Sylver Vertical Launching System

Aster 15 Sylver launchers on the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle

The Sylver (SYstème de Lancement VERtical) is a vertical launching system (VLS) designed by DCNS and introduced in 2001.

Specifications

Comparison graphics

The basic unit of Sylver VLS is an eight-cell module fitted with two rows of 56 cm. missile cells surrounding the uptake for exhaust gas, and the specifications for different models are as follows:

Vertical Missile Launcher Sylver

Model #	Length	Width	Max missile length	Weight
A-35	3.5 metre	2.3 metre	3.5 metre	7 ton
A-43	4.3 metre	2.3 metre	4.3 metre	7.5 ton
A-50	5.0 metre	2.3 metre	5.0 metre	8 ton
A-70	7.0 metre	2.3 metre	7.0 metre	12 ton

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 (14 ft 1 in) long whilst the A-70 can accommodate missiles up to 7 metres (23 ft 0 in) 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 (65 sq ft) of deck space. Inner size cell is 60 centimetres (24 in) long and 56 cm (22 in) 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.

France has initiated studies to develop a sea-based deep strike cruise missile capable of being launched from the Sylver. Called the MdCN, the missile would give French Navy a land-attack capability in the mould of the U.S. Tomahawk.

Vertical Missile Launcher Sylver

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	MdCN

Usage

Vertical Missile Launcher Sylver Modules installed

			A-35	A-43	A-50	A-70
Algerian National Navy	Kalaat Béni Abbès class	1 x Multipurpose amphibious ship			2x
Egyptian Navy	FREMM class	3 x Multi-mission frigate		2x (former French unit)	2x (2 former Italian units)
French Navy	Charles de Gaulle	1 x Nuclear aircraft carrier		4x
French Navy	FREMM class	6 x Multi-mission frigate (ASW variant)		2x (on 4 units)	2x (on 2 units)	2x (all 6 units)
French Navy	FREMM class	2 x Multi-mission frigate (AAW variant)			4x
French Navy	Horizon class	2 x Anti-air warfare destroyer			6x
Italian Navy	Horizon class	2 x Anti-air warfare destroyer			6x
Italian Navy	Cavour	1 x Light aircraft carrier		4x
Italian Navy	FREMM class	10 x Multi-mission frigate			2x
Italian Navy	Paolo Thaon di Revel class	5 x Multi-mission frigate			2x
Republic of Singapore Navy	Formidable class	6 x Multi-mission frigate			4x
Royal Moroccan Navy	FREMM class	1 x Multi-mission frigate		2x
Royal Navy	Type 45	6 x Anti-air warfare destroyer			6x
Royal Saudi Navy	Al Riyadh class	3 x Multi-mission frigate			4x
Qatari Emiri Navy	Doha class	4 x Multi-mission corvette			2x

Future users

Italy

• 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 2023
• 2 x 8 Sylver VLS A50 will be used on Italian Navy FREMM EVO class, two planned in 2023 for commissioning begin 2029
• 6 x 8 Sylver VLS A50 and 4 x 8 Sylver VLS A70 will be used on Italian Navy DDX class, two financed since 2021 for commissioning begin 2029
• 2 x 8 Sylver VLS A50 will be used on Italian Navy EPC / MMPC class, financed since 2022 for commissioning begin 2030

France

• 2 x 8 Sylver A50 will be used by French Navy on five Amiral Ronarc’h-class frigates for MBDA Aster 15/30 missiles.

Greece

• 4 x 8 Sylver A50 will be used by the Hellenic Navy on each of the three FDI HN frigates for MBDA Aster 30 missiles.

Malaysia

• Sylver VLS A35 will be used on Royal Malaysian Navy on six Maharaja Lela-class frigates

Qatar

• Sylver VLS A50 will be used on Qatari Emiri Navy vessels (1 x 8 on one LPD and 2 x 8 on four frigates), ordered on 16 June 2016 to Fincantieri for commissioning begin 2022

See also

• GJB 5860-2006 - A vertical launching system of People's Liberation Army Navy.
• K-VLS - A vertical launching system of Republic of Korea Navy.
• Mark 41 Vertical Launching System - A vertical launching system of United States Navy.
• Redut - A vertical launching system of Russian Navy.

External links

• Official DCNS website
• Naval Institute Guide re: quad-packing Crotale VT-1s.