Aster 15 Sylver launchers on the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle

The Sylver (SYstème de Lancement VERtical) is a vertical launching system (VLS) designed by DCNS and introduced in 2001.[1]

Specifications

Comparison graphics

The basic unit of Sylver VLS is an eight-cell module fitted with two rows of 56 cm. missile cells surrounding the uptake for exhaust gas, and the specifications for different models are as follows:

Vertical Missile Launcher Sylver
Model #LengthWidthMax missile lengthWeight
A-353.5 metre2.3 metre3.5 metre7 ton
A-434.3 metre2.3 metre4.3 metre7.5 ton
A-505.0 metre2.3 metre5.0 metre8 ton
A-70 7.0 metre2.3 metre7.0 metre12 ton

The launcher comes in several variants, each distinguished by their height. A-35 and A-43 were developed for launching short range surface-to-air missiles, the A-50 for the long-range PAAMS air defense system, and the A-70 launcher for longer missiles such as the SCALP naval land attack cruise missile. The numbers refer to the approximate length of the missile which can be accommodated, in decimetres, i.e. the A-43 can hold missiles which are up to 4.3 metres (14 ft 1 in) long whilst the A-70 can accommodate missiles up to 7 metres (23 ft 0 in) long.

The launchers come in eight-cell modules, except A-35 available in four-cell modules, with each eight-cell module occupying six square metres (65 sq ft) of deck space. Inner size cell is 60 centimetres (24 in) long and 56 cm (22 in) wide, and each cell has its own exhaust vent. Crotale NG (VT1) missiles can be quad-packed in one cell.

The primary application of the launcher has been the Aster. The Sylver, together with the Aster, is the primary component of the PAAMS naval anti-air warfare system. Using PAAMS, up to eight missiles can be launched in 10 seconds.

France has initiated studies to develop a sea-based deep strike cruise missile capable of being launched from the Sylver. Called the MdCN, the missile would give French Navy a land-attack capability in the mould of the U.S. Tomahawk.

Vertical Missile Launcher Sylver[2]
A-35Mica VLCrotale VT1---
A-43Mica VLCrotale VT1Aster 15--
A-50Mica VLCrotale VT1Aster 15Aster 30-
A-70 --Aster 15Aster 30MdCN

Usage

Vertical Missile Launcher Sylver Modules installed
A-35
A-43
A-50
A-70
 Algerian National NavyKalaat Béni Abbès class1 x Multipurpose amphibious ship
2x
 Egyptian NavyFREMM class3 x Multi-mission frigate
2x
(former French unit)
2x
(2 former Italian units)
 French NavyCharles de Gaulle1 x Nuclear aircraft carrier
4x
 French NavyFREMM class6 x Multi-mission frigate (ASW variant)
2x (on 4 units)
2x (on 2 units)
2x (all 6 units)
 French NavyFREMM class2 x Multi-mission frigate (AAW variant)
4x
 French NavyHorizon class2 x Anti-air warfare destroyer
6x
 Italian NavyHorizon class2 x Anti-air warfare destroyer
6x
 Italian NavyCavour1 x Light aircraft carrier
4x
 Italian NavyFREMM class10 x Multi-mission frigate
2x
 Italian NavyPaolo Thaon di Revel class5 x Multi-mission frigate
2x
 Republic of Singapore NavyFormidable class6 x Multi-mission frigate
4x
 Royal Moroccan NavyFREMM class1 x Multi-mission frigate
2x
 Royal NavyType 456 x Anti-air warfare destroyer
6x
 Royal Saudi NavyAl Riyadh class3 x Multi-mission frigate
4x
 Qatari Emiri NavyDoha class4 x Multi-mission corvette
2x

Future users

 Italy

  • 2 x 8 Sylver VLS A50 will be used on Italian Navy Paolo Thaon di Revel class, Full and Light+ versions, five ordered to November 5, 2015 for commissioning begin 2023
  • 2 x 8 Sylver VLS A50 will be used on Italian Navy FREMM EVO class, two planned in 2023 for commissioning begin 2029
  • 6 x 8 Sylver VLS A50 and 4 x 8 Sylver VLS A70 will be used on Italian Navy DDX class, two financed since 2021 for commissioning begin 2029
  • 2 x 8 Sylver VLS A50 will be used on Italian Navy EPC / MMPC class, financed since 2022 for commissioning begin 2030

 France

  • 2 x 8 Sylver A50 will be used by French Navy on five Amiral Ronarc’h-class frigates for MBDA Aster 15/30 missiles.

 Greece

  • 4 x 8 Sylver A50 will be used by the Hellenic Navy on each of the three FDI HN frigates for MBDA Aster 30 missiles.

 Malaysia

 Qatar

  • Sylver VLS A50 will be used on Qatari Emiri Navy vessels (1 x 8 on one LPD and 2 x 8 on four frigates), ordered on 16 June 2016 to Fincantieri for commissioning begin 2022

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Sylver". Deagel.com. Deagel. Retrieved 9 January 2022.
  2. ↑ "Sylver Multi-Missile Vertical Launcher" (PDF). DCNS Group. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-11-14. Retrieved 2008-11-01.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.