Charles de Gaulle (R91) — French Aircraft Carrier Model, 30 in
Charles de Gaulle (R91) — French Aircraft Carrier Model, 30 in
How big is it?
Length about 76 cm / 30.0 in. Drawn to scale; the model outline is a simplified shape.
Model details
- Size
- 30 in / 76 cm
- Construction
- Handcrafted
- Condition
- Fully assembled, ready to display
- Display
- Wooden base with brass nameplate
- Collection
- Battle Ship Models
- Item no.
- CM455
France's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier — the only one outside the United States Navy.
Handcrafted at 30 inches with flight deck, island, catapult and aircraft detail.
Specification
- 30 inches
- Handcrafted hull and superstructure
- Angled flight deck with catapults and arrestor detail
- Island, radar, mast and deck aircraft
- Mounted on a display base with nameplate
- Fully assembled
The ship
Commissioned in 2001, Charles de Gaulle is the flagship of the French Navy and the only nuclear carrier not operated by the US. She carries Rafale M fighters and E-2C Hawkeyes, and uses American-supplied steam catapults — which makes her one of very few ships in the world able to operate US carrier aircraft.
Her early years were difficult. On her first sea trials in 2000 a propeller blade broke off in the Caribbean; the replacements had to be taken from two decommissioned 1960s carriers. The flight deck also turned out to be too short for the Hawkeye and needed lengthening before she entered service.
The 36-inch version is available for those wanting more deck detail.