Indian Navy News & Discussions

[sancho]

Marlin is essentially a Scorpene with no inputs from Navantia (an X-tail does not make it uber ). Moreover it is a paper sub at this point. In fact, the two companies are focussing on their own NG subs (France- Marlin & Spain- S-80). The truth be told, the Marlins are going to be horrendously expensive. I am not sure how many PN can acquire at this stage (I don't see more than 3). We are already hearing noises about PN trying to look at the Chinese Yuan class submarine. I believe that PN is not going to pick a western design till IN decides on P-75I.

That's not correct, Scorpene was started as a joint project, but Marlin is totally French, also it is not just a Scorpene with some upgrades, it was designed from the begining around the new MESMA AIP propusion, for Scorpene it was only a later upgrade.
Btw, imo it would be the best for India if PN goes for expensive western subs, because although they are lethal, they could only buy a few numbers. If they go for Chinese subs instead, they can procure far more of them and some sources say, that even they have a Stirling AIP propulsion system now.

Right now, the only AIP sub with PN is the PNS Hamza. This is likely to remain the case for atleast 5-6 more years. Let us not jump the gun by saying we are doomed.
wrt AIP, it does not make a submarine quiter. That is a function of hull design and quieting technologies available. AIP helps with longer submerged operations (though very slow speeds) and thus reduces the need to surface when batteries dry out. Thus, logically speaking, scorpene which is a generation ahead of Agosta should be quieter.

But that exactly is the problem, in these 5 - 6 years they will have 3 Agosta subs with AIP, IN instead will only get AIP from the 3. or even 4. Scorpene sub, the others (if there is no other propulsion in planing) will be normal diesel-electric subs.
You are right that the Scorpene subs are new design and quiter than the Agostas, BUT only if they use the diesel propulsion! The AIP instead will be much quieter and will make the Agostas more than hard to detect, even if the Scorpenes are newer.

The USN made a simulation where one of there nuclear attack submarines tried to hunt a Swedish Gotland diesel-electric sub, with Stirling AIP propulsion. The US sub was not able to detect it and moreover was even sunk by it!
If the AIP sub knows that an enemy is around, it will use the maximum advantage of the that propuslion and will not use the diesel engine and that makes it more than difficult to find and destroy them.
So if PN is already in front of IN with 3 AIP subs and could even get 3 U214 with the even better AIP propulsion, they will have an edge over IN at least at the sub fleet.

In fact, the entire website is devoid of any mention of Marlin!

Because it is only in development yet, it was proposed on some naval shows, but only a few specs and infos are available now like this:

"Marlin" : an AIP submarine 100% DCN-made

From the weekly magazine " Le Marin " :

"The French DCN's new star product has been shown for the first time at the Euronaval Fair. This sub follows the Scorpene, whose future now seems compromised because of the growing gap between the DCN and Navantia, its Spanish ex-partner.

The Scorpene, which enjoyes considerable exprt success with sales to the navies of Chile, Malaya, and India, seems to be the first victim of Navantia's decision to develop a strategic partnership with Lockheed Martin to build the new S80 boat which should be bought by the Spanish navy. The S80, whose model was on display at Navantia's stand, is now proposed to foreign navies as a direct competitor of the Scorpene.

This caused the DCN to develop the Marlin, that will be 100% domestically built. The French shipyard goes the whole nine yards to show the gap between the Scorpene and its new product. The influence of the Barracuda-class on the Marlin design emphasized in the dive controls, in the combat system which will resemble the SYCOBS used both aboard the "Le Terrible" SSBN and the new SSNs, and in the possibility to include optronic masts.

Another difference between the Marlin and the Scorpene : the Marlin has been designed to be equipped with an anaerobic module. This could be the Mesma, whose performance has already been tested on land and is now being tested at sea aboard the last Agosta A90B boat that had been sold to Pakistan and is undergoing trials. One striking difference, though, will be that the Pakistani Agosta AIP system will run on ethanol while the Marlin will run on the same gasoil that is used on diesel boats.

DCN stated that the autonomy of its Mesma system, regardless of the type of fuel used, will double a diesel boat's. DCN also says the Mesma's autonomy equal that of the U-214 boats that are equipped with fuel cells, and be easier to refuel. The only limiting fqctor of the Mesma at sea in terms of autnomy should be the boat's capacity to embark liquid oxygen.

Later, the Mesma system could be complemented by a fuell cell with a system producing hydrogen from gasoil, without any need to stock it on board. DCN will probably show a "fuel cell / hydrogen" kit at the next Euronaval fair. The expected result should be to double the performance of current AIP systems.

