Hello again!
D’Estienne d’Orves-Class corvettes
DPs excellent rendition of Commandant Lavallée motivated me to complete an unfinished project (which lay idle at 90% for a year, my bad, no excuse...). The A69-type aviso was designed to replace the E50/52 frigates, representing a shift in French naval strategy from a focus on trans-atlantic convoy protection to exercising tighter control over France’s overseas territories.
The first four units were completed with a short mainmast and funnel.
All were designed to carry two MM38 SSMs amidships, but seven of them did not initially mount them.
From the fifth unit onwards, a modified higher mast was fitted; the funnel top was covered to keep exhaust gases away from the mast-mounted electronics.
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, they appeared both with and without MM38 missiles.
The last six units were completed with MM40 missiles. Each of two launch containers could mount up to four missile tubes, but there is no photographic evidence that more than one tube per container was ever carried.
Two units were completed without fin stabilizers, having an ‘active’ stabilization system instead; as there are photos showing them with stabilizers in their late years, the system seems to have been not much of a success.
From 1989, four HMGs (two on the bridge and two on the aft deckhouse) were fitted to deal with asymmetric threats. A Dagaie countermeasures launcher was added on either side of the bridge structure.
Shown with MM38.
Shown with MM40.
By 1999/2000, seven of the oldest units were retired; six of them were transferred to the Turkish navy. The remaining units landed their ASW mortars and received more extensive satellite signals equipment.
The six newest ones received a Syracuse satcom set and a Simbad SAM launcher.
About 2004, the 20mm Oerlikons were replaced by modern F1 type 20mm cannon.
From about 2010, the torpedo tubes were sealed.
Currently, six remain, serving in a gunboat role. A replacement project (European Patrol corvette) is underway.
Cheers
GD