DCNS takes stock of the first three series of sea trials for the FREMM multi-mission frigate Normandie

: Posted On Wednesday, 12 March 2014 16:16

Naval Industry News - France

DCNS takes stock of the first three series of sea trials for the FREMM multi-mission frigate Normandie

The FREMM Normandie returned to port on Saturday 8 March on the DCNS site in Lorient, at the end of its third series of sea trials. This frigate is the second of the series ordered by the French DGA (General Directorate for Armament) for the French Navy. OCCAR is the contracting agency for the FREMM program on behalf of France and Italy.

Another series of trials for the FREMM Normandie, conducted off the Brittany coast and lasting one week was completed on 8 March. These trials over several days allowed the DCNS teams to pursue their verification of vessel platform performance as well as the performance of certain combat-system sensors. Two initial phases of frigate testing already took place in November 2012 and January 2013.

With regard to the platform, the trials are focused on the propulsion system and, in particular, on the CODLOG (COmbined Diesel eLectric Or Gas) hybrid system. This propulsion system allows the FREMMs to advance silently at low speed – thanks to the electric motors – or reach speeds in excess of 27 knots thanks to the vessel’s gas turbine. In addition to these propulsion tests, the DCNS teams also verified the navigation systems (speed calculations, position, bearing) as well as the inertial units, which allow a very precise positioning of the vessel whatever its location on the oceans.

These trials also allowed the French Navy crew and DCNS specialists to check the performance of the functions of certain combat-system sensors, as well as the Syracuse communication station.

During previous trials carried out in January, the frigate also made its first stopover in Brest, which allowed the verification of the proper operation of the interfaces between the frigate and the port installations with regard to shore communications, docking and utility connections.

Currently, the FREMM Normandie is docked in Lorient for different interventions. It will sail again in a few weeks for a new series of trials.

The FREMM Normandie returned to port on Saturday 8 March on the DCNS site in Lorient, at the end of its third series of sea trials. This frigate is the second of the series ordered by the French DGA (General Directorate for Armament) for the French Navy. OCCAR is the contracting agency for the FREMM program on behalf of France and Italy.

The FREMM Normandie during sea trials
Picture: DCNS

The FREMM program: a major program for DCNS and its partners.
For DCNS, the FREMM program represents twelve units, i.e., eleven for the French Navy and one for the Royal Moroccan Navy.
As a reminder, in November 2012, DCNS successfully delivered the FREMM Aquitaine, first unit of the series of FREMM multi-missions frigates.
The program’s second unit was delivered to the Royal Moroccan Navy on 30 January 2014, in accordance with the contractual agreements. The vessel now carries its definitive name: FREMM Mohammed VI. DCNS is currently pursuing the construction of five other multi-mission frigates at Lorient, each at different stages of progress:
- The FREMM Normandie, third unit of the series, started its sea trials in October 2013 and will be delivered to the French Navy this year.
- The FREMM Provence was launched in September 2013.
- The fifth and sixth frigates in the series are in the process of being assembled.
- The first metal sheet for the seventh was cut at the end of 2013.

Link to FREMM Frigate (Aquitaine class) technical datasheet