Editing La Fayette-class frigate (section)

===Stealth===
[[File:FS Courbet 6.jpg|thumb|left|The ''La Fayette'' type features very clean superstructures, as ''Courbet'' demonstrates]]
At the time of their commissioning, the units of the ''La Fayette'' class were the state of the art{{cn|date=August 2024}} in stealth for warships. The shape of the hull and the [[superstructure]]s is devised for the optimal reduction of the [[Radar cross-section|radar signature]].Stealth is achieved with inclined flanks, as few vertical lines as possible, and very clean lines and superstructures: stairs and mooring equipment are internal, and prominent structures are covered by clear surfaces. The superstructures are built using radar-absorbent synthetic materials.

Their radar cross-section is equivalent to that of a large fishing boat{{cn|date=August 2024}}, which can make camouflage among civilian ships possible; or that of a much less capable corvette, which could lead an enemy to underestimate the capabilities of the ship. In case of a direct attack, the small radar signature helps evade enemy missiles and fire control systems.{{cn|date=July 2022}} The ''La Fayette''s are also equipped with jammers that can generate false radar images, as well as decoy launchers.

Thanks to the adoption of low-power diesel motors and a special heat dissipation system, the ''La Fayette'' ships have a low thermal signature. The usual [[Funnel (ship)|funnel]] is replaced with a small sets of pipes, aft of the mast, which cool the exit gas before it is released. The ships usually operate in warm areas, which further decreases the thermal contrast with the environment.

The magnetic signature is reduced by the presence of a [[Degaussing|demagnetisation]] belt.{{cn|date=July 2022}}

The acoustic signature is minimized by mounting the engines on [[elastomeric]] supports, which minimize vibration transfers to the hull, and by rubber coatings on the propellers. The ''La Fayette''s are equipped with the Prairie Masker active acoustic camouflage system, which generates small bubbles from underneath the hull to confuse sonars.