DCNS
presented an export version of its FREMM Frigate and its Gowind range
at Euronaval
At
Euronaval 2012, DCNS displayed for the first time an export version
of its FREMM Multi-mission Frigate with various weapons never seen before
on this class of ship. The French Shipyard also showcased its range
of Gowind Corvette and OPV.
(Video: DCNS)
Details of
the FREMM model at Euronaval, fitted for the first time with Oto Melara
127/64 Vulcano main gun and Rheinmetall Millenium gun
The
FREMM is a front-line warship designed to form the operational backbone
of major navies. The FREMM class can respond to all kinds of threats,
whether from land, sea or air. Acting alone, a FREMM can assume a multitude
of missions, from escort duties to naval gunfire support. As part of
a joint task force, a FREMM can accommodate a fleet operations staff
and, with an excellent C4ISR capability, can direct warfare in one or
several spheres.
At Euronaval 2012, a FREMM model was shown for the first time fitted
with Oto Melara's 127/64 Light Weight main gun and with a Rheinmetall
Millenuim gun on top of the helicopter hangar. The presence of these
new (for the class) weapons on the model is an indication of DCNS' expertise
in weapon systems integration, as well as the adaptability of the SETIS
combat management system.
The 127/64LW gun can be installed on large and medium size ships, for
surface fire and naval gunfire support, with anti-aircraft fire as its
secondary role. The compactness of the gun feeding system makes possible
the installation on narrow section crafts. The
gun can fire all standard 127mm/5 inches ammunition including the new
Vulcano long range guided ammunition. VULCANO is a family of Extended
Range (ER) unguided ammunition and Long Range (LR) guided ammunition
for the 127mm naval guns and 155mm land artillery system. VULCANO is
a new and emerging technology based upon a fin stabilized airframe with
canard control for terminal guidance; mechanical interfaces are same
than standard 127mm ammunition. Various configurations for VULCANO projectiles
are available for 127mm naval gun as unguided extended range multirole
ammunition, guided long range ammunition with IR seeker and autonomous
IMU / GPS guided ammunition.
The Oerlikon Millennium 35mm Naval Gun System is a Close-in weapon system
designed by Rheinmetall. A device at the muzzle end of the barrel measures
the exact speed of each round as it is fired, and automatically sets
the fuse to detonate the round as it approaches a pre-set distance from
the target. Each round disperses 152 small projectiles to strike the
incoming target.
(Video: DCNS)
The Gowind
Combat Corvette at Euronaval 2012
Models
of a Gowind "Combat" and Gowind "OPV" were also
on display at DCNS stand during Euronaval.
Integrated with SETIS, a combat system derived from FREMM, Gowind Combat
Corvettes are true light frigates: They can tackle air, surface and
submarine threats. The shock-resistant platform (built according to
military standards), the small radar cross-section together with an
excellent acoustic signature make it a high-performance surface combatant.
The model shown at Euronaval closely
matched the one we saw earlier this year at DSA in Malaysia,
except with different weapon systems.
(Video: DCNS)
The Gowind
OPV at Euronaval 2012
Specially
designed for maritime protection and security missions, the Gowind OPVs
from DCNS can carry all the prevention and action assets necessary for
surveillance and policing tasks at sea, including fast commando boats,
assault or transport helicopter, unmanned surveillance vehicles, electronic
warfare interceptors, shell plating doors, secure high bitrate communication
facilities and command aids. Thanks to exceptional endurance and manned
by crews as small as thirty persons, the Gowind OPVs provide an economical
solution for ocean surveillance and security.
Gowind OPV "L’Adroit" was built under a self-funded
DCNS programme in conjunction with equipment manufacturers contributing
high-performance products. Gowind OPV "L’Adroit"
was made available to the French Navy which is currently evaluating
the ship and its systems.
