naval-forces-focus-french-technology

» Corvettes & OPVsOPV90Since 2013, Piriou andDCNS have been partnersin the joint ventureKership, which sells a complete rangeof maritime security vessels designedto commercial shipbuilding standards.The largest ship in the range is theOPV 90. The prototype, L'Adroit, wasmade available to the French Navyunder a new type of agreement withindustry partners, and has been inoperational service since 2012. TheOPV has deployed to the Indian Oceanon anti-piracy, counter-terrorism andtrafficking interdiction operations, andconducted fisheries policing and illegalimmigration prevention missions in theMediterranean.With an at-sea endurance of threeweeks and availability of 220 daysper year, the OPV 90 is designedfor extended ocean patrol andsurveillance missions. One of thedesign’s distinguishing features is thehigh panoramic bridge and, on top ofOPV75it, the single enclosed mast housingthe radars and other sensors. ThePolaris CMS, developed by DCNS,manages the ship’s sensors, displaysthe tactical situation and providesthe communications resources toparticipate in a multinational force. Thebridge area also includes the platformmanagement consoles, the flight opsconsole and the operations area.The spacious flight deck can accommodatea 10t helicopter and thehangar is designed for a machineweighing up to 5t along with a UAV.L'Adroit was the first European vesselto deploy a UAV, specifically a SchiebelS-100 Camcopter, on operationalmissions. With accommodation for27 passengers or commandos, theOPV 90 can be equipped with R-ESMand C-ESM equipment and is ideal forspecial forces operations. The designincludes a pair of stern ramps forthe quick launch and recovery of two9m RHIBs or USVs. «OPV90» DISPLACEMENT: 1,500 t» DIMENSIONS (M): 87 x 13.6» POWER: 5,600 kW» SPEED: 21 to 24 kts» RANGE: 8,000 NM at 12 kts» ACCOMMODATION: 32 (+ 27)» WEAPONS:1 x 40 mm - 2 x 12.7mm1 helicopter + UAVs» ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS:Integrated mast with 2D radar© MARINE NATIONALEThe OPV 75 is one of the new offshorepatrol vessels developed by Kershipfor EEZ surveillance and protectionmissions. It is a compact version of theOPV 90 and, like its larger stablemate,is designed as a robust platform thatis easy to operate and maintain. TheOPV 75 is faster and more versatile,however, and offers an endurance oftwo weeks without replenishment.Features include a reconfigurablemission bay with space for three20-foot containers. The adjacent aftsection has a stern ramp for the rapidlaunch of a 9m RHIB. Another 7mdavit-mounted RHIB is available onthe deck. It also offers a flight deckable to accommodate a 10t helicopter,plus a small hangar for two UAVs. TheOPV 75 has a steel hull and aluminiumsuperstructure, a panoramic bridgeand a single mast. It is equippedwith the Polaris combat managementsystem. Its crew complement can bereduced to just 32, thanks to a highdegree of automation, or increasedif necessary, with accommodationfor up to 58. «OPV75» DISPLACEMENT: 1,200 t» DIMENSIONS (M): 75 x 14.3» SPEED: 25 kts» RANGE: 4,000 NM at 12 kts» ACCOMMODATION: 32 (+ 26)» WEAPONS:1 x 40 mm2 x 12.7mmUAVs» ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS:Integrated mast with 2D radar© KERSHIP