ECA Group press release
The Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) of the Electric Propulsion Motor(s) for the 4th Barracuda Submarine were successfully passed. All the tests carried out have confirmed the expected performances have been reached, including the most sensitive one, related to the low level of acoustic signature required for the equipment.
The ship set has been delivered to Naval Group in late December 2019 in order to be integrated into the motor device of the 4th Barracuda Submarine.
ECA GROUP team is now looking forward to the Sea trials of « The Suffren » Submarine (SM1).
About ECA GROUP equipment for submarine – advanced propulsion and energy conversion systems
ECA GROUP’s propulsion and energy conversion solutions are sea proven and in service within several navies. These systems can be integrated onto different platforms – nuclear or conventional – and are compatible with any type of submarine design.
Among the mains features of these systems are:
- A high level of acoustic discretion, leveraging on ECA GROUP expertise in signature management – both acoustic and magnetic
- Its capability to withstand hostile environments (shock resistance, withstand of high temperatures)
- The integration of complex electrical networks and use of the latest technologies such as silicon carbide chips to guarantee unparalleled performances
The BARRACUDA submarine programme
The Barracuda-class (or Suffren-class) submarines are nuclear attack submarines, designed by the French shipbuilder Naval Group for the French Navy.
Over a 10-year-long period started in 2017, Barracuda-type submarines will replace French Navy’s current generation of Rubis/Améthyste-class submarines. The Barracuda program represents a vital contribution to the renewal of France’s naval forces.
At the beginning of the Barracuda Submarine Programme, ECA GROUP was entrusted with the design and supply of cutting-edge technology energy conversion and propulsion systems. After successfully supplying equipment for the first three submarines of the programme, ECA GROUP has been once again selected to equip the remaining submarine. All four submarines are now expected to undergo a commissioning period staring in 2020.
What’s next for ECA Group ?
In October 2018, ECA GROUP was awarded additional contracts for the 5th and 6th Barracuda submarines. Still under the aegis of Naval Group, ECA GROUP will bring its expertise in propulsion, energy conversion and signature management to supply cutting-edge submarine equipment.
