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Saar 4.5
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INS "Hetz" was the first modernized missile boat, commissioned 1991. She was used as a testbed for the Barak and other combat systems integration for Saar4.5 missile boats. The most distinctive difference from previous models is the enclosed mast. |
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The Saar 4.5 (Saar) represents the newest generation of small, fast-attack missile boats designed and built by ISRAEL SHIPYARDS LTD. (ISL) with flexibility to accept a full range of sensors and weapons. Its sophisticated systems, integrated by Elbit Systems Ltd., are highly reliable, easy to maintain and simple to operate. The semi-displacement hull form assures excellent seakeeping and enhanced crew comfort. The boat proved itself in the Mediterranean and Red Sea areas operated by the Israeli Navy as well as in Cape of Good Hope, South Pacific and Atlantic areas while serving in Foreign Navies.
Feature-packed with advanced capabilities and state-of-the-art equipment, the upgraded.
Saar 4.5 is a major step into the 21st. century, delivering superior performance in all combat scenarios.
Developed by ISRAEL SHIPYARDS LTD. and Elbit Systems Ltd. in close cooperation with the Israeli Navy, the upgraded Saar 4.5 is ready for action today, and fully capable of facing virtually any naval threats well into the future.
In terms of firepower to displacement ratio, the Israeli upgraded Saar4.5 missile boat is a most potent combat vessel. This 450 tons platform can carry into combat 14 attack and up to 32 point defence missiles, a multi-layered defensive suite and sophisticated combat support systems. Built by Israel Shipyards, Saar 4 and Saar 4.5 platforms are currently operational with the navies of Israel, South Africa, Chile and Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean, the Atlantic, the Pacific, the Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea.
Upgraded Saar 4.5 also known as the “Nirit'' class, is a fast attack missile boat, direct descendant of the Saar 4 and Saar4.5 combat proven vessels, developed by Israel Shipyards in close cooperation with the Israel Navy. The upgrading of Saar 4 and Saar4.5 series into “Nirit'' class is a cost effective modernization program that extended the boats' life time and enhanced significantly their operational capabilities.
On February 12, 1991, following its two-year long construction at the Israel shipyards, the Nirit class INS Chetz ("Arrow") was delivered to the Israel Navy. It was used as a prototype for testing advanced weapon systems which are now a part of the operational systems on Navy ships. Some of the Saar 4 missile boats were upgraded to Nirit class missile boats.
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Design and Construction
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CIC of a Saar4.5 improved.
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CMS Console- IAI/MBT Combat Management Systems use these integrated consoles.
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The hull, main deck and major bulk-heads are a mild steel construction with transverse frames and closely spaced longitudinals. The deckhouse and enclosed mast are made of welded marine aluminum alloy. The semi displacement hull form is designed to perform well in high sea state and maintain good seakeeping and crew comfort. The Saar class has been operating for many years and demonstrated good performance and handling at rough sea conditions. It is designed to operate at sea state 6 and has operated in the open seas, including the Mediterranean and Red Sea, and the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
The enclosed mast is designed to provide the stiffness to house and support a multitude of electronic systems, including surveillance and fire control radars, fire directors, passive sensors and passive and active countermeasure systems (jammers). The mast is fully air-conditioned to optimize the operation of sensitive electronic equipment. It also provides internal and external installations for electronic systems, sensors and communications equipment. The superstructure is designed to present reduced radar cross section and thermal signatures, achieved by application of radar absorbing materials and structures. The design provides for two separate engine rooms, each equipped with two electronically controlled MTU 16V 396 engines developing 4x2,560kW.
Three accommodation sections are provided in the fore, aft and mid sections. Individual accommodations for the crew of 45 include individual bed and locker. Rooms are air conditioned, and equipped with entertainment systems such as TV, video, music, audio and intercom channels as well as shower and toilet facilities. A mess is also located adjacent to each crew accommodation area, facilitating space for dining and recreation.
During routine operations, tasks are allocated to three shifts, providing all hands enough time for rest. Many crew members have a secondary role to support combat essential tasks in emergency cases. In combat, the entire crew is called to battle stations, every crew member is performing combat essential tasks, operating and serving weapons systems, such as missiles and guns, combat systems including electronic warfare, communications and command and control, in the machinery rooms and on the bridge.
