FS Ventose (F733)

History

FS Ventose (F733) is considered a "light" frigate of the French Navy, part of the Floreal class of ships. A total of eight ships were built, of which six went to France and two were received by the Moroccan state. Since May 1992, these models have been in service with the team consisting of Floreal, Prairial, Nivose, Ventose, Vendemiaire, Germinal, Mohammad V (Morocco) and Hassan II (Morocco). FS Ventose was ordered in 1989 and the keel was laid by Chantiers de l'Atlantique on 28 June 1991. She was launched on March 14, 1992, and officially commissioned with the French Navy on May 5, 1993.

Her home port is Fort-de-France in Martinique, and as of 2015 it is still in service with the French fleet.

Modern frigates are typically designed as multi-role ships to support naval defense and anti-submarine warfare (ASW). Like other modern naval assets, frigates can operate independently or as part of a larger naval force.

This versatility provides war planners with tactical and strategic flexibility when conducting specific campaigns, and ships like the Ventose do not disappoint in this regard.

When built, the Ventose will displace 2,600 tons fully loaded. Her dimensions include a length of 306.8 feet, a beam of 46 feet, and a draft of 14.4 feet.

Propulsion is via 4 x SEMT Pielstick 6PA6 L280 diesel engines and 3 x Baudouin 12P15 2SR diesel generators paired with 3 x Alslthom AA 49L9 generators. 8,800 hp on 2 axles, speeds up to 20 knots, and a working range of up to 15,000 nautical miles.

Her armament is 2 x Exocet MM38 anti-ship missile launchers. The ship carries a 100mm CADAM deck gun with turret, close range defense is provided by 2 x 20mm F2 series gun mounts.

The shape of the Ventose provides a distinctly low-backed design that provides an unobstructed and increased staging area for the 100mm turret mounted deck gun system. The bridge superstructure is at the rear and supports a closed main mast structure at the top.

The Flying Fish missile launcher is located between the bow superstructure and two side-by-side funnels. The Syracuse II satellite communication system is located on a platform next to the chimney. The helicopter hangar forms a large part of the rear superstructure, protected by a 20mm close-in weapons system (CIWS) along its roof. The flight deck above the stern can accommodate a medium Navy helicopter (usually an Airbus Helicopters/Eurocopter AS565 "Panther") or similar rotorcraft.

Behind the flight deck is a small rear deck.

The typical manning capacity is 88, of which 11 are staff officers and 11 are in command of the Air Force. On board is a storage area for Zodiac fast attack craft and other related mission equipment.

The radar is a collection of systems such as the DRBV-12C ("Mars") air surveillance system, the Racal Decca RM1290 navigation radar and the RM1290 landing radar. The Electronic Warfare (EW) kit is a Thomson-CF design, and navigation is aided by an inertial navigation system, NavStar GPS adaptation, Furuno depth gauge system and VHF radio kit.

Specification

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Performance

Armor

Wing