France’s Multimission Frigate Aquitaine Launches First Torpedo

The French Navy, defence procurement agency DGA and teams from DCNS have completed a new test campaign abroad the first-of-class FREMM multimission frigate Aquitaine, which is also the last and most important -- the first ever torpedo launch test. Earlier in march, demonstrations of the Aquitaine's compatibility with a 10-tonne Caïman helicopter (the French version of the Eurocopter/EADS NH90) were completed. In the following months, the torpedo tube configuration and dry-run tests were validated, the DCNS team used an exercise torpedo equipped with sensors and data loggers instead of a warhead, and the launch was performed under otherwise operational conditions. "First-of-class FREMM multimission frigate Aquitaine is designed to face all types of threats," says 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. Besides leading the FREMM design program, DCNS also worked with the DGA to the design the MU90 lightweight torpedo, the torpedo launch control system and the launch tubes. 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.