Seaforth Naval Review 2013 by Waters Conrad

Author:Waters, Conrad
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Bisac Code 1: HIS027150; HISTORY / Military / Naval
ISBN: 9781473808331
Publisher: Naval Institute Press
Published: 2015-10-30T00:00:00+00:00

Anti-Air Warfare: The core air defence capability of all the French FREMM variants will be provided by a combination of Thales’s Herakles radar and MBDA’s Aster surface-to-air missiles. A modern multi-function phased array, Herakles combines surveillance, target tracking and fire-control roles in a single system. Operating in the 2,000–4,000 MHz frequency E/F bands (USN S-band) as a compromise between the greater surveillance range obtainable from lower frequency systems and the enhanced tracking abilities of higher frequency arrays, Herakles consists of a two-axis, rotating electronically scanned antenna.6 It can detect air targets within a radius of c.250km and surface targets at distances of up to 80km. The manufacturer claims that over four hundred air and surface targets can be tracked simultaneously. Herakles is supported by Thales’s Artemis passive panoramic surveillance system, which identifies and tracks the infrared signatures of low elevation air and surface threats. Three sensors are located on the mainmast to provide 360-degree coverage.

Air defence engagements are the primary responsibility of the Aster surface-to-air missile system, with which Herakles is integrated. Two eight-cell DCNS Sylver A43 vertical launch system (VLS) modules are located aft of Aquitaine’s main gun and can accommodate up to sixteen of the short range, Aster 15 variant of the missile. Potential aircraft and missile threats are identified and tracked by Herakles and co-ordinated with the overall picture maintained by the SETIS CMS. Hostile tracks can then be engaged with Aster missiles, which are guided towards the target by Herakles uplink until the missile’s active radar seeker takes over in the final stages of the engagement. Thales claims that all sixteen missiles can be provided with guidance support simultaneously. The two French air-defence optimised frigates will carry sixteen additional Aster missiles in their remaining VLS modules. These may be equipped with the longer range Aster 30 also used in the ‘Horizon’ class and the British Type 45.

In line with French operating doctrine, no provision is made for an additional close-in weapons system (CIWS) to supplement Aster. However, the Oto-Melara 76mm/62 Super Rapid medium calibre gun forward of the vertical launch modules can be used in an air-defence capacity as well as in an anti-surface role. A Sagem Vigy MM electro-optical fire control system is fitted above the bridge. Provision is also made for various light weapons for last ditch defence.

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