Zarvan
ELITE MEMBER
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2011
- Messages
- 54,470
- Reaction score
- 87
- Country
- Location
The INS Arihant ballistic missile submarine is considered a milestone in the development of Indian Navy
Country of origin India
Entered service 2016
Crew 100 men
Diving depth (operational) ?
Diving depth (maximum) ?
Sea endurance ?
Dimensions and displacement
Length 104 m
Beam 15 m
Draught 10 m
Surfaced displacement 6 000 tons
Submerged displacement 6 600 tons
Propulsion and speed
Surfaced speed 12 ~ 15 knots
Submerged speed 30 ~ 34 knots
Nuclear reactors 1 x 83 MW
Steam turbines ?
Armament
Missiles 4 x K-4 or 12 x K-15 ballistic missiles
Torpedoes 6 x 533 mm torpedo tubes
In 2009 India launched its first indigenously designed nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. The whole project was kept in high secrecy. Some sources report, that in 2014 submarine has been secretly moved out of harbor for sea trials. The lead boat became operational with the Indian Navy in 2016. It is considered a milestone in the development of the Indian Navy. India joined five other countries, including China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and the United States, capable of designing and building nuclear-powered submarines. Three more Arihant class bots are under construction and two more are planned.
The lead boat was named INS Arihant (the one, who has conquered all internal enemies). Design of this boat is based on the Charlie I submarine, leased from the former Soviet Union to India from 1987 to 1991. For a long time this submarine was referred as the ATV or Advanced Technology Vessel, to maintain secrecy. It was a part of a science project, lasting nearly 11 years. The submarine and power plant were developed with Russian assistance.
It is reported that Arihant carries four K-4 ballistic missiles. These have a range of 3 000-3 500 km and carry nuclear warheads. It is a submarine-launcher version of the Agni III ballistic missile. Submarine-launched ballistic missiles will give India a second strike capability. The submarine can remain hidden deep in the Indian Ocean or launch missiles within territorial waters. Some sources report that submarine can also carry twelve shorter-range K-15 ballistic missiles. These non-strategic missiles have a range of 750-1 900 km. Also there are six 533 mm torpedo tubes for missiles and torpedoes.
The Arihant class boats are powered by an 83 MW nuclear pressurized water reactor, developed at the Center of Atomic Research. This reactor uses highly enriched uranium as a fuel and light water as coolant. It generates high levels of heat, that drives a steam turbine, which in turn rotates a propeller. Nuclear-powered submarines go faster and spend longer time at sea than conventional diesel counterparts. Sea endurance of the INS Arihant is limited only by food supplies.
Name Laid down Launched Commissioned Status
INS Arihant ? 2009 2016
active, in service
INS Aridhaman 2011 expected in 2016 expected in 2018
under construction
? ? ? ?
under construction
? ? ? ?
under construction
? ? ? ?
planned
? ? ? ?
planned
Arihant Class
Ballistic Missile Submarine
Arihant Class
Ballistic Missile Submarine
Arihant Class
Ballistic Missile Submarine
Arihant Class
Ballistic Missile Submarine
Arihant Class
Ballistic Missile Submarine
http://www.military-today.com/navy/arihant_class.htm