Nexter Narwhal 20mm Remote Weapon System fitted onboard FREMM Frigate Normandie

: Posted On Thursday, 13 March 2014 10:41

Naval Defense Industry News - France

Nexter Narwhal 20mm Remote Weapon System fitted onboard FREMM Frigate Normandie

The latest images of FREMM Normandie sea trials released by DCNS show for the first time the Narwhal Remote Weapon System installed on a French Navy FREMM. Building on its experience gained with light naval mounts for small craft (15A/15B) and with technologies implemented for turreted canon for helicopters, Nexter Systems developed the remote-controlled naval gun mount known as Narwhal in the 20mm configuration.

Narwhal location onboard French Navy FREMM Frigates (Aquitaine class)
Picture: DCNS

In its basic configuration, the Narwhal consists of a gyrostabilised mounting armed with a 20mm cannon, a day camera and a fire-control system which is remotely-controlled from a control panel enabling system operation, target acquisition and tracking and fire opening by the operator

Detailed view of the Narwhal gun system onboard FREMM Normandie
Picture: DCNS

The modular design of the system enables to add to this configuration a thermal camera, a laser rangefinder and a target automatic tracking video system. Moreover, the Narwhal can be infterfaced with the monitoring and fire control system onboard the ship.

Narwhal gun system during trials
Video : Nexter

The Narwhal system was ordered when first of class Aquitaine was too close to completion and not compatible anymore. The first French Navy FREMM to be fitted with the Narwhal is Normandie. First of class Aquitaine will get its two Narwhal systems during the first major refit of the Frigate, expected in 2017. Ultimately, all FREMMs will have a Narwhal 20mm gun capability. The guns are fitted at the top of the helicopter hangar, on the port and starboard sides.

Update: On 17/03/2014 Nexter Systems contacted Navy Recognition to add the following:
The standard Narwhal configuration includes a thermal camera, a laser rangefinder and a target automatic tracking video system. Moreover, the Narwhal can exchange data with the Combat Management System (target designation) and be interfaced with the monitoring and fire control system onboard the ship. The Narwhal shall not be operated under full control of the Combat Management System.