How not to build an aircraft carrier.

[Doubt]

Looks like the French may want to buy a new carrier of British design, since their new one appears to be a dog.

http://www.strategypage.com/dls/articles/2003127.asp


France is considering joining with Britain to buy a new carrier of British design. Actually, the French had planned to built a second nuclear powered carrier, but they are having so many problems with the first one that they are quite reluctant about building a second like the troubled "Charles de Gaulle".

SNIP

The new French nuclear carrier "Charles de Gaulle" has suffered from a seemingly endless string of problems since it was first conceived in 1986. The 40,000 ton ship has cost over four billion dollars so far and is slower than the steam powered carrier it replaced.


So the French cannot get their new carrier to work right. The funny part is that the French are very good at designing conventional propulsion systems. A French company named Alstom Power Conversion has designed a fair number of systems for the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard and some cruise ships that work quite well.

[Jocko]

Originally posted by Doubt
The funny part is that the French are very good at designing conventional propulsion systems. A French company named Alstom Power Conversion has designed a fair number of systems for the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard and some cruise ships that work quite well.

While that may be true, I have it from reliable sources that they're looking for a model that offers a higher RPM motor for raising the white flag. Precious seconds could be saved.

[Zep]

If only they had swallowed their pride and bought one made in the USA (seriously!). At least the Americans have had a few decades' experience in making these types of nuclear-powered vessels, and have more than likely ironed out most of the bugs by now. Of course, international politics would probably have reared its ugly head too...

[Cecil]

Originally posted by Jocko
While that may be true, I have it from reliable sources that they're looking for a model that offers a higher RPM motor for raising the white flag. Precious seconds could be saved. Ah, but a few seconds every time the flag is raised would easily add up to hours over the life of the carrier.

[Andonyx]

Let's not forget this Gem...

http://www.aerospaceweb.org/aircraft/fighter/mirage2000/mirage2000_04.jpg

http://www.aerospaceweb.org/aircraft/fighter/mirage2000/

[Abdul Alhazred]

Originally posted by Doubt
Looks like the French may want to buy a new carrier of British design, since their new one appears to be a dog.
The 40,000 ton ship has cost over four billion dollars so far ...


Serves the French right for being such cheapskates. That's what happens when you cut corners :D

[Jon_in_london]

So the French want to build one of British design?
Thats perfect as we want to build one of French design!

Yin and Yang, eat yer heart out!

[Zero]

Originally posted by Zep
If only they had swallowed their pride and bought one made in the USA (seriously!). At least the Americans have had a few decades' experience in making these types of nuclear-powered vessels, and have more than likely ironed out most of the bugs by now. Of course, international politics would probably have reared its ugly head too... I don't see what the problem would be...profit always trumps politics!

[Jon_in_london]

Originally posted by Zero
I don't see what the problem would be...profit always trumps politics!

And politics always trumps national interest.

[c0rbin]

Zee landing streep was o-ver-un wiz doggee doo.

Zoot! Zere vas no place to land ::pop::

[Agammamon]

Originally posted by Zep
If only they had swallowed their pride and bought one made in the USA (seriously!). . .


True, true, but I don't think the French need a full size carrier. Of course given that the CDG has already cost 4 billion they're over halfway to covering the purchase price of one of ours.

[Michael Redman]

Maybe we could sell one full size carrier to France and Britain, and they could share it.

[BTox]

Originally posted by Jocko


While that may be true, I have it from reliable sources that they're looking for a model that offers a higher RPM motor for raising the white flag. Precious seconds could be saved.

Bwaaa! :D

[Hexxenhammer]

Isn't it nice that the left and the right can come together to make fun of the French? Gives me hope...

[Hamish]

The 40,000 ton ship has cost over four billion dollars so far

(whips out calculator...) Wow! That makes it worth its weight in.... thallium!

[BTox]

Originally posted by Hexxenhammer
Isn't it nice that the left and the right can come together to make fun of the French? Gives me hope...

Good point - maybe we need a French presidential candidate (born here, of course) that we can all universally despise.

[Zep]

Originally posted by BTox
Good point - maybe we need a French presidential candidate (born here, of course) that we can all universally despise. Apart from the fact that a French presidential candidate MUST be born in France (some sort of le rules), I thought this was already the case...