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Charles de Gaulle Aircraft Carrier

Charles de Gaulle Aircraft Carrier

Manufacturer: DCNS
Category: Aircraft Carriers
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Large Flight Deck Full-length CATOBAR deck
Onboard Air Wing 30–40 aircraft
Advanced Command & Control Integrated CMS and CIC
Defensive Weapon Systems Crotale SAM, SADRAL CIWS

Full Specifications

1. Physical Characteristics

Ship Type	Aircraft Carrier
Class	Charles de Gaulle-class
Length	261.5 m
Beam (Width)	64.36 m
Flight Deck Width	64.36 m
Draft	9.43 m
Displacement (Full Load)	42,000 tons

2. Propulsion & Performance

Propulsion Type	Nuclear
Powerplant	2 K15 nuclear reactors
Shafts	2
Maximum Speed	27+ knots
Range	Virtually unlimited
Endurance	45–60 days at sea

3. Flight Operations

Aircraft Launch System	CATOBAR
Catapult Type	Steam
Recovery System	Arresting gear
Total Aircraft Capacity	30–40
Hangar Capacity	Full-length
Aircraft Types Supported	Rafale M, E-2C Hawkeye, ASW helos, transport helos

4. Sensors & Electronics

Primary Radar	Herakles 3D multi-function
Navigation Radar	Standard naval navigation system
Fire Control Radar	Air defense and CIWS control
Electronic Warfare Suite	ESM, ECM, jammers
Communication Systems	SATCOM, Link-16, national data links

5. Weapons & Defense Systems

CIWS	SADRAL
Short-Range SAMs	Crotale
Missile Launchers	Limited surface-defense only
Decoy Systems	Chaff, flares, electronic decoys

6. Command & Control

Combat Management System	Integrated CMS
Combat Information Center (CIC)	Central command hub
Air Operations Center	Manages flight operations
Data Links	Tactical & satellite communication systems

7. Crew & Capacity

Ship Crew	1,350
Air Wing Personnel	600
Total Complement	1,950

8. Construction & Cost

Shipbuilder/Manufacturer	DCNS/Naval Group, France
Construction Started	1989
Commissioned	2001
Estimated Cost	$3–4B

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

7.8

Performance 9 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 6 / 10
Payload Capacity 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Nuclear propulsion allows virtually unlimited range.
Advanced CATOBAR system for multi-aircraft operations.
Modern electronic warfare and radar suites.
High versatility with fixed-wing and rotary aircraft.
Serves as a command and control hub for joint operations.

CONS

High construction and maintenance costs.
Limited air wing compared to U.S. supercarriers.
Requires specialized nuclear-trained crew.
Aging air defense systems may need upgrades.
Single hull limits redundancy in battle damage scenarios.

Charles de Gaulle Aircraft Carrier – France’s Flagship Power

Measuring 261.5 meters in length with a 64.36-meter beam, the Charles de Gaulle accommodates a full air wing of up to 40 aircraft, including Rafale M multirole fighters, E-2C Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft, and various helicopters for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and transport missions. Its CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) system uses two steam catapults and arrestor wires, enabling efficient launch and recovery of fixed-wing aircraft.

The carrier’s propulsion is powered by two K15 nuclear reactors, providing virtually unlimited range and speeds exceeding 27 knots. Advanced radar, electronic warfare, and communication suites ensure situational awareness, while defensive systems like the Crotale surface-to-air missiles and SADRAL CIWS offer layered protection against aerial and missile threats.

Operational Role

The Charles de Gaulle is central to France’s force projection strategy, capable of executing power projection, maritime security, and humanitarian operations. Its integrated command and control systems enable real-time coordination with allied forces, making it a strategic asset for NATO operations and independent missions worldwide.

Charles de Gaulle Aircraft Carrier Price

The Charles de Gaulle Aircraft Carrier stands as the centerpiece of the French Navy, symbolizing strategic power projection and modern naval engineering. Commissioned in 2001 and constructed by DCNS (now Naval Group) in France, it is the nation’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, designed to operate across the globe with unparalleled autonomy and versatility.

Reviews

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Performance:

8
Maintenance Efficiency:

8
Payload Capacity:

8
Reliability & Maintenance:

8
Average Rating 6 / 10 based on your selection

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