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 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 long whilst the A-70 can accommodate missiles up to 7 metres long.
![](../I/FS_CDG_aster.jpg.webp)
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. 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 cruise 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.
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 | SCALP Naval |
Specifications
![](../I/Sylver_Launching_System_-_Types_of_Missiles.gif)
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 | Max missile length | Weight |
A-35 | 3.5 meter | 2.3 meter | 3.5 meter | 7 ton |
A-43 | 4.3 meter | 2.3 meter | 4.3 meter | 7.5 ton |
A-50 | 5.0 meter | 2.3 meter | 5.0 meter | 8 ton |
A-70 | 7.0 meter | 2.3 meter | 7.0 meter | 12 ton |
Usage
A-35 | A-43 | A-50 | A-70 | |||
![]() | Kalaat Béni Abbès Class | 1 x Multipurpose amphibious ship | ||||
![]() | FREMM class | 1 x Multi-mission frigate | ||||
![]() | Charles de Gaulle | 1 x Nuclear aircraft carrier | ||||
![]() | FREMM class | 6 x Multi-mission frigate | ||||
![]() | Horizon class | 2 x Anti-air warfare destroyer | ||||
![]() | Horizon class | 2 x Anti-air warfare destroyer | ||||
![]() | Cavour | 1 x Light aircraft carrier | ||||
![]() | FREMM class | 10 x Multi-mission frigate | ||||
![]() | Paolo Thaon di Revel class | 5 x Multi-mission frigate | ||||
![]() | Formidable class | 6 x Multi-mission frigate | ||||
![]() | FREMM class | 1 x Multi-mission frigate | ||||
![]() | Type 45 | 6 x Anti-air warfare destroyer | ||||
![]() | Al Riyadh class | 3 x Multi-mission frigate | ||||
Future users
- 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 2022
- Sylver VLS A50 will be used on Royal Malaysian Navy on six Maharaja Lela-class frigate
- Sylver VLS A50 will be used on Qatar Emiri Naval Forces vessels (1 x 8 on one LPD and 2 x 8 on four frigates), ordered on June 16, 2016 to Fincantieri for commissioning begin 2022
See also
References
- "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-11-14. Retrieved 2008-11-01.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)