The Combat Information Center (ClC) is the nerve center of the ship, where all systems are operated and controlled. The Saar 4.5 combat information center is large and spacious, even when compared with similar facilities on larger corvettes. Utilising advanced system design and miniaturization, the Saar 4.5's' CIC was redesigned to provide more space, ease of movement and operation. The passage tunnel and many systems formerly operated in the CIC were relocated elsewhere in the ship, including communications and other electronics systems. This redesign facilitates more efficient operation for some 20 personnel operating here in combat situations. The redesign of the new CIC was made possible by the extensive use of computerized system consoles. All systems are interconnected through the ship information network. These services provide the core for the interfacing with various combat systems, ship handling mission areas, creation of the tactical picture, based on the integration of sensor data, and communications with external partners, including other task force units.
The CIC is equipped with several types of consoles; some are system specific and others use the new generation operating consoles, for tactical tasks as well as for defence, ESM and attack purposes. This COTS Windows based console uses two 2 inch flat panels and various Human Machine Interface means such as touch panel, joystick, trackball etc for improved operability. The combat systems are fully integrated with the Israel Navy Command and Control System, enabling interoperability with other elements, naval, airborne and land based units in the theater. This was done in order to create a powerful Combat System core to provide the surveillance, tactical, attack and defence functions.
The improved Saar 4.5 redesign also included the creation of a dedicated communications room, housing all communications related equipment. The ship is equipped with various types of radios, operating in the HF, VHF and UHF bands, as well as data-links providing high transfer data rates, capable of communicating images and data to extend the combat information system across the task force units. The data-link connection can also provide the basis for simulated training, combining units at sea and on shore based training facilities. Such training activity can take place during routine operations.
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Training
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Crew training is provided for routinely at a shore Naval Tactical and Command Trainer facility, and during operational missions, by the utilization of an integrated naval Combat Maneuvering Datalink, which provides virtual activation of all electronic systems, and simulated operation of weapons systems, activity of aerial and subsurface elements, and targets in the theater of operation. All activities are constantly monitored, analyzed and can be debriefed at sea or at the NTCS at the end of the mission. |
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Sensors
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The Saar 4.5 also operates an array of sensors and defensive systems, including electro-optical observation and targeting systems, COMINT/DF, ESM, ECM and an extensive, multilayered decoy system, to counter modern threats. The exact specification of such systems is classified, but can vary among the ship classes and among individual ships. The following description includes some of the modern systems offered by Israel's naval systems manufacturers, and are believed to provide part of the Saar 4.5 systems suite. |
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Radar
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The main radar utilized for surveillance and target acquisition is the Automatic Missile Detection Radar (AMDR) such as the EL/M- 2228S or EL/M- 2228X. This radar, designed by Elta, is a coherent S-Band Pulse Doppler air and surface surveillance system, combined with advanced missile detection radar, optimized for operation in adverse sea, clutter and electromagnetic environmental conditions. This multimode radar performs long-range air surveillance, combined with surface surveillance and, at the same time, fast detection and automatic threat alert of air targets. The radar also supports surface gunnery engagement through a unique splash-spotting capability and anti-air and anti-missile weapons systems, as well as ECM chaff system deployment. AMDR has a low false alarm rate, which provides a very reliable threat alert. The AMDR has 3D, 217 and S-FX versions. The second radar associated with the system is the Elta EL M-2221 Search, Track & Guidance Radar (STGR) providing the system's fire control radar. This is a pulse Doppler dual band (X/Ka) monopulse tracking radar, optimized for operation in adverse sea, clutter and electromagnetic environmental conditions. The system performs surface to air (SAM) guidance, surface-to-surface missile (SSM) guidance, and automatic gunfire control against surface and air targets and has several search modes as backup to the main search radar. This radar is also optimized to track highly maneuverable missile size targets, and perform fast automatic acquisition and continue with guidance and flight directions leading Barak-1 missiles to hit their targets. |
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Electro-optical
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One of the electro-otical systems operated by the Israel Navy in the MSIS, an integrated array of CCD, FLIn and laser. |
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The electro-optical system comprises an integrated payload designed for formalized use. The Israel Navy uses several systems, such as the MSIS and COMPAS, designed by Elbit Elop. The electro-optical sensors can be used for day and night surveillance and tracking of surface and airborne targets, target range measurement as well as precision gunnery. The system is a fully stabilized day night surveillance system, integrating a 2nd or 3rd generation FLIR, CCD camera, and an automatic target tracker. An optional laser range finder can also be included.
