In conjunction with the success of the United Arab Emirates in launching the Probe of Hope to Mars, Emirati engineers at Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding Company have succeeded in installing the upper and lower parts of the first Emirati boat intended for military uses, and in honor of this historical achievement, the boat was named Mesbar (Probe) and was given the number 1, according to an exclusive statement made to Al Jundi Journal by Ali Al Shehhi, Chief Operating Officer of Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding Company.
The advanced Emirati boat was unveiled for the first time last February during the Naval Defense Exhibition “NAVDEX 2021”, along with another Emirati boat named “Majid 1” after its ambitious young Emirati designer Majid Al Falasi who holds a position, Head of Small Boats Workshop in the prestigious Emirati company affiliated with the Platforms and Systems Sector in the Advanced Technology Group “EDGE”, which ranks among the best 25 military suppliers in the world.
Developed Emirati industries
The two new Emirati boats are fast patrol boats of 16 and 12 meters in length. They have caught the attention of visitors and exhibitors in NAVDEX 2021, due to their specifications and features that are comparable in their sophistication with the latest industries and global developments.
With this unique national achievement, Abu Dhabi Ship Building Company now owns the full intellectual rights for both speedboats, and the typical design of both boats allows them to be delivered to contractors within weeks instead of months. The company succeeded in concluding contracts with many bodies, including the Critical Installations and Coasts Protection Apparatus, to provide it with boats that comply with the highest standards of safety and performance, to meet the requirements of the coast guard.
ADSB operates one of the most advanced shipyards in the Middle East and operates three major marine programs: small corvettes warships, marine patrol vessels and fast patrol boats. The company also offers a full range of solutions for maintenance, repair, retrofitting, upgrading, conversion and engineering consultancy services.
Probe 1.. Coastal patrol for rapid engagement
The coastal engagement boat “Probe 1”, which has a length of 16 meters, provides the strength and performance necessary for rapid pursuit and interception operations, as it is able to carry out a wide range of patrol missions quickly and efficiently. This advanced boat gives its users 12 hours of continuous use without the need for refueling and a speed exceeding 45 knots, making it an effective and suitable boat to support defense, security and coast guard agencies in various missions.
3 Categories
The armoured boat for coastal engagements is available in three different configurations that are similar in basic design to facilitate logistical support, maintenance and repair services.
And because it is built to meet all the specialized operational requirements of its class, it is equipped according to the best design and meticulous engineering standards, and its three versions include seats with shock absorbers to provide the utmost comfort for the crew members, in addition to a bathroom, kitchen, and sleeping rooms. Customers can choose inboard or outboard engine equipped boats or long-cabin version to suit their mission requirements, weather and marine environments.
1 Probe 1 (internal engine version)
Armament and surface area
This boat is distinguished by being equipped with two aiming units, which allow the possibility of loading a short-range rocket launcher and 12.7 mm cannon, while there are 7.62 mm machine guns installed behind the cabin as secondary weapon systems.
The wide aft deck of this boat enables the use of a variety of equipment, be it auxiliary equipment, weapons or other mission equipment.
This version also features a precision-engineering design with a sharp front end and two water-jet pumps powered by two identical inboard diesel engines of 1,000 hp.
These distinct characteristics provide superior ability to navigate the boat in shallow waters, in addition to very high reliability when sailing in difficult conditions.
This copy can accommodate up to six people.
MESBAR 01 (nternal engines version)
Total lengt: 16 m
Total width: 4.10 m
Depth of draft: 1 m
Load displacement: 17 tons approximately
Speed: 45 knots at the standing load (Sea State 1)
Number of crew: 2 gunners + 4 crew members
Fuel tank: 2.200 liters (diesel)
Drinking water tank: 88 liters
Mechanical systems: Propulsion system X 2 water jet pumps
Electric current generator: two generators with a capacity of 17 kW
The main engines: two internal 1.000 hp diesel engines
weapons:
Missile launcher
12.7 mm cannon is mounted above the cabin and remotely controlled
Two 7.62 mm machine guns in the rear
2 Probe 1 (version of the outboard motors)
Probe 1 (the standard version with outboard motors), which is 16 meters long, is equipped with four 350hp outboard motors. It is characterized by its precise engineering design and its sharp front, making it an ideal boat that combines lightness and high flexible movement.
This boat was designed according to the latest engineering designs that give it perfect stability and enhance the self-adjustment feature in the event of capsizing, making it ideal for carrying out missions in various marine conditions. The boat can accommodate up to six people.
