| title (item) | field_cer_web | field_cer_navbox | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dvora-class fast patrol boat |
Between 1982 and 1988, the SLN acquired a total of 12 Dvora-Mk.I-class fast patrol craft from Israel. These received the hull numbers P453 –P458 and P463 – P468 and were all assigned to the 4th Fast Attack Flotilla. Each was armed with two 20mm Oerlikon guns (one fore, another aft), and two 12.7mm Browning heavy machine guns (usually installed directly behind the bridge). The vessels of the Dvora Mk.I-class were 21.8 metres long, displaced 45 tonnes fully loaded and were powered by two diesel engines, giving them a maximum speed of 37 knots (69km/h). Due to their relatively short range (about 1,040km/560nm), their operations off the northern coast of Sri Lanka usually required the support of heavier vessels, which served as ‘motherships’ and for command and control purposes. (Artwork by Anderson Subtil)