France: DCNS named the latest Gowind offshore patrol vessel (OPV) 'L'Adroit' at a ceremony attended by Admiral Pierre-François Forissier, the French Navy's Chief of Staff.
The 'L'Adroit' programme spearheads DCNS's efforts to win a larger share of the growing market for small- and medium-displacement surface ships.
The Gowind OPV 'L'Adroit' was designed and built by DCNS for maritime safety and security (MSS) missions ranging from counter piracy and terrorism to the policing and interdiction of all forms of trafficking. 'L'Adroit', the first member of the Gowind family, combines advanced technologies including unmanned aerial and surface vehicles (UAVs and USVs), commando boat launch ramps and a single enclosed mast which, with a panoramic bridge, ensures 360° visibility for crew and sensors alike.
Shipbuilding began in May 2010. Outfitting continues apace with the last equipment compartments approaching completion as systems are powered up and tested. This summer, DCNS employees will put the ship through its first sea trials. Handover to the French Navy is on target for late 2011.
'L'Adroit' is the entry-level representative of the Gowind family. Other Gowind OPV/corvettes can be equipped with a range of weapon systems according to their mission profiles. The top-of-the-range type is a medium-displacement front-line corvette serving as a deterrent or means of preventing military action. To this end, these ships can be equipped with weapons for use against both land and sea targets.
With a length of 87 metres, 'L'Adroit' offers three weeks' blue-water endurance, a range of 8,000 nautical miles, a top speed of 21 knots and a helicopter/UAV flight deck. The design also features full provision for reduced crewing by a complement of 30 and space for 30 passengers.