JEANNE D'ARC

Jeanne d'Arc (R97) is the French so-called helicopter and training ship. The keel for this unit was laid in 1959, it was launched in 1961, and it was commissioned for service in the French Marine Nationale in 1964. The full displacement of the ship at the time of launching was about 13,250 tons, length - 182 m, with a total width of 24 meters. The maximum speed was up to 26-27 knots. Jeanne d'Arc was armed at the time of launch: 4 100mm cannons and 6 single MM-38 Exocet missile launchers. Aviation equipment could consist of up to 16 small and medium-sized helicopters. Jeanne d'Arc (R97) was built in connection with the significant increase in the role of helicopters in the naval war in the 1950s and 1960s. It was also designed in such a way as to be able to perform ZOP (anti-submarine combat) tasks and transport airborne landings in the event of war. However, in the course of peace, it was to play the role of primarily a training ship. The unit could work with many types of helicopters of various sizes, from small Aerospatiale Gazelle to the large Super Frelon. Jeanne d'Arc (R97) made numerous courtesy voyages during her service and represented the French flag in many ports. In the years 1989-1990 the ship was modernized. However, in 2010, he was withdrawn from active service.