The DCNS stand showcases:

Submarines

• DCNS is drawing on 100 years’ experience as a designer and builder of diesel-powered submarines, over 50 years’ experience in nuclear powered subs, combining the latest advances in acoustic discretion and propulsion.
• The Scorpene medium-size submarines, already chosen by the Chilean, Royal Malaysian, Indian and Brazilian Navies, represent the state-of-the-art in submarine design and construction and benefits from the latest technologies developed for nuclear-powered classes operated by the French Navy, particularly as regards acoustic discretion and combat system performance. At PACIFIC, the Scorpene is presented with the MESMA AIP (Autonomous Submarine Energy Module). This is an electrical energy production module designed specifically for conventional submarines. As well as supplying electricity to the vessel and to the propulsion system, it can also be used to recharge the batteries without the need to surface. Together with a MESMA section, a Scorpene will be able to carry out extended missions with an over 3 weeks submerged endurance. The 10 metres MESMA module can be considered as a new-build option or installed during a refit.
• The Barracuda, a state of the art submarine for the French Navy dedicated to deal with an ever-growing array of challenges. DCNS is drawing on 50 years’ experience as a designer and builder of nuclear and diesel-powered submarines to develop this new-generation, combining the latest advances in acoustic discretion and propulsion. The Barracuda is designed to undertake blue-water missions anywhere in the world; and to do so either alone or as part of a naval force. In a word, it will be the centrepiece of the military means: an attack submarine capable of massive deep strike operations, which can also control vast maritime domains or deploy as part of a coalition force. Highly versatile, Barracuda will be assigned strategic defence missions, including the protection of LHDs and aircrafts carriers. The first-of-class SSN Le Suffren is scheduled start sea trials early 2016 and to enter service in 2017. Between 2017 and 2027 six Barracudas will replace the six Rubis/Améthyste-class boats currently in service.

Surface combatants

• The FREMM multimission frigates programme combines the latest technologies developed by the DCNS group. These technological and engineering advances make the FREMM frigates world leaders in their class. France’s total order is 11 vessels and the delivery is scheduled from 2012 to 2022. In addition, one FREMM frigate is currently under construction for Morocco.
• The innovative Gowind vessels, a new family of ocean-capable vessels designed by DCNS for all littoral and sea operations, are exceptional tools able to fulfil missions ranging from anti-piracy up to sea control and denial. The Gowind Combat is a multi-mission corvette (100 metres, 2,000 tonnes), has a comprehensive Mission Management System for full-scale multi-threat missions, including a complete ASW suite with towed array sonar and improved stealth and survivability.

DCNS is a world leader in naval defence and an innovative player in energy. The Group's success as an advanced technology company with global reach is built on meeting customer needs by deploying exceptional know-how and unique industrial resources. DCNS designs, builds and supports surface combatants, submarines and mission-critical systems and equipment incorporating the most advanced technologies. It also proposes services for naval shipyards and bases. The Group employs 12,500 people and generates annual revenues of around EUR 2.5 billion.

The contract came into effect when Russia made the first advance payment at the beginning of November. It calls for delivery of two Mistral-class force projection and command vessels, also known as landing helicopter docks or LHDs, to Russia. It also includes related services (initial logistics, training, etc.) and a transfer of technologies.

The programme is now underway with design studies to tailor the vessel to Russia's specific requirements. The two BPCs will be largely identical to the Mistral/BPC-type vessels operated by the French Navy. However, some design changes will be necessary to meet the customer's needs.

The Russian version will be adapted to accommodate Kamov twin-rotor helicopters, and the two ships will be equipped with specific systems including anti-ice protection of part of the flight deck to cope with extremely cold conditions. The electrical systems will also be adapted to meet Russian standards.

Following the design phase, construction will begin in the first half of 2012 at STX France's shipyard in Saint-Nazaire (France). Under the contract with Russia, DCNS will act as prime contractor for the two vessels and will also integrate the operations direction and communications suite. STX has in turn signed a subcontract agreement with OSK to allow the involvement of Russian shipbuilders.

The first ship will be delivered to Russia in 2014, three years after the effective date of the contract, and the second will be delivered in 2015.

From the outset, the BPC was designed by DCNS as a multirole vessel to meet the needs of navies around the world, and the vessel is suited to a wide range of civilian and military missions.

With a length of 199 metres, a displacement of 22,000 tonnes and a speed in excess of 18 knots, BPCs offer a global projection capability for troops and materiel, including heavy helicopters and landing craft. They also offer ample capacity as hospital ships or for large-scale humanitarian missions. The design features electric propulsion using azimuth pods and high-level automation compatible with a reduced complement of 170. In addition, a high-performance communications suite makes the type ideal as a naval force command vessel.

