DRDO tests tech for stealthier submarines
Technology

DRDO tests tech for stealthier submarines

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the final development test of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) in Mumbai.

The AIP technology allows a submarine to be submerged for longer periods underwater and makes the sub surface platform more deadly by making it quieter than a nuclear submarine.

The Indian Navy is now planning to retrofit all its Kalvari class non nuclear attack submarines with AIP during their first upgrade, expected around 2023. The 1,615 tonne Kalvari class submarine is being built by Mazagon Dockyards Ltd (MDL) in collaboration with the French Naval Group and is based on Scorpene design.

India now has the AIP technology along with the US, France, China, the UK. The DRDO's AIP technology is based on a Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell, and the last two Kalvari class submarines will be powered by it. The AIP design was tested on land in Mumbai.

The AIP or marine propulsion technology allows non nuclear submarines to operate without access to atmospheric oxygen (through snorkel or surfacing) and augments the diesel-electric propulsion system of attack submarines. This means that AIP fitted submarines do not have to surface for charging their batteries and remain underwater for long periods. The AIP is retrofitted into existing submarine hulls by adding an additional hull section. The AIP equipped submarines are identified as SSP, while classic diesel attack submarines carry the SSK classification.

While the nuclear submarine generates noise due to the ship's reactor constantly pumping coolant to maintain the engine's temperatures, the AIP equipped submarine maintains a lethal silence. The new technology will allow Indian submarines to take advantage of internal refraction in equatorial waters due to temperature differences on the surface and within the ocean.

Image Source


4th Indian Cement Review Conference 2021

17-18 March 

Click for event info


The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the final development test of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) in Mumbai. The AIP technology allows a submarine to be submerged for longer periods underwater and makes the sub surface platform more deadly by making it quieter than a nuclear submarine. The Indian Navy is now planning to retrofit all its Kalvari class non nuclear attack submarines with AIP during their first upgrade, expected around 2023. The 1,615 tonne Kalvari class submarine is being built by Mazagon Dockyards Ltd (MDL) in collaboration with the French Naval Group and is based on Scorpene design. India now has the AIP technology along with the US, France, China, the UK. The DRDO's AIP technology is based on a Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell, and the last two Kalvari class submarines will be powered by it. The AIP design was tested on land in Mumbai. The AIP or marine propulsion technology allows non nuclear submarines to operate without access to atmospheric oxygen (through snorkel or surfacing) and augments the diesel-electric propulsion system of attack submarines. This means that AIP fitted submarines do not have to surface for charging their batteries and remain underwater for long periods. The AIP is retrofitted into existing submarine hulls by adding an additional hull section. The AIP equipped submarines are identified as SSP, while classic diesel attack submarines carry the SSK classification. While the nuclear submarine generates noise due to the ship's reactor constantly pumping coolant to maintain the engine's temperatures, the AIP equipped submarine maintains a lethal silence. The new technology will allow Indian submarines to take advantage of internal refraction in equatorial waters due to temperature differences on the surface and within the ocean. Image Source4th Indian Cement Review Conference 202117-18 March Click for event info

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

JNPA Becomes First Indian Port to Cross 10 Million TEU Capacity

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), located at Uran in Navi Mumbai, has become the first port in India to achieve over 10 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in container handling capacity.With the recent expansion, the port now operates five container terminals with a combined capacity of 10.4 million TEUs, alongside two liquid and two general cargo terminals.Handling more than half of India’s container traffic, JNPA processed 7.05 million TEUs in 2024 and has moved 15.39 million tonnes of containers and 16.64 million tonnes of total cargo in the first two months of FY 2025â..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Nod for Rs. 36.26 billion Expansion of Pune Metro Line 2

The Union Cabinet has approved the Rs.36.26 billion expansion of Pune Metro Line 2, adding 12.75 km of track and 13 new stations to improve east–west connectivity across the city.The project aims to link Pune’s urban core with rapidly growing suburbs, supporting the city’s rising demand for efficient and sustainable transport solutions. This expansion is part of Corridor 2 of the Pune Metro and includes two key routes: Vanaz to Chandani Chowk (Corridor 2A) and Ramwadi to Wagholi/Vitthalwadi (Corridor 2B).It will connect residential, IT, and educational hubs in areas such as Bavdhan, Koth..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Assembly begins for ‘Nayak’ TBM on Thane– Borivali Twin Tunnel Project

The assembly of ‘Nayak’, the first of four Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) for the Thane–Borivali Twin Tube Tunnel Project, has commenced at the Thane site. Built by German firm Herrenknecht AG and deployed by Megha Engineering & Infrastructure (MEIL), the TBM marks a key milestone in Mumbai’s ambitious 11.8-km underground road corridor beneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park.The twin tunnels will reduce the Thane–Borivali travel distance by 12 km and decongest Thane Ghodbunder Road. ‘Nayak’, with a 13.2-metre diameter, is designed to bore through challenging geological conditions ..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?