Indian Navy Developments & Discussions

[venom]

LiveFist - The Best of Indian Defence: S1000 SSK back in the reckoning for Indian Navy?

 

[SATISH]

double post...

 

[ajay_ijn]

Warship project delayed to build up private sector

Ajai Shukla / Grse, Kolkata August 01, 2009, 0:18 IST



In the hot Kolkata sun, on the banks of the Hooghly river, craftsmen from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) swarm over what will be the Indian Navy’s most high-tech stealth warship. For GRSE, the navy’s order for four anti-submarine warfare (ASW) corvettes is its flagship project. But Project 28, as it is termed, is two years behind schedule.

The first corvette was to join the fleet early next year. Business Standard discovered, during a first-ever media visit to this secretive project, that it will be delivered only in June 2012. The other three corvettes of Project 28 will follow at one-year intervals.

The major reason for the delay: the Indian Navy has stipulated such unprecedented standards of stealth for every piece of equipment on board that suppliers have struggled to develop engines, transmission, air-conditioning and power-generating systems that work silently enough to meet those requirements. Furthermore, the navy mandated that Indian suppliers would provide much of that equipment.

The Project 28 corvettes are 2,500-tonne warships that will protect Indian Navy battle groups and coastal installations from lurking enemy submarines. In the deadly cat-and-mouse game between ASW corvettes and submarines, the stealthier vessel is usually the winner, detecting and destroying its opponent after sneaking up undetected. The challenge of Project 28 has been to minimise vibrations and noise from the ship’s machinery, propellers, and from water swirling past the hull.

Success has come late in developing some of this equipment. The Kirloskar group has delivered the engines, albeit after a delay. Earlier this year, DCNS of France supplied the Raft Mounted Gearbox, which almost completely suppresses noise from the power pack. But Wartsila India is still struggling to reduce vibration in the four diesel alternators that will power the corvette’s electronics.

Once all this is in place, six huge spaces will have to be cut open in the corvette’s hull, through which giant cranes will lower monster-sized equipment like the 65-tonne engines. Then the hull will be welded shut once again.

For the navy, which has implemented indigenisation as something of a religion — the Naval Headquarters includes a full-fledged Directorate of Indigenisation — the delay in Project 28 is a regrettable, but acceptable, consequence of its twin objectives: building cutting edge warships and, simultaneously, developing an Indian warship building industry.

The Navy Chief, Admiral Sureesh Mehta told Business Standard the navy had carefully laid down stealth standards that were absolutely necessary in war. Admiral Mehta explained, “We cannot compromise operational requirements for suppliers who are having difficulties meeting standards. We cannot come second in war.”

The navy’s top designer, Rear Admiral M K Badhwar, says the navy is determined to nurture an Indian supplier base, to develop increasingly high-tech products for warships. He points out, “Initially, they (the private companies) had real problems in meeting the sophistication levels that we were demanding. But we insisted and now most of them have done so. This is vital for an indigenous shipbuilding industry.”

All this has taken the cost of Project 28 from a sanctioned Rs 2,800 crore (Rs 700 crore per corvette), to an estimated Rs 7,000 crore now. This is approximately in line with cost increases for previous Indian-built warships.

GRSE’s Chairman and Managing Director, Rear Admiral K C Sekhar, explains, “Fortunately, our shipyard will not take a financial hit, since this was a cost-plus contract (in which the actual cost of construction of the first ship will be the basis for paying for the entire project). But we have learned valuable lessons. The complexity of the project was totally underestimated.”

The Project 28 corvettes, when they join the navy’s fleet, will be silent and heavily armed. An Otomelara Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) on the bow can pour 76 millimetre shells onto aerial and surface targets. Flanking it will be two Indigenous Rocket Launchers (IRLs) that can fire at both submarines and ships. Submarines can also be engaged through six torpedo tubes. Two AK 630 Gatling guns, one on either side, can shoot down attacking aircraft. Finally, vertically launched missiles are likely to be mounted for engaging surface targets.
Tags : GRSE | ASW




clicky
it is commendable what navy is doing to our ship building industry

i agree, may be such stringent requirements are required to ultra silent conventional submarines that are being deployed nowadays.

 

[Gladiator]

India has technology to build nuclear powered warships: Kakodkar

India has tech for n-warship​

August 3rd, 2009

Kalpakkam Aug. 2: India can build its own nuclear powered aircraft carrier and warships, said the country’s top nuclear scientist.

“Yes, we have the capability and technical expertise to build nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and war ships of global standards. When the government asks us to build such ships, we will do it,” Dr Anil Kakodkar, chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, said on Sunday.

He was addressing reporters at the Propulsion Reactor Project (PRP) site at the Indira Gandhi Centre For Atomic Research (IGCAR), where INS Arihant, the country’s first indigenous nuclear-powered submarine took shape.