The first two BPCs, Mistral and Tonnerre, were built by DCNS and STX France and delivered in 2006 and 2007 respectively. The third-of-type Dixmude, ordered by France's DGA defence procurement agency in 2009, is under construction by DCNS and STX France and will be delivered to the French Navy in early 2012.

DCNS is a world leader in naval defence and an innovative player in energy. The Group's success as an advanced technology company with global reach is built on meeting customer needs by deploying exceptional know-how and unique industrial resources. DCNS designs, builds and supports surface combatants, submarines and mission-critical systems and equipment incorporating the most advanced technologies. The Group employs 12,500 people and generates annual revenues of around EUR 2.5 billion.

Yesterday morning in Cherbourg, the 12 welders of the French-Brazilian team started the final operations for joining the sections of the first Scorpène for Brazil. The next assembly operations will be carried out in Brazil. Four days will be needed for this operation, consisting in assembling the rings forming the forward part of the submarine by welding.

The resulting assembly, around 6 metres in diameter, 24 metres long and weighing 200 tons, will subsequently accommodate systems including the operations centre, the torpedoes and the platform utilities (water, gas, electricity, etc.). During the first half of 2012 the tanks and large structures will be added to this hull, as well as the bridge fin, the ballast tanks, the access trunk and the fresh air induction cupola.

As part of the technology transfer, the Brazilian welders have received three months of training so that they could obtain the required qualifications. The contract covers the design and construction of four conventional submarines with technology transfer. The Cherbourg centre is currently host to 36 Brazilian trainees, bringing the number of trainees to 115 since the beginning of the contract.

Bernard Planchais stated: “This step is another successful milestone in the completion of this ambitious programme. It demonstrates the capacity of DCNS to implement a partnership that is both human and technological at the service of an international navy.”

The contract for Brazil also covers assistance with the design and construction of the non-nuclear part of the first Brazilian nuclear-powered submarine and support for the construction of a naval base and a shipyard. The first of the four conventional submarines is scheduled to enter active service in 2017. They have a conventional diesel-electric propulsion system. With a length of about 75 metres, their surface displacement is close to 2,000 tons. They are operated by a crew of 30 to 45 persons.

The four conventional submarines meet the particular specifications of the Brazilian Navy. They are optimally configured for the needs of protection and defence of the 8,500 kilometres of the Brazilian coast. They are multi-purpose ocean-going submarines designed for all types of mission, including combat against surface ships, anti-submarine warfare, deep-penetration strikes, special operations and intelligence gathering.

DCNS is a world leader in naval defence and an innovative player in energy. The Group’s success as an advanced technology company with global reach is built on meeting customer needs by deploying exceptional know-how and unique industrial resources. DCNS designs, builds and supports surface combatants, submarines and mission-critical systems and equipment incorporating the most advanced technologies. The Group employs 12,500 people and generates annual revenues of around EUR 2.5 billion.

DCNS and KND decided to exhibit together at MCSA following the signature of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the promotion, construction and sale of offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) in South Africa.

The booth showcases the innovative OPV Gowind L’Adroit. The ship has a length of 87 metres, an at-sea endurance of 3 weeks and a range of 8,000 nautical miles. The top speed is 21 knots. The vessel has a flight deck that can accommodate a helicopter or UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) for air operations. It is designed for reduced crewing with a complement of 30 and space for 30 passengers. The ship features a number of major innovations for navies, commandos and coastguards: 360° panoramic visibility from the bridge, a single integrated mast for 360° radar coverage, covert deployment of fast commando boats in less than 5 minutes and provision for UAVs and USVs (unmanned surface vehicles).

The Gowind OPV L’Adroit was officially made available to the French Navy on 21 October, less than two years after construction began.

Speakers from the French Navy, DCNS and KND will present papers on the Gowind OPV L’Adroit which is DCNS’ response to piracy and other maritime crime challenges.

This close cooperation serves to illustrate the long-term partnership between DCNS and KND in order to meet the requirements of African Navies.

KND currently operates industrial facilities at the Simon’s Town Naval Dockyard near Cape Town. The company has full proficiency in the production methods associated with the OPV Gowind and is currently building several fast patrol boats for a West African country. KND is in the process of re-branding and will in the near future trade under the name NAUTIC AFRICA.

