December 9,
2008: The French nuclear aircraft carrier (CVN) Charles de Gaulle has completed
a fifteen month, half billion dollar, refurbishment. All CVNs undergo this,
usually timed to coincide with when it is necessary to replenish the nuclear
power plant (in this case with 64 new
fuel rods). The de Gaulle took eleven years to build (1988-99) and was not
ready for service until late 2000. It was downhill after that, with a long list
of problems. The recently completed refurbishment was meant to address the most
serious problems. It will be a year or so before it is clear if the de Gaulle
is really good to go.
The refrub work
required 2.5 million man hours (about half of supplied by the crew and navy
technicians) from 1,700 workers. The worked involved stripping old paint and
applying 11,000 square meters (40 tons) of new paint on the hull. The 7,800
meter flight deck was refinished. Over 80,000 meters of electrical cables were
installed. Most of the mechanical systems were refurbished, and some were
replaced. Electronic systems were upgraded, to include more satellite
communications access and improved Internet capability. It's now easier to use
VOIP (using the Internet for telephone calls.) The de Gaulle will return to
service next year.
