Azur-class submarine: Difference between revisions
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The '''Azur-class''' ([[Alexandrian language|Alexandrian]]: ''Classe Azur''), designated '''Type XXIX U-Boat''', is a class of nuclear-powered attack submarines under development for the [[Federal Navy of Nouvelle Alexandrie]]. Designed and built by the [[Pontecorvo Firm]], the class represents the second operational application of [[Alexandrium]]-powered [[wikipedia:magnetohydrodynamic drive|magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) propulsion]] following the [[Vanguard-class aircraft carrier]]. The class takes its name from the Book of Azure, one of the four sacred texts of the [[Melusinian Faith|Melusinian Tetrad]], and is intended to replace the [[Pontecorvo_Firm#Military_shipbuilding|Franciscania-class (Type XXVII)]] as the backbone of the Federal Navy's attack submarine force. Development originated within [[Project Silent Wave]] in {{AN|1738}}, with the [[Pontecorvo Firm]] receiving a dedicated submarine development contract in {{AN|1742}}. | The '''Azur-class''' ([[Alexandrian language|Alexandrian]]: ''Classe Azur''), designated '''Type XXIX U-Boat''', is a class of nuclear-powered attack submarines under development for the [[Federal Navy of Nouvelle Alexandrie]]. Designed and built by the [[Pontecorvo Firm]], the class represents the second operational application of [[Alexandrium]]-powered [[wikipedia:magnetohydrodynamic drive|magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) propulsion]] following the [[Vanguard-class aircraft carrier]]. The class takes its name from the Book of Azure, one of the four sacred texts of the [[Melusinian Faith|Melusinian Tetrad]], and is intended to replace the [[Pontecorvo_Firm#Military_shipbuilding|Franciscania-class (Type XXVII)]] as the backbone of the Federal Navy's attack submarine force. Development originated within [[Project Silent Wave]] in {{AN|1738}}, with the [[Pontecorvo Firm]] receiving a dedicated submarine development contract in {{AN|1742}}. | ||
The lead boat, FNS ''Azur'' (SSN-61), was laid down at the [[Pontecorvo_Firm#Facilities|Pontecorvo Shipbuilding Yards]] in III.{{AN|1748}}, launched in IX.{{AN|1752}}, and commenced sea trials on 12.XIV.{{AN|1752}}. The Azur-class incorporates the acoustic signature reduction demonstrated by the Vanguard-class carrier, achieving sustained speeds of 25 knots while remaining quieter than conventional submarines at 5 knots. This capability eliminates the traditional tradeoff between speed and stealth that has constrained underwater warfare since the invention of sonar. If trials validate design performance over the projected 18-month evaluation period, the [[Cortes Federales]] is expected to approve an 18-boat production program in {{AN|1754}}, with deliveries beginning in {{AN|1756}}. The Azur-class would gradually replace the oldest [[Pontecorvo_Firm#Military_shipbuilding|Franciscania-class]] boats, which entered service beginning in {{AN|1690}} and will reach the end of their projected service life in the 1770s. | The lead boat, FNS ''Azur'' (SSN-61), was laid down at the [[Pontecorvo_Firm#Facilities|Pontecorvo Shipbuilding Yards]] in III.{{AN|1748}}, launched in IX.{{AN|1752}}, and commenced sea trials on 12.XIV.{{AN|1752}}. The Azur-class incorporates the acoustic signature reduction demonstrated by the Vanguard-class carrier, achieving sustained speeds of 25 knots while remaining quieter than conventional submarines at 5 knots. This capability eliminates the traditional tradeoff between speed and stealth that has constrained underwater warfare since the invention of sonar. If trials validate design performance over the projected 18-month evaluation period, the [[Cortes Federales]] is expected to approve an 18-boat production program in {{AN|1754}}, with deliveries beginning in {{AN|1756}}. The Azur-class would gradually replace the oldest [[Pontecorvo_Firm#Military_shipbuilding|Franciscania-class]] boats, which entered service beginning in {{AN|1690}} and will reach the end of their projected service life in the 1770s. | ||
Like all platforms incorporating [[Alexandrium]] propulsion technology, the Azur-class is subject to the export control provisions of the [[Treaty of Fontainebleau on Alexandrium Coordination]]. | |||
==Ships in class== | ==Ships in class== | ||
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No construction has been authorized. The Department of Defense has indicated that a production decision on the Ravitailleur variant will follow successful completion of the attack submarine prototype trials, with potential orders for 4-6 support submarines if the concept does prove viable. | No construction has been authorized. The Department of Defense has indicated that a production decision on the Ravitailleur variant will follow successful completion of the attack submarine prototype trials, with potential orders for 4-6 support submarines if the concept does prove viable. | ||
==Export restrictions== | |||
The Azur-class [[Alexandrium]]-239 reactor and MHD propulsion system are subject to the [[Treaty of Fontainebleau on Alexandrium Coordination]], signed in {{AN|1749}}. Under Article VII of the Treaty, transfer of [[Alexandrium]]-powered systems to nations other than Treaty signatories ([[Constancia]], [[Nouvelle Alexandrie]], [[Oportia]], and [[Zeed]]) or Most Favored Nation partners ([[Natopia]] and the [[Benacian Union]]) requires unanimous approval from the [[Euran Alexandrium Coordination Organization]] (EACO). Any single member state retains veto authority over proposed sales. | |||