DCN is currently having talks with the Pakistani navy to sell several Marlins"

 

[DMLA]

That's not correct, Scorpene was started as a joint project, but Marlin is totally French, also it is not just a Scorpene with some upgrades, it was designed from the begining around the new MESMA AIP propusion, for Scorpene it was only a later upgrade.
Btw, imo it would be the best for India if PN goes for expensive western subs, because although they are lethal, they could only buy a few numbers. If they go for Chinese subs instead, they can procure far more of them and some sources say, that even they have a Stirling AIP propulsion system now.

This is what I said:

Marlin is essentially a Scorpene with no inputs from Navantia

Which means one and the same! Marlin was supposed to be an option with same technologies being used on the scorpene. The upgrades over scorpene are NOT substantial. IMO, PN will go for both western and chinese subs. The issue is "which" western sub. If IN decides to upgrade the follow on (6 optional) scorpenes with marlin technologies (such as X tail ), I don't see a major advantage with PN. A sub built around and later additions make no sense. All modern subs are modular design. Thus addition/ subtraction of sections is no big deal!

But that exactly is the problem, in these 5 - 6 years they will have 3 Agosta subs with AIP, IN instead will only get AIP from the 3. or even 4. Scorpene sub, the others (if there is no other propulsion in planing) will be normal diesel-electric subs.
You are right that the Scorpene subs are new design and quiter than the Agostas, BUT only if they use the diesel propulsion! The AIP instead will be much quieter and will make the Agostas more than hard to detect, even if the Scorpenes are newer.

The USN made a simulation where one of there nuclear attack submarines tried to hunt a Swedish Gotland diesel-electric sub, with Stirling AIP propulsion. The US sub was not able to detect it and moreover was even sunk by it! so what?

If the AIP sub knows that an enemy is around, it will use the maximum advantage of the that propuslion and will not use the diesel engine and that makes it more than difficult to find and destroy them.
So if PN is already in front of IN with 3 AIP subs and could even get 3 U214 with the even better AIP propulsion, they will have an edge over IN at least at the sub fleet.

What 3 Agosta with AIP ? AFAIK, they have only one!

I am not talking about surface propulsion. Submarines use their battery banks to power their motors when submerged. Thus they are quite and hard to detect. It has nothing to do with AIP. Only difference is that AIP allows for "longer" submerged operations while a normal SSK like non-AIP scorpene will have to surface to "recharge".

USN found it hard with gotland not because of AIP but because IT IS A new generation SSK. All modern SSK's are super silent and this makes it hard for anyone to detect. That is the reason my first sentence (previous post) was that PN sub fleet is formidable. My assertion was that AIP is about underwater endurance which reduces the chances of detection (example using MPA's) as they don't surface for long periods!

I am perturbed about 3 AIP subs with PN!! Which 3? I know of only 1 and till they order more, it would be the same. Also, I don't see any new sub coming in less than 6 years! By then we should have atleast 3 scorpenes and AIP scorpenes getting ready for launch!!! Moreover, by then, we should also have our second line production in place and if (hopefully) navy gets its way and orders 2-3 from foreign yard, we should have P-75I AIP subs by then as well.

 

[sudhir007]

Scorpene deal: PAC slams defence ministry idrw.org

Slamming the Defence Ministry over the nine-year delay in awarding contract to French firm Thales to build six Scorpene submarines in Mumbai a Parliamentary Committee on Wednesday said the indecisiveness resulted in cost overruns and undue favour to the vendor, besides adversely impacting Navy’s operational preparedness.

Referring to a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report for 2008 that rapped the Ministry for the delay, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) also noted that this led to a cost escalation of the submarines by more than Rs 2,800 crore.

The CAG report had observed that “despite the Indian Navy’s depleting force level, the Ministry took nine years to finalise a contract for the construction of the six submarines.” The PAC report in this regard was tabled in both Houses of Parliament today.

The committee noted that due to the delay in the finalisation of the contract for as long as three years from 2002 to 2005, there had been an escalation in the price of submarines by more than Rs 2,800 crore and an additional Euro 27.05 million commitment on the procurement of missiles for the naval vessel.

“Such indecisiveness and systemic flaws on the procurement of submarines led to time and cost overrun and undue favour to the vendor besides adversely impacting Navy’s operational preparedness,” the report said.

The report said the cost overrun was primarily due to escalations of exchange rate variations and increase in cost of missiles, despite a discount of 1.03 per cent by the vendor.

Seeking an explanation from the defence ministry for the delay in finalising the contract and for cost overruns, the PAC also expressed astonishment over its “inability” to quantify the exact financial loss from the Scorpene deal, also known as Project-75.

Expressing concern over the Ministry accepting an “unproven” design of Scorpene, the report said “deviations in respect to prescribed parameters such as stability, speed, endurance, noise levels, manoeuvring performances of the submarine cannot be ruled out” and asked the Ministry to compel Thales to take corrective steps. Referring to the Ministry’s reply attributing the delay on forwarding of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) note to Finance Ministry for examination and reference to Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), followed by several rounds of deliberations, the report said the process was “too cumbersome” and asked it to dispense with the CVC route.

