IDF
19-12-2007, 23:27
חרמון Hermon Class RADAR Picket
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/8318/seeker2il6.th.png (http://img227.imageshack.us/my.php?image=seeker2il6.png)
Executive Summary
The Hermon class vessel is the first of many vessels designed by the Israeli Navy Design Bureau as part of the Naval Reform Action Plan of 2007 submitted by Chief of Naval Operations Fleet Admiral Joseph Jacobson.
The NRAP 2007 called for the design and construction of ships to carry out specialized roles. While multi-role vessels will still be constructed, the IDF government will offer additional funds for a larger navy with ships carrying out specialized roles.
The INS Hermon is the first ship of what may be a productive class of vessels. Should she perform as expected, other ships of the class will be ordered. If she doesn’t meet the required specifications, then she will be either redesigned or an entirely new pathfinder will be ordered.
A trimarian hull was decided for use as the superstructure housing the RADAR and other electronic warfare equipment was built to an extreme height. The trimarian outriggers provide stability for the vessel.
Primary Stats
Primary Contractor: Israeli Defense Industries
Partner Contractor: Israeli Military Industries
Displacement (full): 14,324 tons
Length: 122 meters (114 meters at waterline)
Overall Width: 28.25 meters
Main Hull Width: 15.25 meters
Outriggers Width: 6.5 meters
Draft: 6.5 meters
Speed: 32.5 knots
Power Plant
The Hermon is powered by a single IEA LW5 Reactors at 72 MW. While a nuclear powered ship requires an engineering crew with more specialized training, it is necessary to provide the power for the ship’s massive RADAR system.
The ship’s propulsion is provided by two reversible pitch propellers capable of propelling the ship to 32.5 knots.
Maneuvering is provided by twin rudders. Bow and stern thrusters have been added to aid in emergency maneuvers and in docking.
In emergencies, auxiliary generators can power an APU which can propel the ship to 3 knots. The ship also has battery cells to power DC systems in an emergency. Most combat systems will not be able to function if main power is lost. To provide power for combat systems in such a case, then no power can be allotted to propulsion.
Weapons
1 x IMI Mk-3 Mod 5 155 mm main gun (enclosed in housing to reduce RADAR returns)
70 x IDI Mk-73 VLS cells (7 x 10 arrangement)
3 x IDI Mk-1 Mod-0 Integrated Point Defense Systems
RADAR, LADAR, and Electronic Warfare
The primary purpose of the vessel is to provide RADAR coverage for the fleet. The large superstructure houses the RADAR system, LADAR, communications equipment, and ELINT gear.
Before discussing the actual RADAR/LADAR systems aboard the vessel, the structure of the Superstructure housing the electronic gear must be discussed. The superstructure towers high above the hull at a height of 300 feet above the waterline. This tall structure is the reason behind the trimarian hull. The range from the RADAR to the horizon is 21.3 miles. It can see objects much further out as the objects loom over the horizon. The RADAR is most effective against air targets as they are far over the horizon. An aircraft at altitude can be seen hundreds of miles out.
The key to the high RADAR is that it allows you to detect objects far over the horizon.
The primary feature and the system this ship was designed around is the brand new IMI Moked Multi-Paneled RADAR system. This system was tested aboard a decommissioned destroyer as a testbed. The vessel had to be tied into a land based power supply to provide enough power to test the RADAR at its optimum power setting.
The RADAR system is built onto the upper portion of the octagonal superstructure. Eight separate transmitter/receiver panels have been placed on the vessel. Each is capable of covering 135 degrees. There is overlap in coverage of each panel. This is done not just for redundancy, but also to help ensure that a fix on a target is accurate.
Each panel can transmit 5 MW of RADAR energy. When at full power, the RADAR system takes up a majority of the ship’s power. No conventional power plant currently used on IDF ships can power this RADAR system. Each RADAR transmitter can have its energy directed down a half degree of bearing to detect objects with a weak return. This also allows operators to burn through some of the strongest jamming in the world. The system is equipped with a Littoral Warfare Mode for detecting objects in the clutter of a coastline.
