TheSylver (système delancementvertical) is avertical launching system (VLS) designed byDCNS and introduced in 2001.[1]
DCNS began developing avertical launching system in the early 1980s,[2] following theFalklands War, which demonstrated the importance for large surface combatants of maintaining a 360° air-defense bubble againstanti-ship missiles.[3]
The Sylver family of vertical launchers was developed to meet the requirements of major European naval armament programs:[2]
The first Sylver system was delivered in 1997.[7]
Sylver launch systems are assembled byNaval Group at theRuelle Foundry inRuelle-sur-Touvre, where approximately 60% of each launcher is manufactured. Production requires advancedwelding skills due to the high structural demands placed on the system, and components areradiographically inspected to verify their characteristics.
In response to increasing demand, Naval Group reduced production time from 36 months to 24 months after order placement starting in 2019.[3]
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:
| Model # | Height | 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 rangesurface-to-air missiles, the A-50 for the long-rangePAAMS air defense system, and the A-70 launcher for longer missiles such as theMdCN naval land attackcruise 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 theAster. The Sylver, together with the Aster, is the primary component of the PAAMS navalanti-air warfare system. Using PAAMS, up to eight missiles can be launched in 10 seconds.
France has developed a sea-based deep strike cruise missile capable of being launched from the Sylver. Called theMdCN, the missile gives the French Navy aland-attack capability in the mould of theU.S.Tomahawk.
| Variant | Crotale VT1 | VL Mica | VL Mica NG | CAMM | CAMM-ER | Aster 15 | Aster 30 | MdCN | Stratus RS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A35 | 1 × / cell | 1 × / cell | 1 × / cell | 1 × / cell | 1 × / cell | – | – | – | – |
| A43 | 1 × / cell | 1 × / cell | 1 × / cell | 1 × / cell | 1 × / cell | 1 × / cell | – | – | – |
| A50 | 1 × / cell | 1 × / cell | 1 × / cell | 3 × / cell | 3 × / cell | 1 × / cell | 1 × / cell | – | – |
| A70 | – | – | – | – | – | 1 × / cell | 1 × / cell | 1 × / cell | 1 × / cell |
