Dvora class
Dabur, Super Dvora, Taiwan: Hai Ou
Overview
Super Dvora Mk II
Left side view of Slovenian Super Dvora Mk II.
Source: Military of Slovenia -
© GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
1988 - 1993 (Dvora)
1993 - 1997 (Super Dvora Mk II)
2004 - present (Super Dvora Mk III)
Taiwan - CSBC Corporation (Hai Ou)
India - Goa Shipyard Ltd (Mk II)
United States - Sewart Seacraft (Dabur)
50 Hai Ou
9 (or more) Dvora
22 (or more) Super Dvora Mk II
Over 16 Super Dvora Mk III
Description
Introduction
The Dvora is a fast patrol boat of Israeli origin. It can be considered a lineage that started with the Dabur in the early 1970's and continues with the Super Dvora Mk III today. Although of US origin, all subsequent production and development is carried out in Israel. These fast boats are considered highly capable in the counter insurgency role. Except for the Taiwanese Hai Ou derivative with anti-ship missiles they are of limited use in conventional warfare
Design
All versions of the Dvora follow the layout of the original Dabur. These feature a superstructure and mast amidships, armament on bow and stern and two diesel engines connected to two shafts. The crew ranges from 5 to 11 depending on mission and armament suite.
Firepower
The main armament of all early models were a 20mm Oerlikon on the bow and stern. These were supplemented with machine guns and depth charge racks. A number was fitted with tubes for the Mk 46 torpedo. Newer models are fitted with the Typhoon RWS on the bow, usually armed with the 25mm Bushmaster autocannon. A small number is fitted with a single AGM-114 Hellfire missile launcher.
Sensors
The Dabur and early model Dvora feature a sonar system for anti-submarine warfare using depth charges. In the latest Super Dvora Mk III this has been omitted. A surface search radar is present on all models. When fitted with the Typhoon RWS the Super Dvora also gains an optronics systems.
Mobility
The original Dabur had a modest speed of 19 knots. This was improved in the Dvora by fitting more powerful engines. The Super Dvora Mk II and Mk III feature even more powerful engines and have surface drives with thrust vector steering. The result is a 45 kt maximum speed and the ability to operate in very shallow water.
Users
The Dabur was used in quantity by Israeli forces. With newer models entering service many have been sold to South American navies. All marks of Dvora have been actively used by Sri Lankan forces in the conflict with the LTTE. Large quantities of Hai Ou have been used for over two decades by the Taiwanese navy.
Variants
Dabur
The Dabur is the first in line of the Dvora range of fast patrol boats. It was developed by Sewart Seacraft and the first 12 models were produced in the USA. Armament suite is geared towards speedboats and anti-submarine warfare. Up to 8 ships have been fitted with improved engines to increase their speed. The Dabur is difficutl to distinguish from the later Dvora and Super Dvora Mk II.
Dvora / Hai Ou
The Dvora is a further development of the Dabur design. It is also referred to as the Super Dvora Mk I. Compared to the original Dabur it features a much better speed. The hull is somewhat longer and the sonar has been removed. Some Mk I feature the same improved weapon systems as the Mk II.
The Dvora was produced as the Hai Ou missile craft in Taiwan. They are fitted with two launchers for the Taiwanese Hsiung Feng I anti-ship missile. Lighter engines are installed to compensate for missile weight.
Super Dvora Mk II
The Super Dvora Mk II is an improved Dvora Mk I. The Mk II differs in having more powerful engines and surface drives that reduce the draft significantly. Late production models have the forward 20mm Oerlikon replaced by a Typhoon remote weapon system fitted with a 25mm Bushmaster autocannon. Some ships are also fitted with a single AGM-114 Hellfire missile launcher.
Super Dvora Mk III
The Super Dvora Mk III is a much improved Mk II. The superstructure and rear hull have been redesigned. Unlike the previous multi-purpose vessels the Mk III is focussed on high speed interdiction. As such the Mk III lacks all ASW armament. Reduced weapon load and automation results in a crew of only 5 instead of 10. The Typhoon remote weapon system is fitted on the bow.
Details
Media
Super Dvora Mk II
Top view of Slovenian Super Dvora Mk II.
Source: Military of Slovenia
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
Hai Ou
Rear view of two Taiwanese Hai Ou. Note the two Hsiung Feng I missile containers.
Source: Changlc
Copyright: public domain
Super Dvora Mk III
Top view of Israeli Super Dvora Mk III.
Source: www.forum.valka.cz
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
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Hsiung Feng I
The Taiwanese Hai Ou class missile boats are armed with the Hsiung Feng I, a domestic production model of the Israeli Gabriel Mk 2 anti-ship missile.