French frigate passes sea trials

PARIS, May 11 (UPI) -- A first-of-class frigate built for the French navy by Paris company DCNS has completed sea trials of its propulsion and navigation systems.

"These initial sea trials with the first-of-class Aquitaine went very well indeed," said Vincent Martinot-Lagarde, program manager for the FREMM frigate program. "The objectives of this first period of sea trials were reached, with more than a hundred tests successful."

DCNS said the FREMM high-performance diesel/electric propulsion system met expectations, with the Aquitaine taken to its maximum speed of 27 knots.

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 program, 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.

Under the FREMM program, DCNS will build 12 vessels: 11 for the French navy and one for the Royal Moroccan Navy. The vessels feature Herakles multifunction radar, MdCN deep-strike cruise missiles, Aster anti-air missiles, Exocet MM40 anti-ship missiles and MU90 torpedoes.

The ships are 465 feet in length and displace about 6,000 tons.