Sylver Vertical Launching System
The Sylver (SYstème de Lancement VERtical) is a vertical launching system (VLS) designed by DCNS. 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 larger 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 long whilst the A-70 can accommodate missiles up to 7 metres 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 of deck space. Inner size cell is 60 cm long and 56 cm 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 (missile family). 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.
The French Navy has initiated studies to convert the SCALP EG missile to be capable of launch from the Sylver. This missile, the SCALP Naval, would give France a land attack capability in the mould of the U.S. Tomahawk (missile). Such a system would also be attractive to the British Royal Navy, whose Type 45 destroyers will be equipped with the Sylver launcher, although its variant of the launcher(the A50 type) cannot take this missile at present.
| A-35 | Mica VL | Quad VT1 | - | - | - |
| A-43 | Mica VL | Quad VT1 | Aster 15 | - | - |
| A-50 | Mica VL | Quad VT1 | Aster 15 | Aster 30 | - |
| A-70 | - | - | Aster 15 | Aster 30 | SCALP Naval |
Specifications
The basic unit of Sylver VLS is an eight-cell module fitted with two rows of 22-inch missile cells surrounding the uptake for exhaust gas, and the specifications for different models are as follows:
| Model # | Length | Width | Height | Weight |
| A-35 | 2.6 meter | 2.3 meter | 3.5 meter | 7 ton |
| A-43 | 2.6 meter | 2.3 meter | 5.4 meter | 7.5 ton |
| A-50 | 2.6 meter | 2.3 meter | 6.0 meter | 8 ton |
| A-70 | 2.6 meter | 2.3 meter | 7.0 meter | 12 ton |
Usage
| A-35 | A-43 | A-50 | A-70 | |||
 Algerian National Navy | Kalaat Béni Abbès Class | 1 x Multipourpose amphibious ship | | |||
 Egyptian Navy | FREMM class | 1 x Multi-mission frigate | | |||
 French Navy | Charles de Gaulle | 1 x Nuclear aircraft carrier | | |||
| French Navy | FREMM class | 6 x Multi-mission frigate | | | ||
| French Navy | Horizon class | 2 x Anti-air warfare destroyer | | |||
 Marina Militare | Horizon class | 2 x Anti-air warfare destroyer | | |||
| Marina Militare | Cavour | 1 x Light aircraft carrier | | |||
| Marina Militare | FREMM class | 10 x Multi-mission frigate | | |||
| Marina Militare | PPA frigate | 5 x Multi-mission frigate | | |||
 Royal Moroccan Navy | FREMM class | 1 x Multi-mission frigate | | |||
 Republic of Singapore Navy | Formidable class | 6 x Multi-mission frigate | | |||
 Royal Navy | Type 45 class | 6 x Anti-air warfare destroyer | | |||
 Royal Saudi Navy | Al Riyadh class | 3 x Multi-mission frigate | | |||
Future users
- The Sylver VLS will be used on Egyptian Navy Gowind class corvette
- 2 x Sylver VLS A50 will be used on Italian Navy Multipurpose Combat Ship (PPA), Full and Light+ versions, five ordered to November 5, 2015 for commissioning begin 2022
- The Sylver VLS is one of the two possible systems that the Royal Malaysian Navy will choose for their Second Generation Patrol Vessels
- 9 x Sylver VLS A50 will be used on Qatar Emiri Naval Forces vessels (one LPD and four frigates), ordered on June 16, 2016 to Fincantieri for commissioning begin 2022
See also
References
External links
- Official DCNS website
- Naval Institute Guide re: quad-packing Crotale VT-1s.