Powerful Combat System
The FMCs are well suited for anti-surface warfare while possessing adequate self-defense capabilities against airborne threats.
The primary strike weapons are eight Harpoon Block II missiles located amidships. It is also fitted with a 76.2 mm Oto Melara Super Rapid gun for surface warfare and air defense. To deal with longer-ranged threats and incoming cruise missiles, the FMC has a Mk. 31 launcher for Mk 49 Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) and a Phalanx Block 1B Close-In Weapon System (CIWS). Two M60 machine guns will be fitted too.
The FMCs are well suited for anti-surface warfare while possessing adequate self-defense capabilities against airborne threats.
Surveillance sensors are primarily sourced from DRS Technologies/Thales. The air/surface search radar is a Thales MRR-3D ES set. There are two navigation radars including a Thales SCOUT Mk. 2 low probability of intercept set.
Fire control equipment comprises a Thales Sting optronic director for gunfire control and an L-3 Lightweight Shipboard Electro-Optical System Mk II A/B director for use with the RAM and CIWS.
Fast Missile Craft (FMC) 2 on its transporter cradle next to FMC 1, S. Ezzat, that is fitting out in the water. The mast-mounted Electronic Support Measures equipment has been installed, as well as the Rolling Airframe Missile launcher. Outfitting has progressed considerably since this picture was taken in late January 2012. S. Ezzat is slated to start sea trials this summer with a planned delivery toward year end. U.S. Navy photo
The passive electronic warfare suite comprises Argon ST’s WBR-2000 ESM, a DRS-supplied ZS4015E COMINT system as well. An active system can be fitted if necessary. Four Super Barricade decoy launchers fire a range of countermeasures rounds.
The combat management system is a Thales TACTICOS system using MOC Mk. 3 consoles. The communications suite includes a Link Y Mk. 2 datalink and HF 5000 communications system, both supplied by Thales, as well as an IFF system.
These powerful warships, which are expected to serve for a minimum of 20 years, will significantly enhance the offensive capability of the Egyptian navy.
28-meter Patrol Boats for Egyptian Coast Guard
Swiftships is executing another FMS program for the Egyptian coast guard, which is a component of the Egyptian navy.
The project is progressing on schedule. The first hull is slated for completion in April while deliveries are slated to commence from December 2012 until July 2013, most likely at two-month intervals.
Having delivered two 28-meter patrol craft valued at $13.4 million to the Egyptian coast guard in December 2010, Swiftships is now supporting a project to build several of these craft locally in Egypt at the Egyptian Ship Repairs and Building Company (ESRBC) in Alexandria as part of a co-production program. This portion of the contract is worth $20.2 million.
Swiftships is supplying material packages – two co-assembly kits and two co-production kits – as well as providing technical assistance and training to ESRBC for the construction of four 28-meter patrol craft. While the first two boats will be assembled with material packages provided entirely by Swiftships, the Egyptians will perform this portion of the work package themselves on the following boats.
The project is progressing on schedule. The first hull is slated for completion in April while deliveries are slated to commence from December 2012 until July 2013, most likely at two-month intervals.
The 28-meter boats, which displace about 75 tons, have a hull made of high-strength steel and an aluminum superstructure. Powered by two Caterpillar C32 diesels, top speed is 25 knots while the range is 900 nautical miles at about 12 knots. Endurance is five days. The 28-meter patrol craft are an evolution of a proven 25-meter design – nine of which were sold to the Egyptian coast guard in 1984 and are still in active service. It is likely that additional 28-meter boats may be built in due course.