The system is fully integrated with the ship's tire control and combat information systems. The optical systems are fully stabilized, and are installed in a wind resistant housing that effectively withstands the harsh sea environment, enabling the sensors to obtain high quality imagery at long range. Imagery obtained by the electro-optical sensors can be transferred and displayed at the combat information center, on each one of the consoles linked to the combat information network. Images can also be transmitted via date-link to other ships, airborne units or to land based units and installations.
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Electronic Support Measures (ESM) systems
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The integrated naval EW suite provides very fast response to incoming threats. ESM provides instantaneous direction finding (lDF) HR automatic reception, analysis and identification of electronic signals in the 1-18GHZ range, with 100% intercept probability of multiple signals, frequency agile and frequency hopping radars.
Other sensors can include COMINT/DF, capable of coping with advanced, agile frequency communications radios. Israeli systems which could be utilized are Tadiran's NATACS-2000. This system uses an array of four antennae, including HF DF, VHF/UHF DF, HF COMINT and VHF/UHF COMINT. The fully integrated system is equipped with ultra-fast wide band receivers and direction finder systems. With its fast scanning rate, the system can handle dense electromagnetic environment in the HF, VHF and UHF frequency bands, characterized by frequency hopping, burst and ocher agile transmissions. The system performs automatic direction finding and signal classification to enable accurate signal identification. The data obtained from the system's receivers, as well as from on board Electronic Support Measures (ESM) systems, covers the electromagnetic spectrum associated with radar signals, enable the completion of the tactical naval picture. A built in digital audio recorder provides for technical and intelligence analysis of unfamiliar signals. The basic system has two operators. The system is fully integrated with the ship's command and control, navigation, and communications system.
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Defensive Systems
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“Soft-kill” Systems
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"Soft Defence" Layers provided by expendable decoys deployed by the Elbit DESEAVER system.
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The Saar 4.5 is equipped with a multilayered defensive system, comprised of soft-and hard-kill elements. The soft kill elements are based on several “rings'' of defence, provided by active Electronic Warfare (EW), used for electronically “intercepting'' an incoming missile, as well as deployment of various countermeasures by chaff and flare decoys, which create deception and seduction of incoming missiles' sensors at various phases of their flight. Hard-kill capabilities are provided by the Barak-1 missile system and Phalanx Close In Weapon System, installed at the fore section.
EW capabilities rely on alerting signals intercepted by on board ESM systems, detecting hostile activities or “illumination'' by an incoming missile. To counter such threats, sophisticated jammers are used. Systems such as the RAFAEL SHARK - Shipborne ECM system were developed in Israel, to provide shipborne ECM defence.
SHARK systems are capable of jamming and deceiving a large number of threats simultaneously in different directions, consist of one or two Multi Beam Array Transmitters, (MBAT), capable of coincidence jamming in the directions of the received threats, covering 360 degrees in azimuth. The system enables immediate positioning of the transmitting beam with very high effective radiated power (ERP). Threat direction and data is provided by the Electronic Support Measures (ESM) receiver on board the vessel. The system utilizes Power ' Management (PM) with sophisticated techniques and trackers. The system is employing various exotic technologies such as simultaneous coincidence jamming, high transmitting power and fast beam switching using Multi Beam Array Transmitters (MBAT) to provide effective and rapid response in the most demanding scenarios.
Another “soft-kill” element in the multilayered “Soft defence'' suite is based on expendable decoys. The system is believed to be based on an integration of the Elbit System's DESEAVER decoy launcher and RAFAEL'S decoy rockets. Such decoys provide several lines of defence, against missile attack. Decoy rockets are designed for distraction and seduction of enemy missiles, as they create a ship size target at various ranges and prevent engagement by enemy missiles that are searching for targets. The missile acquires the decoy as a real target, causing its seeker to “lock'' on the false target instead of the ship. Seduction is used when the missile has achieved radar lock-on on the ship. Deployed at optimum locations, these rapid blooming chaff decoys create huge “targets'' that should attract the missile seeker and deflect it away from the ship. Heat generating decoys also augment these tactics at short range.