Disclosing that India has mastered the technology to build Light Water Reactors (LWR), Dr Kakodkar said, “INS Arihant is powered by a Light Water Reactor built by the scientists of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). We have the capability to build big Light Water Reactors to meet the energy requirements of the country.”

The AEC chairman said that the kind of reactor built for the nuclear submarine could be used to electrify villages and remote areas not covered by the national grid. “We are not ruling out the possibilities of using such reactors for rural electrification. Though the cost of power production may be a bit expensive, we can always explore the possibilities for using this compact reactors for bringing light to the villages.”

Dr Kakodkar said the commissioning of the first reactor at Koodankulam had been delayed. “It will be ready for fuelling early next year. The 500 MW fast breeder reactor will be ready for commission by 2011.” Dr S Banerjee, director, Barc, said the LWR was more flexible than other reactors. “It can work 30 times faster than the conventional reactors. This will help the Navy personnel to manoeuvre the vessel to speeds of their requirement,” he said.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/india-has-tech-n-warship-367

 

[sayareakd]

now it is for the IN to ask the GOI to make nuclear power AC.........

 

[xebex]

I wish if they make our first indigenous Aircraft carrier a " Nuclear aircraft carrier".

 

[nitesh]

India has tech for n-warship | Deccan Chronicle

 

[nitesh]

Indian Navy exercises with French and Royal Navies

 

[youngindian]

Double Order from India and U.A.E. for Fincantieri

(Source: Fincantieri; issued Aug. 3, 2009)



TRIESTE, Italy --- Fincantieri has gained new important orders from foreign navies: a corvette for the United Arab Emirates Navy of and a fleet tanker for the Indian Navy. The vessels, worth 250 million Euros, will be built at Fincantieri’s Italian shipyards.

The “Abu Dhabi class” design of the corvette for the U.A.E., due for delivery early 2011, has been developed from the “Cigala Fulgosi”, on the basis of which four “Comandanti” class vessels were built for the Italian Navy.

In addition to an option for a second sister ship, the contract also comprises provision to the U.A.E. Navy of logistical support and training for crew. What makes the order even more important for Italian industry is that the ship’s combat system will be supplied by Selex Sistemi Integrati, a company in the Finmeccanica group.

The Indian Navy, on the other hand, has exercised its option for a second fleet tanker which was included in the contract signed in 2008, with delivery in the last half of 2011, a sister ship to the first fleet tanker currently under construction and due for delivery in 2010.

Fincantieri has been following the Indian market closely. Following delivery in 2007 of the Sagar Nidhi, an oceanographic vessel for the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) of Madras, the company has continued its co-operation – drawing on the strength of its experience building the Cavour, the flagship of the Italian Navy – with the shipyard of Cochin for the design of the engine, technology transfer and the provision of complementary services for the construction of the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) currently under construction. Fincantieri has completed the functional and detailed design of the propulsion system and assistance at the Indian shipyard is soon due to start up.

Commenting on the announcement of the orders, Giuseppe Bono, Chief Executive Officer of Fincantieri said: “We are beginning to reap what we have sown. These important orders constitute for our Group a significant signal of recovery in the naval export market, especially in view of the current crisis. They come on the heels of the recent awarding of the first orders in the Littoral Combat Ship program which involves our shipyards in the USA, and confirm that the company was right to take the strategic decision to be present in all sectors, from civilian to military.”

Since January this year Fincantieri has gained orders in the naval sector for a total value of over 500 million Euros.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

-- The corvette for the U.A.E. will be 88 metres long, 12m broad and have a displacement at full load of 1,650 tonnes. The ship will be able to reach a speed of 25 knots with an endurance of over 3,000 nautical miles at 14 knots, thanks to 2 diesel engines of 7,000 kW. Accommodation will be available for a crew of approximately 70.

This cutting edge ship will mainly carry out patrolling and surveillance activities and may be employed in anti-submarine, anti-aircraft and surface activities. She will be able to exchange tactical data in real time with other naval vessels, helicopters and bases on shore and will be able to provide support and shelter for helicopters of the Emirate Navy. In addition to highly flexible operational capabilities, the vessel will also feature high standards of safety and living conditions for the comfort for the crew.

-- The Indian fleet tanker on the other hand will be 175 metres long, 25 m broad, for a height of 19 metres and have a displacement at full load of 27,500 tonnes. Powered by two diesel engines of 10,000 kW the ship will be able to reach a maximum speed of 20 knots.

As for the first fleet tanker, the propulsion system will be made up of a shaft with an adjustable pitch propeller and the vessel will have a flight deck for medium-heavy helicopters (up to 10 tons). Thanks to her double hatches, it will be possible to carry out refueling of four ships at the same time. She will be able to accommodate approximately 250 people, including crew and supplementary personnel.

