Article Posted on : - Jul 06, 2012

FREMM frigate Aquitaine. A DCNS photo.

PARIS (BNS): DCNS, the French Navy and DGA have successfully conducted the first ever torpedo launch test from first-of-class FREMM multimission frigate Aquitaine.

After validating the torpedo tube configuration and performing dry-run tests, the DCNS team conducted the torpedo launch test on 22nd June.

Using an exercise torpedo equipped with sensors and data loggers instead of a warhead, the launch was performed under otherwise operational conditions, DCNS said in a statement.

Shipboard observation by DCNS specialists and the data gathered by the torpedo's onboard sensors confirmed all key parameters including exit speed, angle of impact with the water, and torpedo behaviour and trajectory, it said.

"First-of-class FREMM multimission frigate Aquitaine is designed to face all types of threats," said Vincent Martinot-Lagarde, FREMM programme manager.

"The success of the first torpedo launch test is an important milestone as it confirms the ASW capabilities of the ship and her combat system which was designed, developed and produced by DCNS," he added.

FREMM frigate Aquitaine is equipped with four launch tubes and will carry up to 19 MU90 torpedoes. Each torpedo weighs close to 300 kg. The MU90 design offers a top speed of over 55 knots, sophisticated target tracking and state-of-the-art stealth.

The French FREMM programme calls for 12 ships - 11 for the French Navy and one for the Royal Moroccan Navy.

These heavily armed warships are being built under DCNS prime contractorship to carry state-of-the-art weapons and systems including the Herakles multifunction radar, MdCN cruise missiles, Aster anti-air missiles, Exocet MM40 anti-ship missiles and MU90 torpedoes.