INDIAN NAVY
SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Dr Samir V Kamat, the chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has announced that the Air-independent propulsion (AIP) system will be integrated into the Indian Navy’s Scorpène submarine by 2026. This significant upgrade will substantially enhance the submerged endurance of the diesel-electric submarine, bolstering its capabilities.
The AIP system will be inserted into the Scorpène submarine through a process involving cutting and welding. This innovative approach will enable the submarine to remain submerged for extended periods, significantly improving its operational effectiveness. As Dr Kamat emphasized, the success of a submarine lies in its ability to remain undetected. By staying submerged for longer durations, the AIP-equipped Scorpène will gain a tactical advantage, enhancing the Indian Navy’s capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The BrahMos Aerospace, the Indo-Russian joint venture behind the world’s only supersonic cruise missile, is gearing up for its next technological leap. The company is now focused on developing a near-hypersonic variant of the BrahMos missile, aiming to push its speed to an unprecedented Mach 5.
Currently cruising at Mach 3, the BrahMos is already a formidable weapon. However, the corporation believes that a further speed boost will render it virtually impossible to intercept by modern air defence systems. To achieve this, BrahMos is working on an improved ramjet engine capable of propelling the missile to near-hypersonic speeds.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russia has extended an offer to India to replace Ukrainian-made gas turbine engines (GTE) on its warships with its own M90FR model. The move comes at a critical juncture for the Indian Navy, which heavily relies on Ukrainian engines for its fleet.
The M90FR, developed by United Engine Corporation (UEC), boasts a maximum capacity of 27,500 horsepower and is touted as a superior alternative to the older Ukrainian engines, which date back to the 1960s and 1970s. According to Russian officials, the new engine offers better fuel efficiency, longer overhaul intervals, and advanced control systems. Furthermore, Russia has expressed its willingness to establish local production of these engines in India.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy’s quest for enhanced underwater capabilities is taking a significant leap forward with the upcoming construction of two nuclear-attack submarines (SSNs). As the government prepares to greenlight the project, a crucial detail has emerged – the inclusion of pump-jet propulsion technology.
Pump-jet propulsion offers a significant advantage over traditional propellers. It reduces noise signature, making the submarines harder to detect by enemy sonar. Additionally, pump jets offer improved efficiency and manoeuvrability, making them ideal for navigating challenging underwater environments.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Research & Development Establishment (Engineers) (R&DE(E)), a premier research organization under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has made significant strides in developing small-scale demonstrator technologies for Electromagnetic Launch Systems (EMALS). These technologies hold the potential to revolutionize aircraft launch operations, particularly for naval applications.
R&DE(E) has successfully developed a scaled technology demonstrator that can launch payloads up to 400 kg (equivalent to a UAV) within a short span of 16 to 18 meters. The focus is now on scaling up these technologies to create a full-fledged EMALS system for naval aircraft carriers.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant advancement for India’s naval capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has received authorization to commence the design of a next-generation conventional diesel submarine as part of Project-76. While comprehensive details of the program are still emerging, several key aspects have been confirmed, highlighting the ambitious scope and advanced technological integration envisioned for the new submarines.
The Indian Navy has specified that the new submarines must incorporate the latest Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology and lithium-ion batteries. These innovations are expected to enhance the submarine’s endurance and operational efficiency. The planned displacement of the submarine is nearly 3,000 tonnes when submerged, positioning it as a formidable asset in India’s underwater fleet.
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