The trials were conducted off Groix island in the Bay of Biscay. The joint crew comprising French Navy personnel, customer representatives and DCNS employees tested the performance of the combat system sensors including radars, hull-mounted and towed-array sonars and the infrared search & track (IRST) system.

“Like the first trials, this second series yielded excellent results. This time the focus was on the ship’s combat system sensors. The results demonstrate the quality of DCNS’s integration of these sophisticated systems. All tests went as planned, further confirming the quality of the Aquitaine’s design and construction, said FREMM programme manager Vincent Martinot-Lagarde. “The first trials, in April, demonstrated the ship’s seakeeping and were very well received.”

Day and night, test followed test at a sustained pace. Highlights included the recording of the first radar tracks and the first IRST images as well as the first deployment of the towed-array sonar. The equipment specialists also played out the first operational scenarios. The aim here was to record sensor data and check the quality of the information and analyses displayed by shipboard systems compared with the results obtained during shore-based simulation studies.

During the three-week trials, over 200 people, including 60 Navy men and women, spent time on the Aquitaine. To save the ship returning to port, groups were ferried out and back from Lorient.

With sea trials completed, DCNS will now move on to final outfitting including the painting of over half of the vessel’s shipboard spaces and the installation of the last furnishings and fittings. FREMM frigate Aquitaine is scheduled to put to sea again in the autumn.

FREMM, a major programme for DCNS and partners

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

FREMM frigates are among the most technologically advanced and competitively priced on the world market. 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.

These innovative multirole frigates are designed to respond to all types of threats with unparalleled flexibility and availability. The contract to build a FREMM frigate for the Royal Moroccan Navy demonstrates that the type also meets the needs and expectations of international client navies.

FREMM technical data:

• Length overall: 142 metres
• Beam: 20 metres
• Displacement: 6,000 tonnes
• Max. speed: 27 knots
• Complement: 108 (incl. helicopter detachment)
• Accommodation: 145 men and women
• Range: 6,000 nautical miles at 15 knots

DCNS is a world leader in naval defence and an innovative player in energy. DCNS designs, builds and supports submarines and surface combatants as well as associated systems and infrastructure. It also proposes services for naval shipyards and bases. The Group employs 12,500 people and generates annual revenues of around EUR 2.5 billion.

This order comes under the framework program contract awarded to DCNS in December 2006 calling for the delivery of six next-generation SSNs between 2017 and 2028.

Barracuda-type SSNs will replace the six Rubis-class boats currently in service. The Barracuda weapons payload will include next-generation type F21 heavyweight torpedoes, SM39 anti-ship missiles and MdCN-type naval cruise missiles. The boats will also be fully equipped for missions with Nato naval forces and special operations.

DCNS is the programme prime contractor. The first-of-class Suffren and second-of-class Duguay-Trouin are under construction at the Group’s Cherbourg shipyard supported by DCNS centres around the country.

The self-contained hull module will be integrated with the host submarine over the next few months with DCNS technical assistance. A ‘cut-and-plug’ operation will see the 8.7-metre-long ‘plug’ inserted into the boat’s hull. The first Mesma module was integrated directly during the construction of third-of-class Agosta 90B submarine PNS Hamza which entered active service in 2008.

Following the ‘cut-and-plug’, the boat will have a length of 76.2 metres for a submerged displacement of 1980 tonnes. The Mesma module will enable the submarine to remain submerged for weeks at a time.

Following a qualification campaign lasting seven months and tests totalling 5,200 hours, the AIP module was prepared for shipment as a 160-tonne package. The main aims of the tests conducted by teams at DCNS’s Indret centre were to ensure that the module worked as designed and met its performance specifications. More specifically, DCNS engineers and technicians checked the AIP’s output power, endurance and range. These tests were followed by acceptance tests in the presence of customer representatives in March.

The earlier, three-month phase one campaign progressively powered-up this advanced-technology system comprising some 250 components and 2.5 kilometres of electrical cable.

Once the campaigns had been completed, the AIP was disconnected from the test equipment and packed for shipment by barge to the nearby port of Saint-Nazaire where it will be loaded onto a ship chartered by the customer. The voyage to the shipyard in Pakistan will take three to four weeks.

“We have the benefit of some economies of scale,” explains Delphine Bréhéret, the Mesma programme manager at DCNS’s Nantes-Indret centre. “The first module was delivered in June 2002. Knowledge sharing and lessons learned have played an important part. We have now started testing module n° 3. This time, the test teams will include Pakistan Navy engineers.”

