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French Navy Missile Range Instrumentation Ship Monge (A601) Operational Following Major Refit.
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The Monge is seen testing its LIDAR system. French Navy picture |
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This
major refit was also used to test the on-board LIDAR (Light Detection
And Ranging) system. It can fire six laser beams vertically that characterizes
the air density, temperature and humidity up to 100 km in altitude. As planned, the Monge was released from the dry dock on July 27. It then started trails at sea to test the new propulsion and Syracuse III SATCOM system. The Monge is the largest vessel (in length) in the French Navy fleet following aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. was laid down in March 1990, launched in October 1990 and commissionned with the French Navy in November 1992. It is used to test and analyse various missile systems (including the new SLBM M51) in conjonction with the French procurement agency (DGA). While its primary mission remains missile test monitoring, the Monge may participate in other missions such as monitoring a space rocket launches or satellite tracking. It may also participate in the monitoring and protection of maritime approaches or support training of maritime forces. |
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The Monge out of dry dock for sea trials. French Navy picture |
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