page_title: La Fayette-class frigate
section_title: Construction
hierarchical_section_title: La Fayette-class frigate / French version / Construction
context_page_description: The La Fayette class is a class of general purpose frigates built by DCNS and operated by the French Navy. Derivatives of the type are in service in the navies of Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Taiwan.
  The ships were originally known as "stealth frigates" due to their unique stealth design at the time. Their reduced radar cross section is achieved by a clean superstructure compared to conventional designs, angled sides and radar absorbent material, a composite material of wood and glass fibre as hard as steel, light, and resistant to fire. Most modern combat ships built since the introduction of the La Fayette class have followed the same principles of stealth.
  All information gathered by the onboard sensors is managed by the Information Processing System, the electronic brain of the operation centre of the ship. It is completed by an electronic command aid system.
  The La Fayette class has space available for the future installation of the Aster 15 air-defence missile, however they will not be installed due to recent cost issues. The ships are designed to accommodate a 10-tonne helicopter in the Panther or NH90 range.
context_section_description: The superstructure is made of light alloy and glass-reinforced plastic, which allow a reduction in top weight. This provides adequate but sub-optimal resistance to fire. Vital zones are armoured in Kevlar, and important systems are redundant. The crew is protected against biological, chemical and nuclear environments.
  The ships were built with a modular inner structure from eleven prefabricated modules which were completed at the factory, delivered to the shipyard and assembled there. This technique results in a construction time of less than two years.
  The hull has a pronounced angle at the stem, with a short forecastle that integrates directly into the superstructure. The ship's sides have a negative inclination of ten degrees. The single anchor is located exactly on the stem, into which it is completely recessed. The deck where the seamanship equipment and capstans are installed is internal in order to hide it from radar.
  The superstructure is built in one piece and directly integrates into the hull, with only a change in inclination. A platform is located between the main gun and the bridge. The superstructure runs continuously down to the helicopter hangar, on top of which short-range antiaircraft Crotale missiles are installed.
  The ships feature two masts. The main mast has a pyramidal structure which integrates funnels and supports the antenna of the Syracuse military communications satellite system, while the second supports the main radar.
  Three of the French Navy frigates (La Fayette, Courbet and Aconit) have been selected to receive mid-life upgrades pending the introduction of the FTI frigates starting in 2023. The three frigates will receive a hull-mounted sonar to incorporate an anti-submarine capability, modernized point air defence systems as well as other improvements. The upgrades will permit the three ships to operate through the 2020s and into the 2030s. The first updated vessel is scheduled for completion in 2021.
caption: Superstructure of a La Fayette blends into the hull with only a slight change in inclination
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