The first of the series of Agosta 90B submarines for Pakistan was built at DCNS’s Cherbourg shipyard and commissioned in 1999. The second and third boats were built in Karachi under a technology transfer programme; the third including a Mesma® module from the outset. After deciding to equip the other two boats with AIP modules as they came due for major refits, the Navy placed the corresponding orders. The third module is undergoing qualification testing at the Indret centre.

Mesma, an innovative AIP

AIP systems enable conventional diesel-electric submarines to remain submerged for weeks at a time. Without AIP, diesel-electric submarines have to come up to snorkelling depth or surface at shorter intervals so that the diesel engines can recharge their batteries. This significantly increases the risk of detection. (A submarine’s diesel engines can only be started once the snorkel has cleared the surface to take in fresh air. Snorkelling depth is about the same as periscope depth.) AIP significantly improves stealth because it enables a submarine to generate electricity while completely submerged.

A Mesma AIP plug can be added to a conventional-propulsion submarine at the design stage or as part of a refit.

Technical data for Mesma hull plug:

• diameter: same a submarine’s hull
• length: < 10 m
• output power: 200 kW

A Mesma AIP increases a submarine’s submerged endurance three to four fold.

DCNS is a world leader in naval defence and an innovative player in energy. The Group’s success as an advanced technology company with global reach is built on meeting customer needs by deploying exceptional know-how and unique industrial resources. DCNS designs, builds and supports surface combatants, submarines and mission-critical systems and equipment incorporating the most advanced technologies. The Group employs 12,500 people and generates annual revenues of around EUR 2.5 billion.

The contract signed today calls for two Mistral/BPC ships and associated services including initial logistics, training, and the transfer of technologies. It was signed at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum at a ceremony attended by Dmitry Medvedev, the President of the Russian Federation.

For this contract, DCNS will act as prime contractor and will also integrate the operations direction and communication systems. The shipbuilding of platforms will be subcontracted to the STX shipyard at Saint-Nazaire in western France assisted by Russian shipbuilder OSK. A subcontract has been signed by STX and OSK.

The sale of these two vessels to Russia represents more than 1,000 full-time jobs in France over a period of four years.

The first ship will be delivered to Russia in 2014, three years after the contract’s coming into force. The second BPC will be delivered in 2015.

This is the first international success for the Mistral/BPC design in service with the French Navy. On the international market, this ship is known as a landing helicopter dock or LHD.

DCNS-designed BPCs are inherently multirole vessels meeting the needs of many navies. They are ideal for a wide range of civilian and military missions.

With a length of 199 metres, a displacement of 22,000 tonnes and a speed in excess of 18 knots, BPCs offer a global projection capability for troops and materiel, including heavy helicopters and landing craft, as well as ample capacity as a hospital ship or for large-scale humanitarian missions. The design features electric propulsion using azimuth pods and high-level automation compatible with a complement of just 170 while a high-performance communications suite makes the vessel ideal as naval force command vessel.

Mistral and Tonnerre, the first two BPCs, were built by DCNS and then-Chantiers de l’Atlantique and delivered to the French Navy in 2006 and 2007 respectively. The third-of-type Dixmude, also on order for the French Minister, is being built by DCNS and STX France and is scheduled for delivery to the French Navy in 2012.

FREMM Aquitaine’s crew comprised French Navy personnel, customer representatives, employees of DCNS and its partners. The chief objective of the mission was to demonstrate the frigate’s seakeeping and other nautical qualities and validate the performance of its propulsion and navigation systems.

“These initial sea trials with the first-of-class Aquitaine went very well indeed,” says Vincent Martinot-Lagarde, FREMM programme manager. “The objectives of this first period of sea trials were reached, with more than hundred tests successful. Te propulsion and manoeuvrability tests performed exactly as we predicted and in line with the customer’s expectations.”

These first tests in the ship’s ‘natural environment’ focused indeed on the two key elements of its performance: propulsion, manoeuvrability, and the navigation system. Over 100 tests were conducted successfully. The FREMM high-performance and state-of-the-art hybrid propulsion system (CODLOG: Combined Diesel eLectric or Gas) met the expectations. The Aquitaine was taken to its maximum speed of 27 knots. At this speed, it still had a considerable amount of power in reserve. During manoeuvrability tests, the ship also performed in line with the customer’s requirements. In particular, its turning circle and stopping distance were better than specification.

For DCNS, these first sea trials were a dual success. Not only did DCNS exceed the initial objectives of the mission, but the campaign also served to validate the overall work method devised for the FREMM programme, including the shore integration facility for warship exploitation systems. This facility simulates navigation and platform management and made a significant contribution to the smooth execution of the trials. Moreover, it also played an important role in helping the French Navy crew to fully familiarise themselves with the vessel before putting to sea.

