The Gowind OPV L’Adroit visited Cape Town from September 5 to 9, 2012 during a long deployment off Africa, providing an opportunity for DCNS to promote the Gowind range and demonstrate the operational value of the vessels and their cutting-edge technologies. DCNS will also exhibit at Africa Aerospace & Defence (AAD) 2012 in South Africa from September 19 to 23.

DCNS’s presence in South Africa is part of an ongoing partnership with local shipbuilder Nautic Africa (formerly KND) covering promotion, construction and sales of the Gowind® ocean patrol vessel (OPV). This type of arrangement is key to DCNS’s ability to compete in export markets, and an operational presence in South Africa helps the Group understand the needs of the South African Navy and meet its local shipbuilding requirements.

With a length overall of 87 metres, OPV L’Adroit offers three weeks’ blue-water endurance, a range of 8,000 nautical miles and a top speed of 21 knots. The design includes full provision for an organic helicopter and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), crewing by a complement of 30 and accommodation for 30 passengers.

Innovations and capabilities of special interest to ship-based naval, commando and coast guard forces include a panoramic bridge offering 360° visibility, a single enclosed mast offering 360° sensor visibility, covert deployment of fast commando boats in less than five minutes and full provision for unmanned aerial and surface vehicles (UAVs and USVs).

The Gowind range also benefits from DCNS’s vast experience in IT and command information systems.