DCNS will propose the world’s most advanced conventionally powered submarine – named the Shortfin Barracuda Block 1A – as its pre-concept design for Australia’s future submarine Competitive Evaluation Process (CEP).
The submarine takes its name from the Shortfin Barracuda, an indigenous species of the Barracuda found in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
DCNS has developed the Shortfin Barracuda from its larger cousin, the French Navy’s Barracuda nuclear-powered attack submarine, to meet the CEP requirements.
Sean Costello, CEO DCNS Australia, said:
While exact details remain confidential, DCNS can confirm the Shortfin Barracuda is over 90 metres in length and displaces more than 4,000 tons when dived.
If selected the Shortfin Barracuda will remain in service until the 2060s and the Block 1A platform will be updated and upgraded with new technology developed in France and Australia.
Image: DCNS