The Israel Navy Marks Entry of the "Super Dvora MK-III" - IAI/Ramta Division's Next Generation Fast Patrol/Interdiction Craft into Operational Service at Commissioning Ceremony at ISN Naval Base in Ashdod
Nov 11, 2004
At a Commissioning Ceremony at the Israel Naval base in Ashdod on Israel's Mediterranean coast, theIsrael Navy (ISN) officially accepted the IAI/Ramta Division "Super Dvora Mk-III" fast patrol/interdiction craft into operational service. This next-generation naval craft is the product of a two-year joint development effort between the ISN and IAI/Ramta naval architects and design engineers who worked together to tailor the craft to the exacting requirements of the ISN's operational needs.
Among the participants in the Commissioning Ceremony were: Vice Admiral David Ben Bashat, commander of the Israel Navy; Captain (Naval) Menachem Levi, commander of the Israel Naval Base at Ashdod; members of the senior command staff and all technical branches of the Israel Navy; representatives of the Israel Ministry of Defense; crew serving onboard the Super Dvora MK-III; Mr. Nathan Galili, general manager of IAI/Ramta; senior management of IAI/Ramta, families of the crew and IAI/Ramta shipwrights.
The "Super Dvora Mk-III" commissioned today represents the first of six vessels procured by the ISN under a contract signed at the Israel Ministry of Defense in January 2002.
The "Super Dvora Mk-III" is considered the most advanced and capable craft of its class in the world today, and was developed in accordance with the "lessons learned" and experience gained in the ISN over the years, with a "long hard look" and analysis of the future naval threats facing the ISN which have become more numerous and complex as recent events have shown.
The "Super Dvora Mk-III" provides the ISN with a quantum boost in operational capability by integrating a broad range of performance capabilities in a single platform. Among these capabilities are the ability to intercept sea targets at high-speeds approaching 50 knots; long range for extended missions with the inherent capability for "At-Sea Replenishment" to extend missions and craft endurance beyond a typical four-day endurance; high maneuverability in both the littoral regions and blue water; stable seakeeping in a variety of sea states and very harsh weather; vessel displacements ranging between 58 and 72 tonnes depending on ISN mission decisions; the ability to carry very advanced stabilized precision naval weapon systems and sensors for use in day/night and all weather conditions; advanced human engineering and man-machine interface; and low operating and life-cycle costs over the projected operational life of the craft.
The "Super Dvora Mk-III" craft was delivered by IAI/Ramta to the ISN on July 27, 2004 and began joint sea trials to test all onboard systems of the vessel, its mission equipment and training of the crew serving onboard. With its official entry into operational service marked by a very moving Commissioning Ceremony held today by the ISN in Ashdod, the "Super Dvora Mk-III" fast patrol/interdiction craft will begin replacing the venerable "Dabur" patrol craft now in operational service in the ISN for the past 30 years, and boost the operational fleet capabilities of the later generation "Dvora" and "Super Dvora MK-I" and "MK-II" class of vessels, all designed and produced by IAI/Ramta for the ISN over the years. With dozens of these craft in ISN service, IAI/Ramta and its advanced naval craft have long been the "backbone" of the Israel Navy, considered to be one of the most technologically advanced and capable navies in the world. Within the framework of its current contract, IAI/Ramta is to supply six "Super Dvora Mk-III" fast patrol and interdiction craft to the ISN, with options for an additional five vessels.
Craft length of the "Super Dvora Mk-III" is 27.4 meters (86 ft.), beam of the vessels is 5.74 meters (18 ft.), and craft displacements ranging between 58 and 72 tonnes. The craft are powered by two Detroit Diesel MTU 12V-4000 series diesel engines driving two state-of-the-art model 16 Articulated Surface Drives (ASD) manufactured by US company, TwinDisc and were specifically selected by the ISN who has successfully used this advanced propulsion technology in its other IAI/Ramta supplied patrol/interdiction craft over the past decade. IAI/Ramta has successfully adapted this state-of-the-art propulsion technology originally designed for competitive speedboats into its line of naval patrol boats. The ASD system enables the ISN to "positively steer" the propulsion system screws (propellers) providing the craft with "thrust vectoring" control similar to the most advanced fighter jet aircraft in use today. In addition, as all external components of the propulsion system extend out the transom (stern) of the boat, rather than beneath its hull, the ASD system provides the ability to operate in extremely shallow water at minimal drafts of 1.2 meters (3.5 ft.) facilitating "beaching" operations by naval commando in military ops or humanitarian relief to off-load medical and food supplies or evacuate injured persons as was recently demonstrated in the Caribbean due to the many hurricanes which afflicted the region during the summer months destroying infrastructure and port facilities.
In addition to the many features noted above, IAI/Ramta went to great lengths to incorporate advanced human engineering and the man-machine interface of the "Super Dvora MK-III" and its onboard mission systems. This has been demonstrated by: a spacious and comfortable command bridge; ergonomic displays and controls for systems and mission payloads; easy physical access to all vessel systems and machinery for maintenance and upkeep underway; well appointed air-conditioned officer/crew quarters; spacious mess and work spaces; a modern, fully equipped galley and recreation areas, fully equipped showers and heads (lavatories) for officer and crew; and roomy passageways for ease of movement throughout the boat and access to all spaces.
IAI/Ramta employs 450 people, and has an annual sales turnover of $55 million. The division, located in the southern city of Beer Sheva, is one of Israel's leading defense industries providing advanced platforms and mission equipment for use by all branches of the Israel Defense Forces and foreign militaries.
For further information, please contact:
Doron Suslik
Deputy Corp. VP for Communications
Tel: 972 (3) 935-8509
Fax: 972 (3) 935-8512
Email: hpaz@iai.co.il
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