Sylver Vertical Launching System

Aster 15 Sylver launchers on the Charles de Gaulle

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.

Vertical Missile Launcher Sylver[1]
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:

Vertical Missile Launcher Sylver
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 4.35 meter 7.5 ton
A-50 2.6 meter 2.3 meter 5.0 meter 8 ton
A-70 2.6 meter 2.3 meter 7.0 meter 12 ton

Usage

Vertical Missile Launcher Sylver Modules installed
A-35 A-43 A-50 A-70
 Algerian National Navy Kalaat Béni Abbès Class 1 x Multipourpose amphibious ship
2x
 Egyptian Navy FREMM class 1 x Multi-mission frigate
2x
 French Navy Charles de Gaulle 1 x Nuclear aircraft carrier
4x
 French Navy FREMM class 6 x Multi-mission frigate
2x
and
2x
 French Navy Horizon class 2 x Anti-air warfare destroyer
6x
 Marina Militare Horizon class 2 x Anti-air warfare destroyer
6x
 Marina Militare Cavour 1 x Light aircraft carrier
4x
 Marina Militare FREMM class 10 x Multi-mission frigate
2x
 Marina Militare PPA frigate 5 x Multi-mission frigate
2x
 Royal Moroccan Navy FREMM class 1 x Multi-mission frigate
2x
 Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable class 6 x Multi-mission frigate
4x
 Royal Navy Type 45 class 6 x Anti-air warfare destroyer
6x
 Royal Saudi Navy Al Riyadh class 3 x Multi-mission frigate
4x

Future users

 Egypt

 Italy

 Malaysia

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://www.dcnsgroup.com/files/pdf/Sylver.pdf


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