Last but not least she will feature a double hull, which can guarantee greater protection of the fuel tanks against the risk of pollution in case of collision or damage, in accordance with the new Marpol environmental protection regulations of the International Maritime Organization.

Double Order from India and U.A.E. for Fincantieri

 

[RPK]

Indian Navy: Ready to face threats

The Indian Navy says it's prepared to face any threat from the sea. Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta made the remark on Monday.

Navy and Coast Guard warships have stepped up patrolling off of India's western coast after "a suspicious ship" was reportedly spotted, in the Arabian Sea on Thursday night.

Gunmen in the November Mumbai terror attacks, came to the country, by a trawler and rubber boat. After that, offshore surveillance has been on high alert.

Under the new maritime security plan, the Navy is now the "designated authority' responsible for the overall maritime security, both coastal and offshore.

 

[RPK]

Many new appointments in Navy announced

Many new appointments in Navy announced

NEW DELHI: With Vice-Admiral Nirmal Verma slated to take over as the new Navy chief after Admiral Sureesh Mehta retires on August 31, the maritime
force is headed for a comprehensive change in its top brass.

Vice-Admiral D K Dewan will take over as the new Navy vice-chief once the present incumbent Vice-Admiral R P Suthan also retires on August 31. While Vice-Admiral K N Sushil will be the new Southern Command chief, Vice-Admiral Anup Singh will take over the reins of Eastern Command.

Vice-Admiral D K Joshi, in turn, will be the new commander of the tri-Service Andaman and Nicobar Command, while Vice-Admiral R K Dhowan will be the new Navy deputy chief from November onwards.

Vice-Admiral M P Muralidharan will be the new chief of personnel at the Navy HQs, while Vice-Admiral S K Sinha will be posted to the Integrated Defence Staff HQs as deputy chief (operations).

Rear Admirals Sunil Lamba, R K Pattanaik and P Murugesan will take over as the flag officers commanding Maharashtra and Gujarat Area, western fleet and eastern fleet, respectively, in end-August.

 

[RPK]

Navy Chief makes farewell visit

KOCHIl: Admiral Sureesh Mehta, Chief of Naval Staff arrived in Kochi on a farewell visit on Monday. The Admiral was accompanied by wife Maria Teresa Mehta.


Admiral Mehta was received at the airport by Vice Admiral Sunil K Damle, Flag Officer Commanding, Southern Naval Command. Admiral Mehta will review a ceremonial parade at the Naval Base on Tuesday.

In a brief interaction with the media at Naval air station INS Garuda, the Admiral said that he was happy to be in Kochi from where he commenced his initial training.

In reply to a question on the CAG report on the Gorshkov deal with Russia, Admiral Sureesh Mehta said that he could not comment on the CAG's observations.

However, he defended the work done and said that it would be a fine ship for the Navy.

"The CAG has a job to do. The Navy and the government has a job to do. The Defence Ministry has a job to do. I am running the Navy. The deal was made after great deliberations.

It will meet the need of the hour.

They say I defended the price hike. I did not," the Admiral said.

Answering another question on coastal security, Admiral Mehta said that efforts were being taken for better coordination among all the agencies responsible for coastal security.

 

[RPK]

Navy to undergo infras development soon: Navy chief



The Indian Navy will undergo infrastructural development in the next few years, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sureesh Mehta said on Tuesday.

Addressing a ceremonial parade at the Naval Base in Kochi, he said the Indian Navy was getting the much needed "boost" in terms of advanced ships, submarines and aircraft.

Navy had taken steps for the procurement of an aircraft carrier, new helicopters and the MIG-29, which would be inducted into the force within four years, he said.

On the infrastructural front, Admiral Mehta said the Navy had commissioned the Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala in Kerala and the Naval Base at Karwar in Karnataka.

He exhorted the naval sailors to ensure "good character, discipline and hard work."

With the advancement in technology, the newcomers should concentrate in learning these technologies including their maintenance, he said

 

[natarajan]

i think third one should be nuclear powered with more than 70000tons displacement

 

[SATISH]

There are 3 ships planned to be built. the INS Vikrant and vishal will be the IAC and the last one is supposed to be the carrier of the size of Kuznetsov. This might be potentially powered by a nuclear reactor.

 

[natarajan]

anyway i have doubt as cochin is making her first iac so will it be able meet demands and requirements

 

[Yusuf]

Nuclear powered carriers, well others are moving away from it save the US.

 

[SATISH]

anyway i have doubt as cochin is making her first iac so will it be able meet demands and requirements

That is why we are having consultancy with Fincinnerati, Italy.

 

[1.44]

Isn't Russia considering nuclear carriers in the future?

 

[SATISH]

Yes 1.44...but the other operators are moving away from it.