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). It would also be attractive to the British Royal Navy, whose Type 45 destroyers will be equipped with the Sylver launcher, although the A50 type cannot take this missile at present.

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:

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
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

• The Sylver VLS will be used on Egyptian Navy Gowind class corvette

 Italy

• 2 x Sylver VLS A50 will be used on Italian Navy Multipurpose Combat Ship (PPA), one ordered (PPA Full) May 7, 2015 for commissioning on 2023

 Malaysia

• The Sylver VLS is one of the two possible systems that the Royal Malaysian Navy will choose for their Second Generation Patrol Vessels

See also

• Mark 41 Vertical Launching System
• Vertical Launching System
• Official DCNS website
• Naval Institute Guide re: quad-packing Crotale VT-1s.

References