“These first results are extremely positive and will help us to offer our export customers high levels of performance,” continues Vincent Martinot-Lagarde. “By demonstrating the high quality of our upstream work, the entire process has been validated.” An important milestone has been reached with these successful trials, which are further proof that the DCNS FREMM frigate is an extremely promising and competitive solution.

A major programme for DCNS and partners

Under the FREMM programme, DCNS will build 12 vessels: 11 for the French Navy and one for the Royal Moroccan Navy. FREMM frigates are the most technologically advanced and competitively priced on the world market. 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 deep-strike cruise missiles, Aster anti-air missiles, Exocet MM40 anti-ship missiles and MU90 torpedoes.

FREMM multirole frigates are designed to respond to all types of threats with unparalleled flexibility, interoperability and availability. As demonstrated by the export contract with the Royal Moroccan Navy, they are also designed to meet the needs and expectations of international client navies.

FREMM technical data:

• Length overall: 142 metres
• Beam: 20 metres
• Displacement: 6,000 tonnes
• Max. speed: 27 knots
• Complement: 108 (incl. helicopter detachment)
• Accommodation: 145 men and women
• Range: 6,000 nautical miles at 15 knots

DCNS is a world leader in naval defence and an innovative player in energy. The Group’s success as an advanced technology company with global reach is built on meeting customer needs by deploying exceptional know-how and unique industrial resources. DCNS designs, builds and supports surface combatants, submarines and mission-critical systems and equipment incorporating the most advanced technologies. It also proposes services for naval shipyards and bases. The Group employs 12,000 people and generates annual revenues of around EUR 2.4 billion.

The joint crew comprising French Navy personnel, customer representatives and employees of DCNS and its partners will demonstrate the ship’s seakeeping and other nautical qualities as well as the performance of the propulsion and navigation systems.

“These trials represent the culmination of the combined efforts of many people working towards common goals, including teams employed by DCNS and its partners and suppliers, the trials crews and customer representatives,” commented FREMM programme manager Vincent Martinot-Lagarde.

Day and night, test will follow test at a sustained pace. The next three days are known as the familiarisation phase. This will be used by the Navy crew and DCNS specialists to test the vessel’s safety systems and equipment, including fire-fighting, flood control and emergency response systems and evacuation procedures as well as manoeuvrability and mooring performance.

The next phase will focus on the propulsion system. The FREMM’s high-performance hybrid CODLOG (COmbined Diesel eLectric Or Gas) power package combines a gas turbine for high-speed mechanical propulsion and electric motors powered by four diesel-alternator sets for low-speed propulsion. The system will be tested in all configurations from low-speed silent-mode all-electric propulsion to high-speed gas turbine-powered mechanical propulsion, including runs at maximum speed. The trials also call for extensive testing of the ship’s navigation system (log, position, heading), inertial platforms (for positioning) and other basic systems.

Over the coming weeks, over 200 people, including 60 Navy men and women, will spend time on FREMM frigate Aquitaine. To save the ship returning to port, many will be ferried out and back.

Close cooperation between the French Navy crew in charge of the ship proper and specialists working for DCNS and its partners will ensure that all basic systems are thoroughly tested. On completing these preliminary trials, FREMM frigate Aquitaine will return to DCNS’s Lorient shipyard for several weeks of quayside work. In June, the ship will put to sea for a second campaign of trials focusing on the combat system.

FREMM, a major programme for DCNS and partners

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

For DCNS and partners working at the Lorient centre, this is the biggest programme in progress. The Lorient job catchment is the leading beneficiary. Each year, the FREMM programme will provide 3 million hours of employment for a total of almost 50 million hours between 2006 and 2022. Each FREMM frigate represents twice the work hours that went into the spectacular Millau viaduct near the eponymous town in southern France.

FREMM frigates are among the most technologically advanced and competitively priced on the world market. 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 deep-strike cruise missiles, Aster anti-air missiles, Exocet MM40 anti-ship missiles and MU90 torpedoes.

FREMM multirole frigates are designed to respond to all types of threats with unparalleled flexibility and availability. As demonstrated by the export contract with the Royal Moroccan Navy, they are also designed to meet the needs and expectations of international client navies.

FREMM technical Specs

• Length overall: 142 m
• Beam: 20 m
• Displacement (approx.): 6,000 tonnes
• Max. speed: 27 knots
• Complement: 108 (including helicopter crew)
• Accommodation: 145 men and women
• Range: 6,000 nm (at 15 knots)