Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) announced recently that it formally entered into a collaboration agreement for the integration of indigenous energy system plugs, developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), onboard the Indian Navy's Kalvari-class submarines, built by MDL based on the transfer of technology from Naval Group for its Scorpene submarines.
This agreement follows the contract signed in December between the defence ministry and MDL for the construction and integration of the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP). Under this agreement, the submarines will undergo a complex process known as 'Jumboisation' involving precision cutting of the hull, safe insertion of the plug, and re-joining of the structure to have a fully operational and safe submarine, the company said.
As the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the Scorpene submarines, French defence firm Naval Group will provide technical oversight, proprietary materials, and specialised training to engineers of MDL to ensure seamless integration.
"As a 'Shipbuilders to Nation' and the only defence PSU to construct submarines in India, we are honoured to work towards enhancing the operational capability of the Indian Navy's submarine fleet," Cmde S.B. Jamgaonkar, (Retd), Director Submarines and Heavy Engineering division at MDL, said.
Understanding AIP
AIP refers to a set of technologies that enable non-nuclear submarines to operate underwater for long periods of time without having to surface or use a snorkel for atmospheric oxygen. AIP-Plug and its integration will enhance the endurance of conventional submarines.
Submarines using diesel engine store air in tanks in order to manoeuvre underwater. These submarines need to resurface frequently to refill the air(oxygen) supply, making it difficult for them to stay underwater for long and stealthy operations. The need to resurface also increases the possibility of detection by the enemy.
AIP works to reduce the dependency of submarines on atmospheric oxygen for power generation by enabling non-nuclear submarines to generate electricity underwater. Most AIP systems generate electricity through chemical or thermal processes. This electricity either powers the electric propulsion motor directly or supports the recharge of the submarine’s batteries.
The integration of AIP into submarines enables them to stay under the water for even a month, thus significantly enhancing the underwater endurance and stealth and reducing the possibility of being detected by enemies.
