The Charles de Gaulle is the only carrier in the French National Navy. It was the first nuclear-powered surface vessel built in Europe.
Autorized on February 3rd 1986 as a replacement for the carrier Clemenceau, construction started on November 24th 1987. Construction was delayed four times (1990, 1991, 1993, 1995) because of budget constraints. It was commissioned on May 18, 2001.
Since that time, it has participated in several key operations.


Main characteristics :

• Displacement : 37,085 t and 42,000 fully loaded
• Length : 261,50 m
• Breadth : 64,36 m
• Draught : 8,50 m (9.50 fully loaded)
• Height : 66,50 m
• Maximum speed : 27 knts

The Charles de Gaulle monograph consists of two sheets of plans at the 1/100^th scale (1/200^th for the overall plan), four plates of photographs and a historical and descriptive notice.