SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s ambitious Project-76 aims to develop a new class of diesel-electric attack submarines for the Indian Navy, which will be crucial in bolstering the country’s undersea warfare capabilities. A key feature of this project is the focus on the local development of industrial diesel engines to power these submarines.
A private sector company that has already developed industrial diesel engines is currently in discussions with the Indian Navy to provide the engines required for Project-76 submarines. These engines are expected to deliver 1231-1300 kW of maximum power and weigh around 6 tons each. The submarines will need two such engines, which will primarily be used to recharge lithium-ion batteries while operating at snorkel depth.
The Navy is keen on locally sourced engines to enhance supply chain reliability, reduce dependence on imports, and promote domestic industrial growth in the defence sector. Once the technical requirements for these engines are finalized, the development phase will kick off, marking a significant milestone in India’s naval modernization efforts.
The significance of these indigenous diesel engines extends beyond Project 76. Sources familiar with the matter have indicated idrw.org that these engines could also be used in the Project-77 nuclear attack submarines (SSNs). Even in nuclear-powered submarines, diesel engines play a crucial role as backup power systems. They provide emergency power for critical systems like reactor cooling and can support emergency propulsion mechanisms in the event of a reactor malfunction. The engines can supply electrical power for reactor decay heat removal, ensuring the safety and operability of the submarine in critical scenarios.
This dual-use potential makes the development of these engines even more strategic. Not only will they power the diesel-electric submarines under Project 76, but they will also serve as a vital safety mechanism for future nuclear submarines under Project 77. This cross-application capability highlights the Navy’s long-term vision of creating a reliable, versatile, and indigenous submarine fleet.q
NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copy right strikes. Websites doing illegal reproductions will get DMCA and Legal Notices.