Safran’s PASEO XLR Selected for French Navy’s Future Replenishment Tankers

According to Safran, PASEO XLR allows manual or automatic sector surveillance, automatic target tracking, visual identification and transmission or reception of 3D target designation information. PASEO XLR is able to simultaneously control several guns of different calibers. The system can be integrated in a Combat Management System or operated in a stand-alone mode.

Safran’s PASEO XLR system gives the French navy very-long-range identification capability. It is especially valuable in a context of asymmetric combat, where front-line ships are called on to operate near coastlines, and may engage small vessels showing suspicious behavior. The PASEO XLR system allows ships to determine these vessels’ intentions at a range enabling the frigate to activate its self-defense system.

In March 2018, Safran was already selected to supply PASEO XLR for the French Navy’s future FDI frigates. Pierre-Olivier Nougues, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Naval Key Accounts, at Safran Electronics & Defense, said at the time: “We are very proud to have won this contract from Naval Group on behalf of the French navy. These new frigates will be fitted with our highest-performance electro-optical sighting systems.”

As the latest member of Safran Electronics & Defense’s family of shipborne sighting systems, the PASEO XLR joins the Vigy Observer/Engage and the PASEO NS. The PASEO XLR features a stabilized turret from the DALAS NG (deck-landing aid device for the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier), developed from 2014 to 2017 for Naval Group and French defense procurement agency DGA, and featuring cameras with very high magnification. It also includes an HDTV (high-definition TV) channel, including a powerful telescope (spotter) and a very-long-range Satis XLR infrared imager, as well as an eyesafe laser rangefinder. A SWIR (shortwave infrared) channel is offered on option, to enhance performance under foggy conditions.

About the French Navy BRF

Previously known as FLOTLOG (for Flotte Logistique), the BRF (bâtiments ravitailleurs de force or force replenishment vessel) contract is valued at 1.7 Billion Euros. The design of the French BRF is based on the Italian Navy LSS (Vulcano-class) designed by Fincantieri. The forward section of the French BRFs will be built by the Italian shipyard while the remaining and final assembly will take place in Frane at Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

The future French Navy tankers, with a fuel capacity of 13,000 m3, have the mission to provide logistical support to the French and allied navies’ combat vessels. They will carry fuel for vessels, jet fuel for aircraft, weapons and ammunition, spare parts, as well as food. The ships will also be equipped with waste management solutions and repair workshops.

The BRF will be modern and highly effective double-hulled ships, which will comply with existing international regulations. They will replace the current single-hulled Durance-class tankers of the French Navy that entered active service in the 1970s and 80s. The 4 new BRF will provide long-term support for any blue-sea combat fleet (aircraft-carrier, LHDs, destroyers) in both liquid and solid stores: fuel, ammunition, spare parts and food.

The French BRF will be slightly larger than the Italian Vulcano (194 meters in length and 28,700 tons full load displacement compared to 193 meters and 27,200 tons). We were told by a DGA representative during Euronaval 2019 the reason for this difference is the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier: Its air wing is significantly larger compared to the Italian aircraft carrier Cavour. The requirements for aviation fuel are greater.

Main characteristics of the BRF vessels
Gross tonnage: 28,700 GRT
Overall length: 194 m
Overall width: 27.40 m
Crew capacity: 190 people (of which 130-people strong crew
Total deadweight: 14,870 tonnes
Freight volume: 13,000 m3
Total installed capacity: 24 MW
Artillery: 40 mm guns
Polaris® Combat Management System