The FS Chevalier Paul (D621) is a fresh multirole missile destroyer frigate of the French Navy. The vessel was ordered on October 27th, 2000 and had her keel laid down at the Lorient Shipyard on January 13th, 2005. The construction was done by DCN Lorient. The vessel was officially launched on July 12th, 2006 and, after effectively completing many trials, it was formally commissioned in June of 2009. The FS Chevalier Paul is named after Jean-Paul de Saumeur (1598-1667), a decorated French admiral having served in operations across the Mediterranean Sea. The FS Chevalier Paul is the third of three French Navy vessels to bear his name.
The Paul was originated for a multinational missile frigate requirement initially made up of France, Britain and Italy. The design is based on a missile-armed, anti-aircraft platform with all-modern systems capable of countering all predictable airborne threats. However, British necessities soon diverged from the group which led to the country leaving in 1999 to pursue its own indigenous solution – an end-product more in line with large, ocean-going deep water, missile-armed patrol vessel. This left the French and Italians as the heads and the ship class was shaped as a smaller, lighter vessel designed for Mediterranean water service. The French program produced the FS Forbin (D620) and the FS Chevalier Paul (D621) while the Italian Navy commissioned the Anrea Doria (D553) and the Caio Duilio (D554).
The FS Chevalier Paul is the second of two Horizon-class vessels, the class led by lead ship FS Forbin which was commissioned in 2008. The Paul displaces at 7,770 short tons and her weight, size and available armament sort it as a missile carrying destroyer though she is also recognized as a missile frigate. Her chief role is that of air defense due to her large supply of anti-aircraft missiles along her bow though her armament allows her to counter most other naval threats.
On the outside, the Chevalier Paul demonstrates modern profile. Gone is the long-running network of rails common to steel ships of naval history. The new advance depends on large sections of smooth panels which outline with the hull sides of the ship. These integrate into the superstructure for an undisturbed approach which blends well to basic stealth characteristics relating to naval vessels. The Paul showcases a raise bow and the forward superstructure is headed by a first line of defense – namely a vertical launch missile system and deck cannons. The bridge, easily identified by the windowed surface just aft of the first line of deck guns is set well ahead of amidships. The main mast is of the enclosed type and mounts the various sensor and communications processing systems. A second mast is mounted further aft in the design. The twin separated smoke funnels are squat and wholly enclosed to benefit the signature of the Paul. Each are integrated into existing post structures. In the aft section of the vessel resides a stern-mounted flight deck.
The Chevalier Paul is cleared to accept and launch a NHIndustries NH90 series medium transport helicopters or similar. The Paul is chiefly armed with 48 x Aster 15 or 30 series anti-aircraft missiles fired through a SYLVER A50 model vertical launch system fitted in the “A” position. Two SADRAL sextuple launchers are mounted over the aft flight deck. Enemy surface vessels are engaged via an 8 x display of Exocet MM40 Block 3 anti-ship missiles found at amidships between the forward and rear superstructures. To counter enemy submarines, the Paul is outfitted with 2 x MU90 torpedo tubes. For short-to-medium ranged defense against surface ships – or to lay down off-shore bombardment during amphibious operations – the vessel is equipped with 2 x 76mm Otobreda rapid firing autocannons located at the “B” position. These are backed by 2 x 20mm modele F2 deck guns. In terms of processing systems, the FS Chevalier Paul is outfitted with the Alenia EMPAR S-1850 LRR tri-dimensional sentry radar suite complete with IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) functionality. The surveillance/fire control radar is fitted atop the
main mast structure .A sonar array is fitted to the hull (ABF TUS 4110 CL) and a towed antenna system can be trailed behind the vessel to detect incoming underwater threats such as torpedoes.
Specifications
Displacement: 7,050 tonnes
Length: 15287 m
Beam: 203 m
Draught: 54 m
Propulsion: 2 × 31280 HP GE/Avio LM2500 gas turbines; 2 × 5875 HP SEMT Pielstick 12 PA6 STC diesels; 1 × beam propeller; 2 × 4-blade propellers
Speed: 29 knots (18 on diesel)
Range: 7000 nm at 18 knts, 3500 nmi at 25 knots
Armament
Anti-air: 1 x PAAMS (48 x Aster 15 or 30 anti-air missiles in SYLVER A50 VLS.); 1 x Sadral launcher with 6 Mistral missiles [2] on starboard roof of hangar
Anti-ship: 8 × Exocet MM40 Block 3 anti-ship missiles
Anti-submarine: 2 × MU90 torpedo tubes
Guns: 2 × Otobreda 76 mm super rapid guns; 2 × 20 mm modèle F2 gun
Aircraft carried 1 x NH90 helicopter
FS Chevalier Paul D621 was first posted on November 20, 2013 at 2:24 pm.
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