The RADAR can put out both S and X band microwaves. The high frequency of the X band rays allow for the RADAR to classify targets with high accuracy. The dual bands are also quite difficult for jamming.
The vessel further increases its ability to detect objects through four green light LADAR arrays at the top of the superstructure. LADARs ensure the vessel can see targets even if RADARs are being jammed. They also help track stealth targets.
The vessel also mounts a fire control RADAR system comprising of the proven IMI Mk-79 Continuous Wave Illuminator. Twelve of these RADARs are mounted on the vessel. They can be used to guide the missiles from other platforms in their terminal phase.
The vessel also mounts standard navigation RADARs and ECDIS gear.
The Hermon can provide an entire picture for the fleet it accompanies. This is done through advanced communications gear. The equipment can transmit the view from the RADAR and LADAR screens in the CIC to the CICs of other vessels in the fleet. As an added bonus, the displays can be centered upon the individual ships receiving the display. The RADAR fixes provided by the vessel can be used by other vessels for obtaining a firing solution for their systems.
The vessel’s mast is actually an Electronic Support/Surveilance Measures mast. It can detect electronic emissions of targets and can collect ELINT gear.
The final part of the vessel’s electronic warfare gear is the system of jammers used. The jammers primary role isn’t just to make an incoming missile miss, but it can also jam the launchers of enemy units and delay the launch of an incoming missile by a few minutes. Those few minutes allow enough time for the Hermon or other vessels to fire on the threat.
Stealth Technology
When the RADAR is operating, there is no chance that this vessel can be hidden. The vessel does however have design features to make her stealthy when her RADAR and other EW systems are switched off.
The most basic part of the vessel’s stealth is the shapes of her hull. Those who board the Hermon will notice that the main deck is not perfectly horizontal. The deck is shaped like a banana with the ship’s bow and stern decks pointed skyward. This helps reduce the ship’s RADAR signature.
The superstructure is shaped in a way that the hall and hatches are all sloped inward in what is known as a tumblehome hull. The key was to not allow any 90 degree angles in the vessel’s design. This helps reduce the signature of the ship. Side rails were given diamond shapes to help reduce returns.
The vessel’s 155 mm gun is also housed in an oddly shaped unit when not activated. This housing helps further reduce returns.
Outside of simple geometry, the ship’s hull uses composite materials to help reduce RADAR returns. The windows of the pilot house also use technology developed for the canopies of stealth fighters. The outermost part of the hull has a rubberized material attached to it which can help absorb RADAR and insulate sound from the engine plant.
Further acoustic signature reduction is provided by Prairie/Masker systems. On top of that, the ship’s reactor is relatively quiet when at a lower output.
While all of these systems help, the ship can of course still be detected if another vessel or aircraft gets close enough to it. The stealth systems just decrease the detection range and help increase the vessel’s survivability.
Personnel
The crew of the Hermon is a highly specialized group. This is a brief view of the breakdown: Fifteen Naval Officers and Twelve Intelligence Officers. The enlisted ranks are made up of 175 men. Just under half of the men are of electronic warfare ratings.
The Intelligence Officers have the job of decoding and interpreting intercepts the ship’s ELINT gear collects. They are not Naval Officers, but rather Mossad Officers trained in the use of the gear aboard the vessel.
The officers selected for the Hermon all have backgrounds in working with electronics gear. The same is true for the chiefs and rated petty-officers aboard the vessel. No E-2 or E-3 sailors are part of the vessel’s crew. Only E-4s and up are allowed to serve aboard this new class of vessels.
Damage Control
The vessel contains the IDI Patented Fire Suppression System in addition to other systems. There is a heavy use of bulkheads to control flooding. Bilge bays and tanks are present to allow intentional flooding to compensate for lists the ship may suffer. The final part of DC is the placement of DC lockers throughout the ship and access panels for crewmen to make rapid repairs when in battle,
Construction
The Hermon was built in Haifa and took seven years to construct. While future vessels will be constructed in much shorter time periods, workers were slowed as the fabrication and design of certain elements of the vessel led to many delays. The equipment needed over a year just for calibration
Cost: The construction of Hermon cost $7.5 billion
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/8318/seeker2il6.th.png (http://img227.imageshack.us/my.php?image=seeker2il6.png)
Executive Summary
The Hermon class vessel is the first of many vessels designed by the Israeli Navy Design Bureau as part of the Naval Reform Action Plan of 2007 submitted by Chief of Naval Operations Fleet Admiral Joseph Jacobson.
