Hello Guys.. Finally joined the forum...
On topic: How about making a bigger(Or biggest :cool2: ) submarine with 3-4 bigger AIP modules only(diesel power only for backup) AKA
SSBA... It doesn't need to go far deep into ocean and can stay in Indian ocean. Also going by the technology it could be even more stealthier(no radiation, more silent) and can have Max speed of 10-12 knots. It Should be able to contain around 24-36 K15 types missile. can have basic level of anti aircraft weapons(like being developed in Germany I think) later on, although may be not required. Also for this to be true we need solid defense for our costal area which anyway should be first priority.
The main advantage will be -
1. Less Maintenance cost
2. More silent and stealthy
3. Almost half the cost of acquisition of actual SSBN(AFAIK nuclear reactor will amount for half of the cost of subs)
4. Safer then nuclear subs?, at least to operate??
5. If it has Multiple AIP modules then it should be able to stay under water for many months then anyway you have come up for food supplies etc.
6.Saving uranium and make more blooms
Disadvantages -
1. Less range (If we are going to include the K4 or K5 series, from Indian ocean I guess they should be able to target anywhere in the world).
2. Lesser Speed - SSBNs are supposed to be hidden away from enemy and in war time only need to come up once to fire the salvos. If any SSBN is detected from opponent SSNs underwater then it has pretty less chances of surviving anyway. In case of SSBA, it will more stealthy and quieter, but at the same time can not evade enemy SSNs which are trying to catchup based on other information(of a few hours ago).
Also why carbon fiber has not been used in making subs(at least in double hull subs, with outer layer can be made from Carbon fiber or composites and inner hull with the steal). This should reduce the cost as well as safety will also not be compromised as I can see underwater it is not going to burn and if inner hull is of steal then it should not compromise the safety as well.
Advantage:
1. Very minimal magnetic signature.
2. less corrosion, better life, less maintenance cost.
3. Light weight?
4. Also AFIAK carbon fiber structures are also easy to modify?? (confirm please if otherwise).
We need to focus on nuclear propulsion only for SSNs as they are the once which will need to go deep into enemy territory and hunt their subs and ships.
Also I wonder why can't we have 40-50 SSKs (total cost should be in the 10-15B$ range). Why can't MOD once and for all clear a deal. These subs will serve for atleast 3 to 4 decades. hence if the budget is divided every year it need only at max 500 millions including operating and upgrading cost..