In 2035, the Jeanne d'Arc is going to replace France's current aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle. This design incorporates the latest technologies, including laser weapons, artificial intelligence and state of the art communication-, command- and control systems, as well as advanced intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance systems. She's also highly automated, reducing the crew needed to operate the ship to around 500.
The design is an evolution of the British Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, with a similar two islands configuration. But the Jeanne d'Arc has a length of 302 metres, which makes her 22 metres longer than the Queen Elizabeth Class. That extra length was considered necessary to house the EMALS electromagnetic launch system, which was purchased from the United States. Unlike the Queen Elizabeth Class, the Jeanne d'Arc has a CATOBAR configuration, with 3 EMALS electromagnetic launch systems as catapults. She has two more decks under the flight deck to accommodate a fully equipped hospital. And she'll operate the FCAS (Future Combat Air System) as the main fighter. She can carry upto 65 rotary and fixed wing aircraft and upto 100 marine unmanned aircraft systems, depending on the type and size.
Because France is already operating a nuclear powered aircraft carrier (the Charles de Gaulle is the only non-US nuclear powered aircraft carrier in service today), the French government insisted the Jeanne d'Arc to be nuclear powered as well. Huge progress made in the late 2020's allowed the Jeanne d'Arc to be the first warship to enter service equipped with two fusion power reactors, delivering a combined power output of 480 MW. That output is needed not just for the propulsion of the ship, but also to power the powerful laser weapons the ship has on board for self defence and EMALS electromagnetic launch system.
Key facts for this carrier:
- The design, development and construction of the carrier is a result of European cooperation, similar to how European nations are already cooperating in Airbus and the Europfighter Typhoon. Such a common design will also lower costs for each participating nation.
- The carrier will be 302 metres long, with a max beam (or width) of 78 metres on the deck (and 46 metres at the waterline).
- Her displacement will be around 70,000 tons.
- She is powered by two fusion power reactors, of each 240 MW.
- Her range is (theoretically) unlimited.
- She can carry upto 65 fixed wing- and rotary aircraft, with an additional 20-100 UAVs and drones (depending on the type and size).
- She will operate the Dassault-Airbus FCAS as her main fighter.
- She has laser weapons and missiles for defence against arial and sea targets.
- She will have a fully equipped hospital deck too, with 200 permanent beds, several critical care units and a infectious disease ward.
- She can also function as a disaster relief ship.
- She can carry upto 450 Marine Commandos for amphibious operations, or to support special operations, counter terrorism and counter piracy missions.
