The Brazilian boats are larger in length, tonnage and cargo capacity compared to the original French project. The Brazilian version are 70.62 m (231 ft 8 in) and 1,900 tons, compared to the original Scorpènes that are 61.7 m (202 ft 5 in) and 1,565 tons.[10]
Program history
In 2008, Brazil purchased four enlarged Scorpènes for USD 10 billion with a total technology transfer agreement and a second agreement to develop the first Brazilian nuclear-powered submarine, Álvaro Alberto. The hull of Riachuelo was laid down at Cherbourg, France on 27 May 2010 and it was jumboized at the Brazilian Navy Shipyard in Itaguaí in late 2012.[2]
The first submarine Riachuelo was launched on 14 December 2018,[11] the Humaitá was launched on 11 December 2020, and the Tonelero on 27 March 2024.[12]
Namesake
Almirante Karam was named after the former Admiral Alfredo Karam.[9]