Sylver Vertical Launching System

Summary

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

Aster 15 Sylver launchers on the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle

Specifications edit

 
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 # Length 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 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-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 edit

Vertical Missile Launcher Sylver Modules installed
A-35
A-43
A-50
A-70
  Algerian National Navy Kalaat Béni Abbès class 1 x Multipurpose amphibious ship
2x
  Egyptian Navy FREMM class 3 x Multi-mission frigate
2x
(former French unit)
2x
(2 former Italian units)
  French Navy Charles de Gaulle 1 x Nuclear aircraft carrier
4x
  French Navy FREMM class 6 x Multi-mission frigate (ASW variant)
2x (on 4 units)
2x (on 2 units)
2x (all 6 units)
  French Navy FREMM class 2 x Multi-mission frigate (AAW variant)
4x
  French Navy Horizon class 2 x Anti-air warfare destroyer
6x
  Italian Navy Horizon class 2 x Anti-air warfare destroyer
6x
  Italian Navy Cavour 1 x Light aircraft carrier
4x
  Italian Navy FREMM class 10 x Multi-mission frigate
2x
  Italian Navy Paolo Thaon di Revel class 5 x Multi-mission frigate
2x
  Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable class 6 x Multi-mission frigate
4x
  Royal Moroccan Navy FREMM class 1 x Multi-mission frigate
2x
  Royal Navy Type 45 6 x Anti-air warfare destroyer
6x
  Royal Saudi Navy Al Riyadh class 3 x Multi-mission frigate
4x
  Qatari Emiri Navy Doha class 4 x Multi-mission corvette
2x

Future users edit

  Italy

  • 2 x 8 Sylver VLS A50 are used on Italian Navy Paolo Thaon di Revel class, Full and Light+ versions
  • 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

  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 edit

References edit

  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.

External links edit

  • Official DCNS website
  • Naval Institute Guide re: quad-packing Crotale VT-1s.