Sylver vertical launching system

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Template:Short description

File:FS CDG aster.jpg
Aster 15 Sylver launchers on the aircraft carrier Template:Ship

The Sylver (système de lancement vertical) is a vertical launching system (VLS) designed by DCNS and introduced in 2001.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

History

Development

DCNS began developing a vertical launching system in the early 1980s,<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> following the Falklands War, which demonstrated the importance for large surface combatants of maintaining a 360° air-defense bubble against anti-ship missiles.<ref name=":2">Template:Cite web</ref>

The Sylver family of vertical launchers was developed to meet the requirements of major European naval armament programs:<ref name=":0" />

  • Sylver A43 was developed for the SAAM (Surface-to-Air Anti-Missile) system, using the Aster 15 missile, as part of the broader Franco–Italian FSAF program launched in 1999.
  • Sylver A50 was developed under the PAAMS program, adapting the Aster 30 missile from the FSAF program for shipboard use.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Sylver A70 was designed for use with the FREMM frigates and the MdCN (Missile de Croisière Naval) cruise missile. It was also considered for launching the Exoguard exo-atmospheric interceptor missile, developed by Astrium for ballistic missile defense.<ref name=":1" />
  • Sylver A35 was a smaller launcher envisioned in the early 2000s for the VL Mica missile, but development was not completed due to budget constraints.<ref name=":3">Template:Cite web</ref> Nevertheless, test firings were conducted in December 2007, and continued in October 2008 with a Crotale NG missile.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • A larger Sylver variant is reportedly under consideration for the FMAN/FMC and Aquila programs, intended to replace the Aster missile family in the future.

The first Sylver system was delivered in 1997.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Production

Sylver launch systems are assembled by Naval Group at the Ruelle Foundry in Ruelle-sur-Touvre, where approximately 60% of each launcher is manufactured. Production requires advanced welding skills due to the high structural demands placed on the system, and components are radiographically inspected to verify their characteristics.

In response to increasing demand, Naval Group reduced production time from 36 months to 24 months after order placement starting in 2019.<ref name=":2" />

Specifications

File:Sylver Launching System - Types of Missiles.gif
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 # Height Width Max missile length Weight
A-35 3.5 metre 2.3 metre 3.5 metre 7 ton
A-43 4.3 metre 2.3 metre 4.3 metre 7.5 ton
A-50 5.0 metre 2.3 metre 5.0 metre 8 ton
A-70 7.0 metre 2.3 metre 7.0 metre 12 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 MdCN 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 Template:Convert long whilst the A-70 can accommodate missiles up to Template:Convert long.

The launchers come in eight-cell modules, except A-35 available in four-cell modules, with each eight-cell module occupying Template:Convert of deck space. Inner size cell is Template:Convert long and Template:Cvt 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 developed a sea-based deep strike cruise missile capable of being launched from the Sylver. Called the MdCN, the missile gives the French Navy a land-attack capability in the mould of the U.S. Tomahawk.

Vertical Missile Launcher Sylver<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
A-35 Mica VL Crotale VT1 - - -
A-43 Mica VL Crotale VT1 Aster 15 - -
A-50 Mica VL Crotale VT1 Aster 15 Aster 30 -
A-70 - - Aster 15 Aster 30 MdCN

Usage

Vertical Missile Launcher Sylver Modules installed
A-35 Template:Center Template:Center Template:Center
Template:Navy Kalaat Béni Abbès 1 x Multipurpose amphibious ship Template:Center
Template:Navy FREMM class 3 x Multi-mission frigate Template:Center (former French unit) Template:Center (2 former Italian units)
Template:Navy Template:Ship 1 x Nuclear aircraft carrier Template:Center
FREMM class 6 x Multi-mission frigate (ASW variant) Template:Center Template:Center Template:Center
FREMM class 2 x Multi-mission frigate (AAW variant) Template:Center
Template:Sclass2 2 x Anti-air warfare destroyer Template:Center
Amiral Ronarc’h class 5 x Anti-air warfare/ASW destroyer (under construction; service entry starting 2025) Template:Center (first 3 units) Template:Center (units 4 & 5)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Navy Horizon class 2 x Anti-air warfare destroyer Template:Center
Template:Ship 1 x Light aircraft carrier Template:Center
FREMM class 10 x Multi-mission frigate Template:Center
Template:Sclass 5 x Multi-mission frigate Template:Center
Template:Navy Template:Sclass 6 x Multi-mission frigate Template:Center
Template:Navy FREMM class 1 x Multi-mission frigate Template:Center
Template:Navy Type 45 6 x Anti-air warfare destroyer Template:Center
Template:Navy Al Riyadh class 3 x Multi-mission frigate Template:Center
Template:Navy Doha class 4 x Multi-mission corvette Template:Center
Al Fulk 1 x Multipurpose amphibious ship Template:Center

Future users

Template:ITA

  • 2 x 8 Sylver VLS A50 and 2 x 8 Sylver VLS A70NG will be used on Italian Navy FREMM EVO class, two ordered in 2024 for commissioning begin 2029
  • 6 x 8 Sylver VLS A50 and 4 x 8 Sylver VLS A70NG will be used on Italian Navy DDX class, two financed since 2021 for commissioning begin 2030
  • 2 x 8 Sylver VLS A50 will be used on Italian Navy PPA class, during Mid Life Update of 2 PPA Light, for commissioning begin about 2028
  • 1 x 8 Sylver VLS A50 will be used on Italian Navy EPC / MMPC class, financed since 2022 for commissioning begin 2030

Template:GRC

  • 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

Template:MAS

Template:QAT

  • 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

Template:Reflist

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