France 30 FCAS fighters for nuclear carrier

France From 2038, the French navy’s second nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is planned to be operational carrying about 30 future combat air system (FCAS) fighters, France’s Ministry of Defence said on December 8.

Construction will begin on the unnamed aircraft carrier in 2025 with two years of sea trials from 2036. France’s first nuclear powered aircraft carrier is the Charles de Gaulle, which entered service in 2001. As well as the piloted FCAS next generation fighters, the new vessel will carry the unmanned aircraft systems, known as loyal wingmen or remote carriers, which will operate with them.

“With a mass of around 75,000 tonnes, it will be 300m long and 80m wide. With a speed of 27 knots… it will have electromagnetic catapults and around 30 new generation [FCAS] fighter jets. Its crew will consist of around 2,000 sailors,” according to the French Minister of Defence, Florence Parly.

Source: AirForces Monthly - February 2021

Photo: French President, Emmanuel Macron, made the announcement about the next aircraft carrier on December 8. It is yet to be named, but will carry the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) next generation fighter and the loyal wingman drone (Photo by Naval Group)

Editor: Paul Binder (©XAirForces Aerospace Industry News Editor from France)
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France 30 FCAS fighters for nuclear carrier

(13.02.2021)