Rubis (S601) — French Nuclear Attack Submarine Model, 36 in
Rubis (S601) — French Nuclear Attack Submarine Model, 36 in
How big is it?
Length about 91 cm / 36.0 in. Drawn to scale; the model outline is a simplified shape.
Model details
- Size
- 36 in / 91 cm
- Construction
- Handcrafted
- Condition
- Fully assembled, ready to display
- Display
- Wooden base with brass nameplate
- Collection
- Battle Ship Models
- Item no.
- CM562
The larger edition of France's compact nuclear attack submarine, at 36 inches.
Specification
- 36 inches
- Handcrafted hull with fin and control surface detail
- Hydroplanes, rudder, propeller and casing detail
- Mounted on a display base with nameplate
- Fully assembled
The proportions
At larger scale the Rubis hull form becomes the interesting part. She is short and relatively fat compared with an American or British nuclear boat, because the reactor plant she was built around is unusually compact and the hull did not need to be stretched to accommodate it.
That shape has consequences. A shorter hull turns tighter and handles confined water better; a longer one is faster and quieter at speed. France chose manoeuvrability, which suited a navy operating heavily in the Mediterranean.
Service
Commissioned 1983, decommissioned 2022 after 39 years — among the longest careers of any nuclear submarine anywhere.