[Llarry]

The Frence Navy is the only navy other that the U.S. to operate nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, although China has one under construction.

The cost to build such a ship is great, but France is determined to have two carriers so that one is available if the other is undergoing refueling or other complex shipyard work.

Last year France ordered construction of a second CVN and a name for the future ship was just announced: France Libre (R92) in honor of the French Resistance of World War II. While the existing French CVN, FS Charles de Gaulle (R91) is considerably smaller than U.S. carriers, the France Libre will be only slightly smaller than the American supercarriers -- it can be considered the first French supercarrier.

First two photos: FS Charles de Gaulle

Last photo: CGI of FS France Libre

The CDG air wing usually consists of two squadrons with 30 Rafale-M fighters, a couple of E-2D Hawkeye radar planes and helicopters. The France Libre wing should be considerably larger.