SOURCE: AFI
The Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), a premier research arm of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has issued a tender for investigating the cavitation behavior of an unspecified ‘corvette’ hull. While the specific details of the corvette remain undisclosed, industry experts speculate that this research is likely linked to the Indian Navy’s upcoming Next Generation Corvette (NGC) project.
The NGC program, with an estimated value of Rs. 36,000 crore, saw the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) in late May 2024. The contract is anticipated to be awarded to two shipyards next year, with the leading bidder securing five vessels. The winning design, developed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB), is reportedly a 120-meter-long platform.
The NGC is envisioned as a more potent warship compared to its predecessors, boasting an advanced sensor suite and a formidable weapons package. Understanding cavitation, the formation of vapor-filled cavities in liquids, is crucial for optimizing hull design, particularly for high-speed vessels. NSTL’s research is likely aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of cavitation, such as noise, vibration, and erosion, which can impact a warship’s stealth, endurance, and overall performance.
This development underscores India’s growing indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and the Navy’s commitment to acquiring cutting-edge platforms. As the NGC program progresses, it is expected to generate significant opportunities for the domestic defense industry.