$15.5M for Israeli Fast Patrol Boat Propulsion
MTU Detroit Diesel in Detroit, MI received a $15.5 million firm-fixed-price contract from Israel for Fast Patrol Boat (FPB) propulsion systems. This contract was awarded under the foreign military sale program and is in support of the Government of Israel, Ministry of Defense Fast Patrol Boat Construction Program, a $40 million program to replace old Dvora Class FPBs with 2 new Israel Shipyards Shaldag II and 6 IAI/Ramta Super Dvora Mk IIIs. Both types are faster than existing Israeli FPBs, and capable of operations at extended ranges of up to 700 nautical miles; to reduce the support burden, the Shaldag II is designed for increased commonality with the Super Dvora fleet. The new FPBs will be equipped with Elbit/El-Op sensors and targeting systems, and RAFAEL Typhoon stabilized gun mounts.
Systems to be provided include MTUIDDC 12V-4000 M90 Marine main propulsion engines, ZF4650 reduction gears, Kamewa 63SII water jets and intakes, Marine automation systems monitoring and control system MCS Type 2, ancillary equipment, testing, technical publications, technical support, training, installation, coordination and integration. Although the release did not specify, MTU engines and Rolls Royce Kamewa water jets are used in its versatile Shaldag II and Super Dvora III patrol boats – this 3,650 bhp engine subtype appears to indicate use in the 27.4m/86 ft Super Dvora IIIs. Super Dvoras are popular fast response boats, and have been sold to nearly a dozen international customers including India and Sri Lanka. Their “thrust-vectoring” propulsion system reportedly allows them to operate in as little as 1.5 meters of water.
Work on this contract will be performed in Haifa, Israel (50%); Detroit, MI (25%); and between Sweden and Germany (25%). Work is expected to be completed by December 2009. This contract was not competitively procured by the Naval Inventory Control Point at Mechanicsburg, PA (N00104-06-C-KO58).