The DESEAVER decoy control and launching system, developed by Elbit, is designed to handle the various launchers, decoy types and tactics, in response to all potential threats. The system can handle multiple threats from multiple directions simultaneously. Acting on data received and processed from the ship's command and control system and sensors, the system launches a barrage of expandable decoys with precise priority and timing. The system can deliver payloads at accurate time intervals and according to specified anti-missile doctrines and guidelines to effectively defeat such threats. |
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“Hard kill'' Systems
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Barak-1 Missile during vertical launch.
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Saar 4.5 defensive system is also equipped with a “Hard Kill'' layer, the Barak-1 system. The system provides 360 degrees hemispherical coverage, at 10 kilometers. Barak-1 system, developed in a joint venture between Israel Aircraft Industries and RAFAEL, is based on RAFAEL's vertically launched missile. The Barak system is dedicated to the defence of-naval vessels against subsonic and supersonic anti-ship threats, including aircraft, missiles, smart weapons and UAVS. The highly maneuverable supersonic missile uses a powerful kill mechanism based on a 22kg blast fragmentation warhead, which is optimized to provide a large kill radius against missiles and aircraft. To maintain low altitude effectiveness, the missile uses an altimeter to control the sensitivity pattern of the adaptive fuze, and overcome multipath ambiguities when countering sea-skimming targets.
The rocket motor employs stress relieved, reduced smoke solid propellant to ensure high maneuverability of the missile even at the end of the effective range limit. Barak-1 is optimized against low flying missiles as well as against model supersonic sea skimmers. The system remains fully capable even in an ECCM saturated combat environment. Barak missiles are provided in modular, vertically positioned container/launchers installed in special compartments provided in the hull. Containers can be rapidly replenished with fresh missiles to maintain combat ready status. A typical configuration includes 8 missiles.
The system employs vertically launched Barak missiles and Command Line Of Sight (CLOS) radar guidance to counter anti ship missile and airborne attacks by aircraft. The systems uses radar techniques for target acquisition, target tracking, missile tracking and missile guidance. For rapid response, the system utilizes built in and autonomous capabilities of tactical picture building and threat evaluation.
The system is operated automatically from the detection stage up to the attack and target destruction phases while providing the operators with a complete tactical and engagement situation picture, allowing manual overide. The Barak-1 system is also integrated with the Threat Alert Radar and the ESM, using a built-in radar tracker to build the ship air and threats picture. The compiled data is evaluated and if needed the system automatically controls the Fire Control Radar (FCR) in ordered acquire and track the threats and launches Barak point defence missiles to defend the ship. The system also provides the kill assessment and decides about the next steps. This is done with full coordination with the Command and Control System and the Decoys Control Launcher System. It can intercept threats at a range of 10 kilometers, down to 500 meters from the ship. |
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Offensive Systems
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Harpoon Missile
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Weaponry includes 130km-range Harpoon missiles.
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The ship has two four-cell Boeing Harpoon missile launchers. The Harpoon surface-to-surface missile has a range of up to 130km. The speed is high subsonic and the warhead weighs 227kg.
The Harpoon is a subsonic, sea skimming guided missile utilizing active radar guidance. Warhead design and low-level sea-skimming cruise trajectory assure high survivability and effectiveness. The missile is capable of striking surface targets at a maximum range of 130 kilometers (60 nautical miles). Harpoons are deployed on Israeli Navy surface ships and submarines. Ships are usually equipped with two batteries of four container/launchers each.
