Poster Vintage "Gymnote" class French submarine

Launched in 1964, the Gymnote submarine (S655) was introduced into active service in 1966.

The genesis of this submarine is unusual.

Planned to be the first nuclear submarine, the Q244 project was finally abandoned in favor of the SNLE "Le Redoutable" (which would be launched in 1969). The remains of the hulls of the Q244 will be used for the construction of the "Gymnote".

The goal: to create an experimental submarine equipped with 4 missile launcher tubes to prepare the entry in service of the ballistic missiles carried by the future SSBNs.

The Gymnote, a building 84 meters long and 3000 tonnes, will launch several ballistic missile models, from MSBS to M4 (hence its mast at an impressive height, which was used to film the launch of the missile)

A veritable floating laboratory, the "ironer" of the French Navy will operate until 1986, the date of its disarmament. Its special shape will remain in people's minds, and many submariners have a special affection for this boat.

Poster produced with Procreate and iPad Pro in 2019.