Armament and surface area
This boat contains two caiming units, allowing the possibility of mounting a short-range rocket launcher and a 12.7 mm cannon, while there are 7.62 mm machine guns installed behind the cabin as secondary weapon systems.
Its wide rear surface allows it to be used and equipped for a variety of missions, whether it is additional equipment, weapons, or other mission requirements.
MESBAR 01 (Outboard motors version)
Total lengt: 16 m
Total width: 4.10 m
Depth of draft: 0.85 m approximately
Load displacement: 15 tons approximately
Speed: 45 knots at the standing load (Sea State 1)
Number of crew: 2 gunners + 4 crew members
Fuel tank: 400 liters (diesel) 2200 liters (gasoline)
Drinking water tank: 88 liters
Electric current generator: Two generators with a capacity of 17 kW
The main engines: Propulsion system comprises four outboard engines with 350 horsepower
weapons:
Missile launcher
12.7 mm cannon is mounted above the cabin and remotely controlled
Two 7.62 mm machine guns in the rear
3 Probe 1 (long cabin version)
Probe 1 of this class is equipped with four 350 hp outboard engines and a long cabin that accommodates more crew members.
This class of boats includes ten seats, which provides flexibility in carrying out missions that require a large number of crew members.
Armament
This boat provides additional firepower, as the deck of the long cabin carries a 12.7 mm cannon that can be manually or remotely operated, and there are two 7.62 mm machine guns installed in front of the cabin and two others behind the cab.
MESBAR 01 (Long cabin version)
Total lengt: 16 m
Total width: 4.10 m
Depth of draft: 0.85 m
Load displacement: 15 tons approximately
Speed: 45 knots at the standing load (Sea State 1)
Number of crew: 10 members
Fuel tank: 400 liters (diesel)
Drinking water tank: 88 liters
Electric current generator: two generators with a capacity of 12 kW
The main engines: Propulsion system comprises four outboard engines with 350 horsepower
weapons:
Two 7.62mm machine guns in the rear
Two 7.62mm machine guns at the front
Rooftop 12.7 mm cannon that can be manually or remotely operated
Majid 1 coastal tactical patrol boat
Developments in the contemporary maritime and security environment require the use of fast coastal boats to provide the necessary tactical capabilities for maritime, security and coast guard operations.
In response to these requirements, ADSB designed the coastal fast boat, to be a superior boat that provides unique capabilities for the Navy.
This 12-meter speedboat is powered by three 400hp outboard motors, enabling it to cruise at speeds of over 60 knots at full tonnage, thanks to its sturdy hull design that provides stability and precise maneuverability.
More power for higher speed
This boat has the main important characteristics of a streamlined lower bore (for draining water and reducing resistance), an ergonomically designed hull to help it sail smoothly, as well as a curved front nose with lift plates on the sides.
Together, these properties reduce water resistance, reduce friction, and increase lift force, providing the speed and reliability necessary to meet critical mission goals.
The deck is also equipped with a drainage system, which enhances the operational efficiency of this boat.
Integrated functions and features that suit all tasks
This fast coastal boat exceeding 12 meters in length is distinguished by its superior flexibility, as it is equipped with a surface that allows easy movement of people, as the control platform is located in the middle, providing the flexibility and space necessary to carry out a variety of tasks, and it can be built with a length ranging from 11 to 13 meters according to clients’ requirements.
Despite its high speed, this boat provides a very smooth sailing experience, so the crew members do not feel disturbed by the sea surface, and it is equipped with shock absorbing seats and accommodates a crew of six.
Large storage capacity
This boat provides the ability to adjust the crew seating places to suit different types of cargo, in addition to the presence of four dry storage areas under the deck of the boat to place ammunition boxes, and a large storage area at the front, where it can carry up to two tons, which enables it to carry capable weapons systems for remote control or missile systems when needed, it can also be calibrated to function autonomously.
Armament
This boat contains platforms for mounting 12.7 mm cannons in the front and rear areas, and meets various armament needs as it also provides options for the use of smaller weapons of 7.62 mm or 5.56 mm.
Majid1 (Tactical Coastal Patrol Boat)
Total lengt: 12.8 m
Total width: 3.1 m
Depth of draft: 0.52 m
Load displacement: 5.5 tons
Speed: +60 knots at the standing load (Sea State 1)
Number of crew: 6 Persons
Fuel tank: (gasoline) 1000 liters
Drinking water tank: 88 liters
Electric current generator: Two generators with a capacity of 12 kW
The main engines: Propulsion system comprises three outboard engines with 400 horsepower
weapons:
12.7 mm cannon in the rear
12.7 mm cannon at the front
BY: Ikram Bendalla (Researcher in Military Affairs)
