naval-forces-focus-french-technology

15Mer et Marine2014-2015 « INTERNATIONAL SHOWSFrigates «news» DISPLACEMENT: 6,000 t» DIMENSIONS (M): 142 x 20 x 6 m» POWER: 32 MW» SPEED: 27 kts» RANGE: 6,000 NM at 15 kts» ACCOMMODATION: 108» WEAPONS:16 x MdCN missiles16 x Aster 15 missiles8 x Exocet MM40 Block3 missiles1 x 76 or 127 mm - 2 x 20 mm4 x Torpedoes (19 MU90)1 Helicopter + UAVs» ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS:Radar: HeraklesSonars: CAPTAS 4 + 4110Decoy launchers: NGDS + SLATthe 11 FREMM frigates ordered for theFrench Navy in 2009.The design concept's chief strengthsare its versatility and the consistentchoice of the very best systems andsubsystems. New-generation antiair,anti-surface and anti-submarinesystems and electronics give FREMMfrigates the upper hand against alltypes of threats, including asymmetricforces, whether on the high seas orin littoral waters. Powerful carryingcruise missiles also enable thesevessels to knock out land targets froma safe stand-off range.FREMM frigates tailored for antisubmarinewarfare, a key designrole, have demonstrated exceptionalperformance in exercises againstreal submarines. Thanks to its hybridCODLOG (COmbined Diesel eLectric OrGas) propulsion system, the resultingacoustic discretion in silent mode andstate-of-the-art sonars, including theCaptas 4 towed array, FREMM frigateAquitaine offers a step change in ASW.Manoeuvres under exercise conditionsdemonstrated that the Aquitainecan locate enemy submarines muchearlier than other ASW vessels whileremaining more difficult for submarinesto detect. With their organic helicopterequipped with the Flash dipping sonarand MU90 lightweight torpedoes, theFrench Navy's ASW variant FREMMfrigates are a deadly threat to even themost modern submarines. «© MARINE NATIONALE© BERNARD PREZELEIN