The [[Department of Defense (Nouvelle Alexandrie)|Department of Defense]] has not announced plans for an export variant. Unlike the [[Dominion-class arsenal ship]] program, which developed a conventional-propulsion variant for non-Treaty customers, the Azur-class program has focused exclusively on the Alexandrium-powered configuration. | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
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* [[Vanguard-class aircraft carrier]] | * [[Vanguard-class aircraft carrier]] | ||
* [[Melusinian Faith]] | * [[Melusinian Faith]] | ||
* [[Treaty of Fontainebleau on Alexandrium Coordination]] | |||
* [[Euran Alexandrium Coordination Organization]] | |||
[[Category:Submarines]] | [[Category:Submarines]] | ||
Latest revision as of 06:27, 28 January 2026
| Country |
 Nouvelle Alexandrie |
|---|---|
| Type | Nuclear-powered attack submarine |
| Manufacturer | Pontecorvo Firm |
| Displacement |
|
| Length | 112 m |
| Beam | 12.2 m |
| Draft | 9.8 m |
| Propulsion |
|
| Speed |
|
| Range | Unlimited (35-year refueling cycle) |
| Test depth | 500 m (operational) / 650 m (maximum) |
| Complement | 88 |
| Endurance | 90 days (provisions-limited) |
| Armament |
|
| Armour | Alexandrium-graphene composite pressure hull |
| In service | 1752 AN (sea trials) |
| Notes |
|
The Azur-class (Alexandrian: Classe Azur), designated Type XXIX U-Boat, is a class of nuclear-powered attack submarines under development for the Federal Navy of Nouvelle Alexandrie. Designed and built by the Pontecorvo Firm, the class represents the second operational application of Alexandrium-powered magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) propulsion following the Vanguard-class aircraft carrier. The class takes its name from the Book of Azure, one of the four sacred texts of the Melusinian Tetrad, and is intended to replace the Franciscania-class (Type XXVII) as the backbone of the Federal Navy's attack submarine force. Development originated within Project Silent Wave in 1738 AN, with the Pontecorvo Firm receiving a dedicated submarine development contract in 1742 AN.
The lead boat, FNS Azur (SSN-61), was laid down at the Pontecorvo Shipbuilding Yards in III.1748 AN, launched in IX.1752 AN, and commenced sea trials on 12.XIV.1752 AN. The Azur-class incorporates the acoustic signature reduction demonstrated by the Vanguard-class carrier, achieving sustained speeds of 25 knots while remaining quieter than conventional submarines at 5 knots. This capability eliminates the traditional tradeoff between speed and stealth that has constrained underwater warfare since the invention of sonar. If trials validate design performance over the projected 18-month evaluation period, the Cortes Federales is expected to approve an 18-boat production program in 1754 AN, with deliveries beginning in 1756 AN. The Azur-class would gradually replace the oldest Franciscania-class boats, which entered service beginning in 1690 AN and will reach the end of their projected service life in the 1770s.
Like all platforms incorporating Alexandrium propulsion technology, the Azur-class is subject to the export control provisions of the Treaty of Fontainebleau on Alexandrium Coordination.
Ships in class
| Hull number | Name | Builder | Laid down | Launched | Commissioned | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSN-61 | FNS Azur | Pontecorvo Shipbuilding Yards | III.1748 AN | IX.1752 AN | - | Sea trials |
| 18 additional boats planned; production decision expected 1754 AN | ||||||
Operators
- Federal Navy of Nouvelle Alexandrie (projected)
Variants
Ravitailleur variant
The Department of Defense has funded preliminary design studies for a fleet support variant designated the Azur-class (Ravitailleur). The variant would replace the weapons bay and VLS cells with cargo holds capable of transporting approximately 1,800 tonnes of supplies, including torpedo and missile reloads, fuel for conventional submarines, provisions, spare parts, and medical supplies. The boat would retain four 533mm torpedo tubes for self-defense and rendezvous with attack submarines at prearranged deep-water locations, transferring supplies without either vessel surfacing or entering port.
No construction has been authorized. The Department of Defense has indicated that a production decision on the Ravitailleur variant will follow successful completion of the attack submarine prototype trials, with potential orders for 4-6 support submarines if the concept does prove viable.
Export restrictions
The Azur-class Alexandrium-239 reactor and MHD propulsion system are subject to the Treaty of Fontainebleau on Alexandrium Coordination, signed in 1749 AN. Under Article VII of the Treaty, transfer of Alexandrium-powered systems to nations other than Treaty signatories (Constancia, Nouvelle Alexandrie, Oportia, and Zeed) or Most Favored Nation partners (Natopia and the Benacian Union) requires unanimous approval from the Euran Alexandrium Coordination Organization (EACO). Any single member state retains veto authority over proposed sales.
The Department of Defense has not announced plans for an export variant. Unlike the Dominion-class arsenal ship program, which developed a conventional-propulsion variant for non-Treaty customers, the Azur-class program has focused exclusively on the Alexandrium-powered configuration.
See also
- Federal Navy of Nouvelle Alexandrie
- Pontecorvo Firm
- Franciscania-class submarine
- Tudela-class submarine
- Voyager-class UUV
- Alexandrium
- Magnetohydrodynamic drive
- Project Silent Wave
- Vanguard-class aircraft carrier
- Melusinian Faith
- Treaty of Fontainebleau on Alexandrium Coordination
- Euran Alexandrium Coordination Organization
