
See alsoReferences
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