DRDO builds propulsion system, may be fitted into Scorpene subs

[AVERAGE INDIAN]

PARIS (PTI): A DRDO-developed propulsion system, that enhances the underwater stay of conventional diesel - electric submarines, could be fitted in the last two Scorpene submarines India is building locally under transfer of technology from a French defence major.

The work on the Scorpene submarines is on at the Mazagaon Dock, Mumbai and the first of the six vessels is expected to enter service in late 2016.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)-developed air independent propulsion (AIP) system could be fitted in the last two submarines, but the plans could take some time to evolve into a final shape.

The original Scorpene maker, DCNS, says that it can put in place the indigenous system in the submarine.

The AIP enhances the underwater stay of conventional diesel-electric submarines. Normal diesel-electric submarines have to come up at periscope level every two days to recharge their batteries, making them easy prey of anti-submarine platforms on sea and in air.

Top DCNS officials told a group of visiting Indian journalists that the P75 (Scorpene) submarines are designed to be fitted, should this be required, with an AIP system.

In order to increase yet more the indigenous content of the P75 submarines, the company is working with DRDO to integrate the indigenous AIP solution in P75 submarines.

"Should the Indian Navy require such system, a fully indigenous AIP solution could be integrated on submarines 5 and 6 while respecting the existing timelines," said Bernard Buisson, MD,DCNS India.

Philippe Berger, submarines operational marketing manager of DCNS, said without AIP, Scorpenes can stay underwater for four days.

He said the DCNS' role is limited to integrating safely the DRDO-developed AIP to the submarine.

A generator set for the Scorpene under construction at Mazgaon dock is ready to be shipped by early next year. A clutch of heat transfer systems, which work as radiators, are also ready to be shipped to Mumbai in a few days in one of the company's facilities in Nantez.

The French ship building company is also working on its own AIP system, a second-generation hydrogen fuel cell.

DRDO builds propulsion system, may be fitted into Scorpene subs - The Economic Times

 

[ninja85]

DRDO builds propulsion system, may be fitted into Scorpene subs

awwwww....sh*t.

 

[Sea Eagle]

DCNS second generation AIP

At Euronaval 2014, DCNS is unveiling major innovations in three key areas – improved submerged endurance, enhanced surface intelligence gathering, and deployment of unmanned underwater vehicles – to improve the performance and safety of conventional-propulsion submarines. All these new developments illustrate the unique expertise and innovative potential of DCNS teams.

Three technologies to improve submerged endurance
To meet demand from customers for improved submerged endurance of conventional-propulsion submarines (SSKs), DCNS now offers dedicated hull sections known as Autonomy Boosting Sections.

Whereas SSKs typically have a submerged endurance of about three days, DCNS now proposes three new technologies to extend this critical parameter to three weeks.

The first is a hull plug equipped with new-generation high-capacity lithium-ion batteries. Easy to operate, the technology offers high submerged speeds on demand and improved response to power ramp-up and variations. Lithium-ion batteries can also be recharged at sea. The endurance of a Scorpene-type submarine is increased to seven days resulting in a significantly enhanced tactical capability.

The second solution, the Mesma air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, is packaged as a compact dedicated hull section. Mesma's steam turbine-based technology uses a fuel that is readily available in ports and is ideal for extending an SSK's endurance at patrol speeds. The sea-proven Mesma system increases the submerged endurance of a Scorpene-type submarine to two weeks.

The third solution, a second-generation fuel-cell AIP, represents a technological breakthrough compared to current-generation AIPs in terms of performance, safety, flexibility and maintenance.

This solution combines several key DCNS innovations in fuel cell technology. Hydrogen is produced from diesel fuel by hydrocarbon reforming as required, overcoming the need to store hydrogen on board the submarine.
This revolutionary technology increases submerged endurance to three weeks; a capability that confers a decisive advantage in certain theatres of operations.

Major DCNS innovations improve submarine capabilities | DCNS Group

 

[Sea Eagle]

Well on paper the DRDO AIP is more advance than the current AIPs offered by DCNS. Further more the second generation AIP is far from reality and intensive testing would be required on it. Fire risks of lithium ion batteries and high cost of operation also go against the DCNS AIP.

 

[Zebra]

@Sea Eagle, S-80 project is back on track now. Any news / updates on it's AIP, please.

There were few issues with it before.