# Sylver vertical launching system

The Sylver (système de lancement vertical) is a vertical launching system (VLS) designed by DCNS and introduced in 2001.

## Specifications

The basic unit of Sylver VLS is an eight-cell module fitted with two rows of 56 cm missile cells surrounding the uptake for exhaust gas, and the specifications for different models are as follows:
Vertical Missile Launcher Sylver :
| Model # | Length | Width | Max missile length | Weight |
| A-35 | 3.5 metre | 2.3 metre | 3.5 metre | 7 ton |
| A-43 | 4.3 metre | 2.3 metre | 4.3 metre | 7.5 ton |
| A-50 | 5.0 metre | 2.3 metre | 5.0 metre | 8 ton |
| A-70 | 7.0 metre | 2.3 metre | 7.0 metre | 12 ton |
The launcher comes in several variants, each distinguished by their height. A-35 and A-43 were developed for launching short range surface-to-air missiles, the A-50 for the long-range PAAMS air defense system, and the A-70 launcher for longer missiles such as the MdCN naval land attack cruise missile. The numbers refer to the approximate length of the missile which can be accommodated, in decimetres, i.e. the A-43 can hold missiles which are up to 4.3 metres (14 ft 1 in) long whilst the A-70 can accommodate missiles up to 7 metres (23 ft 0 in) long.
The launchers come in eight-cell modules, except A-35 available in four-cell modules, with each eight-cell module occupying six square metres (65 sq ft) of deck space. Inner size cell is 60 centimetres (24 in) long and 56 cm (22 in) wide, and each cell has its own exhaust vent. Crotale NG (VT1) missiles can be quad-packed in one cell.
The primary application of the launcher has been the Aster. The Sylver, together with the Aster, is the primary component of the PAAMS naval anti-air warfare system. Using PAAMS, up to eight missiles can be launched in 10 seconds.
France has developed a sea-based deep strike cruise missile capable of being launched from the Sylver. Called the MdCN, the missile gives the French Navy a land-attack capability in the mould of the U.S. Tomahawk.
Vertical Missile Launcher Sylver :
| A-35 | Mica VL | Crotale VT1 | - | - | - |
| A-43 | Mica VL | Crotale VT1 | Aster 15 | - | - |
| A-50 | Mica VL | Crotale VT1 | Aster 15 | Aster 30 | - |
| A-70 | - | - | Aster 15 | Aster 30 | MdCN |

## Usage

Vertical Missile Launcher Sylver Modules installed :
| | | | A-43 | A-50 | A-70 |
| Algerian National Navy | Kalaat Béni Abbès class | 1 x Multipurpose amphibious ship | | 2x | |
| Egyptian Navy | FREMM class | 3 x Multi-mission frigate | 1x (former French unit) | 2x (2 former Italian units) | |
| French Navy | Charles de Gaulle | 1 x Nuclear aircraft carrier | 4x | | |
| French Navy | FREMM class | 6 x Multi-mission frigate (ASW variant) | 2x (on 4 units) | 2x (on 2 units) | 2x (all 6 units) |
| French Navy | FREMM class | 2 x Multi-mission frigate (AAW variant) | | 4x | |
| French Navy | Horizon class | 2 x Anti-air warfare destroyer | | 6x | |
| French Navy | Amiral Ronarc’h class | 5 x Anti-air warfare/ASW destroyer (building; service entry starting 2025) | | 2x | |
| Italian Navy | Horizon class | 2 x Anti-air warfare destroyer | | 6x | |
| Italian Navy | Cavour | 1 x Light aircraft carrier | 4x | | |
| Italian Navy | FREMM class | 10 x Multi-mission frigate | | 2x | |
| Italian Navy | Paolo Thaon di Revel class | 5 x Multi-mission frigate | | 2x | |
| Republic of Singapore Navy | Formidable class | 6 x Multi-mission frigate | | 4x | |
| Royal Moroccan Navy | FREMM class | 1 x Multi-mission frigate | 2x | | |
| Royal Navy | Type 45 | 6 x Anti-air warfare destroyer | | 6x | |
| Royal Saudi Navy | Al Riyadh class | 3 x Multi-mission frigate | | 4x | |
| Qatari Emiri Navy | Doha class | 4 x Multi-mission corvette | | 2x | |

## Future users

Italy
* 2 x 8 Sylver VLS A50 will be used on Italian Navy FREMM EVO class, two planned in 2023 for commissioning begin 2029
* 6 x 8 Sylver VLS A50 and 4 x 8 Sylver VLS A70 will be used on Italian Navy DDX class, two financed since 2021 for commissioning begin 2029
* 2 x 8 Sylver VLS A50 will be used on Italian Navy EPC / MMPC class, financed since 2022 for commissioning begin 2030
Greece
* 4 x 8 Sylver A50 will be used by the Hellenic Navy on each of the three FDI HN frigates for MBDA Aster 30 missiles
Malaysia
* Sylver VLS A35 will be used by Royal Malaysian Navy on Maharaja Lela-class frigates
Qatar
* Sylver VLS A50 will be used on Qatari Emiri Navy vessels (1 x 8 on one LPD and 2 x 8 on four frigates), ordered on 16 June 2016 to Fincantieri for commissioning begin 2022