OVERVIEW: The S 605 Amethyste [Rubis Class] is a diesel-electric attack submarine (SSK) operated by the French Navy. Commissioned in 2012, she represents a significant upgrade to the original Rubis-class design, incorporating enhancements to reduce noise and improve operational capabilities.

DETAILS: The Rubis class was originally conceived in the 1970s as a compact and cost-effective nuclear-powered submarine (SSN) design, intended to complement France's larger SSBN force and replace the aging Agosta-class diesel-electric submarines. However, budgetary constraints and the desire for a more readily deployable submarine led to a unique approach: utilizing the compact nuclear reactor developed for the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. The resulting Rubis class, while nuclear-powered, was notably smaller and quieter than its predecessors. The Amethyste improvement program (Amélioration Tactique, Hydrodynamique, Silence, Transmission, Ecoute) sought to address acoustic signature issues identified in the initial Rubis design. The program involved a complete rebuild of each submarine, including a new bow section, improved soundproofing, and upgraded combat systems. S 605 Amethyste was the final boat upgraded to this standard, benefiting from lessons learned during the earlier refits. The refit significantly modernized the class, essentially creating a "new" submarine in terms of operational effectiveness.

The primary roles of the S 605 Amethyste are anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), intelligence gathering, and special operations support. In an ASW role, the submarine's enhanced acoustic signature reduction, coupled with the DUUX 5 Fenelon [TSM 2255] sonar suite, provides a significant advantage in detecting and tracking enemy submarines in both littoral and deep-water environments. The DUUX 5 is a sophisticated integrated sonar system capable of passive and active detection, classification, and ranging. The submarine's ASuW capability is centered on its 533mm torpedo tubes, which can deploy a variety of anti-ship torpedoes. The Type 1007 navigation radar aids in surface navigation and target acquisition in ASuW engagements. The DMUX 20 [DSUV 2H + DUUA 2D] towed array sonar provides extended range passive detection capabilities, improving situational awareness.

The S 605 Amethyste's sensor suite also includes the DR 3000U radar intercept system, allowing for the detection and identification of enemy radar emissions. The DSUV 62C [TSM 2933] active sonar system is used for mine detection and avoidance. The vessel also carries both low-light television (LLTV) and optical submarine periscopes for visual observation and target identification. The CONTRALTO-S [SLAT] torpedo countermeasure system offers a degree of protection against incoming torpedoes. The DUUG 6 [M5] and DUUG 2 sonars provide additional capabilities for target classification and ranging, complementing the main sonar suite. Signal Ejectors are also fitted.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 73.6 m || Beam: 7.6 m || Draft: 6.4 m || Disp: 2400 t

SENSORS: DUUX 5 Fenelon [TSM 2255] || Type 1007 || DMUX 20 [DSUV 2H + DUUA 2D] || DR 3000U || DSUV 62C [TSM 2933] || DUUG 6 [M5] || DUUG 2 || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

ARMAMENT: CONTRALTO-S [SLAT] || Signal Ejector || 533mm TT