Jeanne d'Arc

   The Jeanne d'Arc helicopter carrier is named after the French national heroine. It is the third vessel of the French Navy, which carries this name. The sole ship was commissioned in 1964. The maim mission of this vessel is anti-submarine warfare, however in peacetime the Jeanne d'Arc is used as a training ship of the French Naval Academy and as command ship. It is to be decommissioned in the near future.

   This helicopter carrier was laid down in 1959 as the Le Resolue. It was launched in 1961 and commissioned in 1964 as the Jeanne d'Arc. Sometimes it is regarded as a helicopter cruiser, as this ship has unusual design. It's forward part of the hull is similar to that of the Colbert light cruiser.

   This ship can carry up to 14 Super Frelon or lighter helicopters. Typically it carries a mix of utility Super Frelons and Super Pumas, as well as anti-submarine Dauphins and Lynxes. Two helicopters can take-off or land simultaneously. A helicopter hangar is located under the landing deck. This vessel is fitted with a single elevator, which has a 12 000 kg capacity and lifts the helicopters from hanger to the landing deck.

   The Jeanne d'Arc can also serve as a landing ship. In this role it can carry 700 - 800 marines. The first wave of troops can be delivered ashore by heavy transport helicopters.

   Armament of this ship also includes six Exocet anti-ship missile launchers, fitted in front of the bridge. Originally it had four 100-mm guns, however two of them were removed in 2000. These are used for self-defense against air and surface threats.

   The Janne d'Arc is propelled by four oil-fired boilers, developing 10 000 hp each. Vessel has a range of 7 500 nautical miles (14 000 km) at 15 knots or 3 000 nautical miles (5 400 km) at 26 knots.