How a French frigate’s radical bow design makes for smooth sailing

PARIS — The inverted bow of France’s Defense and Intervention Frigate makes it one of the most recognizable designs among modern naval ships. The feature also makes for better seakeeping, said the former French Navy captain who commanded the lead ship of the class during sea trials. The bow shape allows the frigate to plow through waves without impact, and the absence of slamming means much less vibration on board, said Nicolas Guiraud, who commanded the Amiral Ronarc’h frigate for four years until July and is now a marketing director at the vessel’s builder, Naval Group. “Fewer vibrations…