L'Inflexible class

   Ordered in September 1978, the sole boat of the L'Inflexible class, L'Inflexible is an intermediate design between the Le Redoutable class and the Le Triomphant class. L'Inflexible retains most of the external characteristics of the earlier class, but the internal fittings and sensors differ by taking advantage of the advances made in the propulsion system, electronics and weapons since the Le Redoutable class boats were constructed. The rationale behind this intermediate boat lay in the fact that France required three SSBNs to be continuously available, of which two were to be on patrol. In order to achieve this the French navy had to have six submarines in service, a number one more than the Le Redoutable class total.

   Laid down in March 1980, L'Inflexible achieved operational status in April 1985 and is due to remain in service until at least 2008, or possibly until 2010. Like all French missile submarines, L'Inflexible has two crews, Bleu (blue) and Ambre (amber), to crew the vessel in rotation in order to maximise the time spent on patrol between reactor-refuelling refits. French SSBNs normally undertake patrols of two months duration, with three months as the absolute maximum. All the French SSBNs are based at Ile Longue near Brest and have special protection when transiting to and from the port.

   In April 2001 L'Inflexible conducted a successful test launch of the M45 submarine-launched ballistic missile, containing components of the new generation M51 intercontinental ballistic missile, which icurrently equips the Le Triomphant class ballistic missile submarines.