Editing La Fayette-class frigate (section)

===Construction===
[[File:FS Aconit 2.jpg|thumb|Superstructure of a ''La Fayette'' blends into the hull with only a slight change in inclination]]
[[File:Surcouf 1.jpg|thumb|Cable deck of ''Surcouf'', covered to reduce the radar signature; seamanship evolutions are completed through openings in the hull]]
The superstructure is made of light alloy and glass-reinforced plastic, which allow a reduction in top weight. This provides adequate but sub-optimal resistance to fire. Vital zones are armoured in [[Kevlar]], and important systems are redundant. The crew is protected against [[NBC|biological, chemical, and nuclear]] environments.

The ships were built with a [[Modular design|modular inner structure]] from eleven prefabricated modules which were completed at the factory, delivered to the shipyard and assembled there. This technique results in a construction time of less than two years.

The hull has a pronounced angle at the [[stem (ship)|stem]], with a short [[forecastle]] that integrates directly into the superstructure. The ship's sides have a negative inclination of ten degrees. The single anchor is located exactly on the stem, into which it is completely recessed. The deck where the seamanship equipment and capstans are installed is internal in order to hide it from radar.

The superstructure is built in one piece and directly integrates into the hull, with only a change in inclination. A platform is located between the main gun and the bridge. The superstructure runs continuously down to the helicopter hangar, on top of which short-range [[anti-aircraft]] [[Crotale missile]]s were initially installed (being replaced on three ships in the early 2020s with the SADRAL/Mistral system).

The ships feature two masts. The main mast has a pyramidal structure which integrates funnels and supports the antenna of the Syracuse military communications satellite system, while the second supports the main radar.