FS Agosta (S620)

History

Agosta-class diesel-electric attack submarines are used exclusively by the French Navy for patrolling major waterways in the Mediterranean. The series has also been adopted by the Spanish and Pakistani navies, where it is now (2016) in service. The French Navy operated the class for about 20 years before the line was decommissioned in the early 2000s. There are four Agosta-class ships on site, the French Navy's lead ship Agosta (S620) and its sisters Beveziers (S621), La Praya (S622) and Ouessant (S623).

These are the last of the French Navy's diesel-electric ships before transitioning to an all-nuclear underwater force.

The series follows the outgoing Daphne class ships and is succeeded by the newer, more modern and more powerful Scorpene class family.

The

Agosta class emerged from the French Navy's 1970-1975 reorganization and modernization program and entered service together from the second half of the century into the new millennium. They feature traditional profiles with a rounded bow section, tapered stern and forward conning tower.

Dimensions include a length of 219.9 feet, a beam of 19.7 feet and a draft of 17.8 feet. The ships displace 1,500 tons on the surface and 1,760 tons underwater. The number of crew members is 54.

Power comes from 2 x 3,600hp SEMT Pielstick diesel engines and 1 x 2,950hp electric motor. Diesel units propel the boat while cruising on the surface, and electric propulsion is used for underwater work. Each drive scheme drives one axis. The top speed is 12 knots on the surface and over 20 knots underwater. These boats can handle operations down to 980 feet.

These boats are designed to run quietly, but are also capable of high speeds in deep water. Sensors and processing systems include Thomson CSF DRUA-33 series radars and several on-board sonar systems, including DSUV 62A series towed arrays.

The armament is centred on 4 x 533 mm (21 in) torpedo tubes (all mounted on the bow) which have pneumatic reloading for quick response. The ships are also capable of engaging torpedoes at any achievable depth and speed, providing considerable tactical flexibility.

In the 1980s, French ships acquired the ability to launch SM-39 Flying Fish anti-ship missiles underwater.

The battleship Agosta of the French Group was completed in 1977 and served until decommissioned in 1997.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Wing