LORIENT, France, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- The French Navy's second Aquitaine-class frigate is undergoing sea trials of its propulsion and navigation systems, shipmaker DCNS reports.
The Normandie is a multimission frigate, or FREMM, that is 466 feet in length, with a speed of more than 27 knots. DCNS is building five of the ships, including one for the Royal Moroccan Navy.
The current sea trial of the Normandie focuses on its high-performance hybrid combined diesel-electric or gas-powered package, which combines a gas turbine for mechanical propulsion at speeds exceeding 27 knots and electric motors for low-speed power.
Navigation systems for position and heading are also being tested, as well as other basic systems, such as safety equipment and flood control.
"This milestone represents the culmination of the combined efforts of many people working towards common goals, including DCNS personnel, teams provided by DCNS partners and suppliers, the French Navy crew and representatives of the French defense procurement agency," FREMM program manager Anne Bianchi said. "The construction of this second-of-class FREMM frigate for the French Navy is proceeding on schedule and on budget."
Sea trials to test the ship's combat systems will take place early next year, DCNS said.
