Sylver Vertical Launching System



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

Specifications
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:

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 m long whilst the A-70 can accommodate missiles up to 7 m long.

The launchers come in eight-cell modules, except A-35 available in four-cell modules, with each eight-cell module occupying 6 m2 of deck space. Inner size cell is 60 cm long and 56 cm 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.

Future users
🇮🇹 🇬🇷
 * 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
 * 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

🇶🇦
 * Sylver VLS A35 will be used by Royal Malaysian Navy on Maharaja Lela-class frigates
 * 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