PARIS --- The nuclear attack submarine (SNA) Perle began her initial sea trials on May 17, 2023.
The Blue crew, commanded by Commander Nicolas Maigne, conducted surface propulsion and maneuverability trials. It then took a major step forward by performing its first static dive test on May 22, 2023. These initial trials, important markers for the completion of her periodic unavailability for maintenance and repairs (IPER), aim to ensure the submarine's ability to navigate safely.
During a major technical stop in the Missiessy basin of the Toulon nuclear attack submarine squadron, the SNA Perle suffered a major fire on June 12, 2020.
After checking the feasibility, the Minister for the Armed Forces Florence Parly decided to repair her in order to maintain the nuclear attack submarine fleet format.
Repair work of an unprecedented scale as part of a major technical shutdown was carried out, first in Cherbourg and then in Toulon, by the Naval Group shipyards under the project management of the Fleet Support Service (SSF). This work consisted of replacing the front half of the submarine Perle with that of the recently retired submarine Saphir, using cutting and welding processes mastered by the manufacturer, and then performing the electrical and fluid connection between the two parts.
Major maintenance work then continued with the reassembly of all the equipment; the modernization works already planned before the fire; the reloading of the nuclear core and the requalification of the nuclear boiler room. Inspections and tests then made it possible to validate the repair work and the proper functioning of all the installations.
The SNA Perle will be able to return to the operational cycle at the end of her sea trials period, after checking her ability to navigate safely and then validating her combat systems.
Reconstituted in June 2022, the Blue crew of the SNA Perle has since carried out qualification training on the simulators of the Toulon underwater navigation school. Since October 12, 2022, the crew has been in charge of monitoring the work and the vessel’s ramp-up.
The SNA Perle sailed to Toulon at the end of October 2021 after ten months of work in Cherbourg. Her return to her home port marked the resumption of work interrupted by the fire.
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