The NRAP 2007 called for the design and construction of ships to carry out specialized roles. While multi-role vessels will still be constructed, the IDF government will offer additional funds for a larger navy with ships carrying out specialized roles.
The INS Hermon is the first ship of what may be a productive class of vessels. Should she perform as expected, other ships of the class will be ordered. If she doesn’t meet the required specifications, then she will be either redesigned or an entirely new pathfinder will be ordered.
A trimarian hull was decided for use as the superstructure housing the RADAR and other electronic warfare equipment was built to an extreme height. The trimarian outriggers provide stability for the vessel.
Primary Stats
Primary Contractor: Israeli Defense Industries
Partner Contractor: Israeli Military Industries
Displacement (full): 14,324 tons
Length: 122 meters (114 meters at waterline)
Overall Width: 28.25 meters
Main Hull Width: 15.25 meters
Outriggers Width: 6.5 meters
Draft: 6.5 meters
Speed: 32.5 knots
Power Plant
The Hermon is powered by a single IEA LW5 Reactors at 72 MW. While a nuclear powered ship requires an engineering crew with more specialized training, it is necessary to provide the power for the ship’s massive RADAR system.
The ship’s propulsion is provided by two reversible pitch propellers capable of propelling the ship to 32.5 knots.
Maneuvering is provided by twin rudders. Bow and stern thrusters have been added to aid in emergency maneuvers and in docking.
In emergencies, auxiliary generators can power an APU which can propel the ship to 3 knots. The ship also has battery cells to power DC systems in an emergency. Most combat systems will not be able to function if main power is lost. To provide power for combat systems in such a case, then no power can be allotted to propulsion.
Weapons
1 x IMI Mk-3 Mod 5 155 mm main gun (enclosed in housing to reduce RADAR returns)
70 x IDI Mk-73 VLS cells (7 x 10 arrangement)
3 x IDI Mk-1 Mod-0 Integrated Point Defense Systems
RADAR, LADAR, and Electronic Warfare
The primary purpose of the vessel is to provide RADAR coverage for the fleet. The large superstructure houses the RADAR system, LADAR, communications equipment, and ELINT gear.
Before discussing the actual RADAR/LADAR systems aboard the vessel, the structure of the Superstructure housing the electronic gear must be discussed. The superstructure towers high above the hull at a height of 300 feet above the waterline. This tall structure is the reason behind the trimarian hull. The range from the RADAR to the horizon is 21.3 miles. It can see objects much further out as the objects loom over the horizon. The RADAR is most effective against air targets as they are far over the horizon. An aircraft at altitude can be seen hundreds of miles out.
The key to the high RADAR is that it allows you to detect objects far over the horizon.
The primary feature and the system this ship was designed around is the brand new IMI Moked Multi-Paneled RADAR system. This system was tested aboard a decommissioned destroyer as a testbed. The vessel had to be tied into a land based power supply to provide enough power to test the RADAR at its optimum power setting.
The RADAR system is built onto the upper portion of the octagonal superstructure. Eight separate transmitter/receiver panels have been placed on the vessel. Each is capable of covering 135 degrees. There is overlap in coverage of each panel. This is done not just for redundancy, but also to help ensure that a fix on a target is accurate.
Each panel can transmit 5 MW of RADAR energy. When at full power, the RADAR system takes up a majority of the ship’s power. No conventional power plant currently used on IDF ships can power this RADAR system. Each RADAR transmitter can have its energy directed down a half degree of bearing to detect objects with a weak return. This also allows operators to burn through some of the strongest jamming in the world. The system is equipped with a Littoral Warfare Mode for detecting objects in the clutter of a coastline.
