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Naval
Defense Industry News - France |
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Nexter
Narwhal 20mm Remote Weapon System fitted onboard FREMM Frigate Normandie |
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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. |
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Narwhal location onboard French Navy FREMM Frigates (Aquitaine class)
Picture: DCNS
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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 |
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Detailed view of the Narwhal gun system onboard FREMM Normandie
Picture: DCNS
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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. |
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Narwhal gun system during trials
Video : Nexter
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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.
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