Léopard-class training ship

The Léopard-class training ships are used for navigational and practical training of French officer-candidates at sea. In the 1970s, ex-minesweepers were converted into training ships and formed both the 20th and 22nd divisions.

In 1978 the French Navy decided to build eight vessels to provide practical training in the operation and navigation of naval vessels. Students were officers or petty officers from the Group of Schools and Central Naval Instruction, Brest. The ships are all named after French destroyers that sought service during the Second World War. The class is affectionately known as the "Menagerie".

At the time of construction, it was anticipated these ships would likely be retired sometime during the 2010s meaning a functional life expectancy of about 30 years.

Léopard class training vessels are 43 meters long (40.13 meters at the water line) with a maximum width of 8.30 meters and a maximum height of 18 meters. The draft is 3.65 (Tmax) meters, whilst the displacement is 335 metric tons and 470 metric tons at full load.

The class has twin 1100 HP Diesel SACM-Wärtsilä UD30 V16-M3 engines, that replaced the original two 1200 HP Diesel Baudouin 12M-26.2 in 2011/2012 (4 temps, 12 cylinders in V block). Power is transmitted via two shafts turning two propellers with controllable pitch. It has two Baudouin auxiliary Diesel electric alternators of 80 kW output each.

The electronic equipment includes a Navigation radar Racal Decca Bridgemaster 250E (DRBN-38), that replaced the original Furuno FAR 2127 in 2011-2012; 1 SAGEM gyroscopic compass with Alphaminicourse, 1 loch Ben., and 2 echo sounders (1 Furuno LS 6200 for shallow depth, 1 NUBS8A for deeper water).

The ships of this class each have a crew composed of 1 officer, 10 sailors, and 4 quartermasters; plus 1 or 2 officers, 2 instructors, and 18 students.

• Maximum speed: 15 knots.
• Maximum range: 5000 nautical miles @ 12 knots.
• Turning circle: 140 yard @ 15 knots
• Distance required to stop at 15 knots: 50 meters.
• Endurance: 14 days.

Two 12.7 mm machine guns or two 20 mm auto cannons.

• Fuel: 98 cu.m.
• Freshwater: 47 cu.m.
• Food: 3 cold rooms with 33.9 cu.m. storage space
• Oil dispersant = 12 cu.m. for two removable applicators on fore deck (below sea state 3)

The 20th division school was formed on 20 January 1983 in Brest, and dissolved on 13 July 1993. Since the school's dissolution, building depends on the admiral commanding the Naval Academy. 1993 was also the last year during which the commander lieutenant took over during his entire command. Now the commander of construction, except Léopard, takes office during his last days at the rank of lieutenant first class, but will actually be a lieutenant during almost his entire command (from 1 August after taking command).

During periods of one to three weeks at sea, students become familiar with the basic functions of chief officer on watch, running lines in navigation groups or solo, life on board, and teamwork.

School ship duty is usually at the end of the school year, during June. Second-year students from the Naval Academy, the "Aspis", participate before leaving for graduation and the Joan of Arc campaign. The corvette is called "White Gloves" because they must not touch anything on the bridge, focusing instead only on the conduct and management of the team. This training occurs in southern Brittany, to baptise the white outfits used by students. In July, first-year students, so-called "Fistots", participate in a summer voyage in northern Europe, where the weather and sea conditions are usually mild at that time.

Three Léopard class ships moored at South Quay in London in 2018

Eight Léopard-class training ships were built between 1978 and 1983 and commissioned for the French Navy:

All the ships are based in Brest.

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