The RADAR can put out both S and X band microwaves. The high frequency of the X band rays allow for the RADAR to classify targets with high accuracy. The dual bands are also quite difficult for jamming.
The vessel further increases its ability to detect objects through four green light LADAR arrays at the top of the superstructure. LADARs ensure the vessel can see targets even if RADARs are being jammed. They also help track stealth targets.
The vessel also mounts a fire control RADAR system comprising of the proven IMI Mk-79 Continuous Wave Illuminator. Twelve of these RADARs are mounted on the vessel. They can be used to guide the missiles from other platforms in their terminal phase.
The vessel also mounts standard navigation RADARs and ECDIS gear.
The Hermon can provide an entire picture for the fleet it accompanies. This is done through advanced communications gear. The equipment can transmit the view from the RADAR and LADAR screens in the CIC to the CICs of other vessels in the fleet. As an added bonus, the displays can be centered upon the individual ships receiving the display. The RADAR fixes provided by the vessel can be used by other vessels for obtaining a firing solution for their systems.
The vessel’s mast is actually an Electronic Support/Surveilance Measures mast. It can detect electronic emissions of targets and can collect ELINT gear.
The final part of the vessel’s electronic warfare gear is the system of jammers used. The jammers primary role isn’t just to make an incoming missile miss, but it can also jam the launchers of enemy units and delay the launch of an incoming missile by a few minutes. Those few minutes allow enough time for the Hermon or other vessels to fire on the threat.
Stealth Technology
When the RADAR is operating, there is no chance that this vessel can be hidden. The vessel does however have design features to make her stealthy when her RADAR and other EW systems are switched off.
The most basic part of the vessel’s stealth is the shapes of her hull. Those who board the Hermon will notice that the main deck is not perfectly horizontal. The deck is shaped like a banana with the ship’s bow and stern decks pointed skyward. This helps reduce the ship’s RADAR signature.
The superstructure is shaped in a way that the hall and hatches are all sloped inward in what is known as a tumblehome hull. The key was to not allow any 90 degree angles in the vessel’s design. This helps reduce the signature of the ship. Side rails were given diamond shapes to help reduce returns.
The vessel’s 155 mm gun is also housed in an oddly shaped unit when not activated. This housing helps further reduce returns.
Outside of simple geometry, the ship’s hull uses composite materials to help reduce RADAR returns. The windows of the pilot house also use technology developed for the canopies of stealth fighters. The outermost part of the hull has a rubberized material attached to it which can help absorb RADAR and insulate sound from the engine plant.
Further acoustic signature reduction is provided by Prairie/Masker systems. On top of that, the ship’s reactor is relatively quiet when at a lower output.
While all of these systems help, the ship can of course still be detected if another vessel or aircraft gets close enough to it. The stealth systems just decrease the detection range and help increase the vessel’s survivability.
Personnel
The crew of the Hermon is a highly specialized group. This is a brief view of the breakdown: Fifteen Naval Officers and Twelve Intelligence Officers. The enlisted ranks are made up of 175 men. Just under half of the men are of electronic warfare ratings.
The Intelligence Officers have the job of decoding and interpreting intercepts the ship’s ELINT gear collects. They are not Naval Officers, but rather Mossad Officers trained in the use of the gear aboard the vessel.
The officers selected for the Hermon all have backgrounds in working with electronics gear. The same is true for the chiefs and rated petty-officers aboard the vessel. No E-2 or E-3 sailors are part of the vessel’s crew. Only E-4s and up are allowed to serve aboard this new class of vessels.
Damage Control
The vessel contains the IDI Patented Fire Suppression System in addition to other systems. There is a heavy use of bulkheads to control flooding. Bilge bays and tanks are present to allow intentional flooding to compensate for lists the ship may suffer. The final part of DC is the placement of DC lockers throughout the ship and access panels for crewmen to make rapid repairs when in battle,
Construction
The Hermon was built in Haifa and took seven years to construct. While future vessels will be constructed in much shorter time periods, workers were slowed as the fabrication and design of certain elements of the vessel led to many delays. The equipment needed over a year just for calibration
Cost: The construction of Hermon cost $7.5 billion