The 4.57 meters long missile weighs 520kg, (628kg before launch) and is powered by a Teledyne Turbojet generating 660 pounds of thrust. Upon launch, the missile is boosted to cruise speed by a solid propellant booster. In mid course the missile flight is controlled by an altimeter and inertial guidance system. At a preplanned point, the missile's radar is activated and searches for the target. When the target is detected, the missile uses its own radar for guidance terminal homing. With a high impact velocity the missile's blast fragmentation charge uses delayed action to penetrate the target's hull and inflict maximum damage. |
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IAI/MBT Gabriel II/III Medium Range Missile
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The ship's short to medium-range anti-ship missile is the IAI/MBT Gabriel II. There are eight launchers for the missile which uses dual mode semi-active and active radar homing and has a 100 kg warhead. The range is from 6 to 36km and missile velocity is 0.6 Mach. The missile design dates back to the mid 1960s. It was successfully employed in the Yom Kippur War (1973) and has been upgraded by life extension programs. IAI/MBT has employed these upgrading programs in different missile systems, using various types of seekers based on advanced signal processing techniques, artificial intelligence, multi-tasking, multi-processing, and secure communication systems. |
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Oto-Melara 76/62 Gun
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The 76-mm automatic gun built by Oto Melara is designed for firing at air and surface targets at a rate of 80 rounds per minute. The mount operates unmanned, remotely controlled through the Combat Management System, has a high performance training and elevation servo system capable of high accelerations, maintains short reaction rates and tracks fast targets under rough weather conditions. The below-deck ammunition magazine contains 80 ready-to-fire rounds. This gun can fire pre fragmented high explosive ammunition, and semi armour piercing extended range ammunition with a range of 20km. |
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Typhoon Gun
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Coping with Force Protection and Anti-Terror Tasks some of the Saar 4.5 ships, including the “Herev” and "Sufa” are also equipped with the Typhoon stabilized weapon system. Typhoon is a family of naval stabilized gun and weapon systems designed for small and medium ships. The integrated system comprises an autonomous fire control system and optronics, a stabilization system and a remote control console. The Typhoon has an exceptionally high hit and kill probability and an impressive firepower. The Typhoon is capable of acquiring targets and engaging them autonomously' through the ship's Combat Management System (CMS) or independently. The Typhoon can be fitted with a variety of weapons and countermeasure systems, including guns of various calibers up to 35 mm, chaff, and a range of surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles. The system has been especially designed for medium and small sized patrol boats as the main weapon system, and as a secondary weapon system for large vessels, for Force Protection and Anti Terror time critical tasks. The high accuracy and lethality of the Typhoon is achieved through the utilization of high stabilization in both traverse and elevation, together with modern fire control computers. The fire control computer calculates the complex ballistics, based on target and own ship data as well as ammunition type and environmental conditions, to yield the exact lead and super elevation angle. |
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Outstanding features of this class of missile boats include very high survivability, extensive power and weapon systems designed for the naval arena. Advanced weapon systems include improved Gabriel missiles, Harpoon missiles, Barak anti-missile missiles, 76 mm guns, anti-aircraft guns, innovative night vision equipment, electronic warfare systems developed in Israel, a new radar system and a command & control system.
Technical Data - Nirit Class Saar 4.5
Length 61.7 meters
Beam 7.62 meters
Displacement full load 488 tons
Maximum Speed 34 knots
Propulsion 4 MTU engines
Weapon systems Vulcan Phalanx anti-missile and anti-aircraft gun
76 mm sea-to-sea gun
6 Gabriel sea-to-sea missiles
8 Harpoon sea-to-sea missiles
32 Barak missiles
Command, control and defense systems
Technical Data - Chochit Class Saar 4.5
Length 61.7 meters
Beam 7.62 meters
Propulsion 4 MTU engines
Weapon systems Vulcan gun
8 Harpoon sea-to-sea missiles
Landing area
Command, control and defense systems
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Main Characteristics
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General Characteristics:
Helicopter Carrier
Various missiles (Harpoon & Gabriel)
Long endurance at sea.
Maintenance and logistic support by the Israel Navy are available.
Dimensions:
Overall length 61.7m
Maximum beam 7.62m
Full load mean draft 2.80m
Displacement:
Total displacement 488 ton
Light displacement 430 ton
Speed:
Max. speed 33 knots
Cruising speed 19 knots
Operational Ranges:
Range at 19 knots 4800 NM
Range at 30 knots 2200 NM
Seakeeping Up to state 5
Detection:
Radars: Neptune
Weapon Systems:
Missiles - Harpoon and Gabriel MK2.
Guns - 1X40mm and 2X20mm
Machine guns - 4X0.5"
AA missiles - Portable.
Navigation:
Gyro, Laz-17, Magnavox, Receiver, sal-Log, G.P.S
Communication:
HF, VHF, HVHF, UHF Transceivers.
Machinery:
4x538 MTU Engines driving 4 propellers
Engine max. output 3380 HP. each.
Safety & Damage Control:
Fire extinguishing system and Hand -held extiguishers.
Fire Alarm system
Foam generator & gun.
Accommodations:
Captain, officers, crew and air-crew have separate quarters.
Helicopter Facilities:
Hangar
Landing platform
Fuel tanks (jet fuel)
Safety systems |
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For more information see: Saar 5 |
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