“It (CVC route) is unnecessary and totally uncalled for and resultantly leads to unacceptable delays, as has happened in the instant case,” it added. Noting that the construction of the Scorpene at the Mumbai-based Mazagon Docks was very slow and consequently the delivery could be delayed, the PAC said the Ministry should have taken into account the “teething problems and the time taken for absorption of technology” before awarding contracts and indigenisation.

What caused concern in the PAC was the “systemic deficiencies”, as corroborated by the defence secretary, who talked about “problems in the system, mindset and in the whole process” of procurement.

 

[RPK]

Burglary in Indian Navy commander's house in Israel

fullstory

Jerusalem, Mar 11 (PTI) Burglars broke into an Indian navy?commander's residence in the prestigious neighbourhood of Herzliya Pituach in North Israel, home to most of the senior diplomats posted in the country.

The burglars broke into Indian Naval officer Girish Das' house on the upscale David HaMelech street of the neighbourhood and ran away with precious items.

Later, the police caught a man who was using Das' credit card at a perfume shop, the Army Radio reported.

A bag of jewellery was recovered from a woman accompanying the man at the perfume shop, the report said.

Das, who could not be contacted, was called by the police to identify the recovered items.

It is not the first time that an Indian official's house has been robbed in Israel

 

[sancho]

This is what I said:

Which means one and the same! Marlin was supposed to be an option with same technologies being used on the scorpene. The upgrades over scorpene are NOT substantial. IMO, PN will go for both western and chinese subs. The issue is "which" western sub. If IN decides to upgrade the follow on (6 optional) scorpenes with marlin technologies (such as X tail ), I don't see a major advantage with PN. A sub built around and later additions make no sense. All modern subs are modular design. Thus addition/ subtraction of sections is no big deal!

Ma fault, sorry! Misread the no.

However, the point was Marlin class is a new designed sub and just as you said in regard to superiority of Scorpene design over Agosta 90, it is likely that the Marlin offers advantages over our Scorpene. Techs can be upgraded, but that doesn't make the subs equal right?
Btw, it is not that simple as you think, because IN asked the French of integration of a module for Brahmos missiles and the French rejected, because the Scorpene already will add size and displacement when the AIP propulsion is added.

What 3 Agosta with AIP ? AFAIK, they have only one!

Yet, but the other 2 will be upgraded too!

Following intensive sea trials, the customer formally declared that PNS Hamza met its acceptance criteria. The submarine was built entirely by Pakistan Naval Dockyard in Karachi under a DCNS technology transfer programme. Two additional Mesma® modules are currently under construction for sister boats PNS Khalid and PNS Saad and will be integrated with them when they come up for major refit.

Pakistan Receives Third Agosta 90B Submarine Equipped with MESMA Air Independent Propulsion System

I am not talking about surface propulsion. Submarines use their battery banks to power their motors when submerged. Thus they are quite and hard to detect. It has nothing to do with AIP. Only difference is that AIP allows for "longer" submerged operations while a normal SSK like non-AIP scorpene will have to surface to "recharge".

No offense mate, but since the last years in WW2 subs don't need to surface anymore to recharge the batteries, they just use the snorkel to get air for the diesel engines and stay submerged. But in this modern times, when MPAs can even detect such a small snorkel and the noise of the diesel engines can easily be detected by other subs, such a propulsion is a disadvantage and exactly here the AIP propulsion comes into the game!

With AIP propulsion, one can recharge the batteries without making noise, because it uses not as much moving parts like the diesel engines. Also without the need of a snorkel, so the possibility that a MPA, or surface vessel will detect you is reduced too!
The only problem is, that this technology is new and offers only low speeds yet, so if you want to go as fast as possible from A to B, you will use the diesel. In combat situation instead, you will use only the batteries and the AIP, which makes even older subs lethal!

USN found it hard with gotland not because of AIP but because IT IS A new generation SSK. All modern SSK's are super silent and this makes it hard for anyone to detect. That is the reason my first sentence (previous post) was that PN sub fleet is formidable. My assertion was that AIP is about underwater endurance which reduces the chances of detection (example using MPA's) as they don't surface for long periods!

Not correct, because the Gotland subs was one of the first subs fitted with AIP and that was the reason why USN wanted to make combat simulations against them, to see how good they really are and develop counter tactics.

If you don't believe me, see it urself:

So...if a modern AIP sub can sunk one of the most modern US nuclear submarine and play cat and mouse with a full US carrier group. It should be clear, that even an older sub like the Agosta 90 with AIP, will be a big problem for our diesel-electric sub fleet (including the first half of Scorpenes) and moreover our carrier groups too!
That's why I said IN made a big mistake with chosing Scorpene instead of U214 in the first competition, if they really have only diesel-electric propulsion. Although we have the numerical advantage, PNs subfleet can maintain a technological and with the PLAN threat on the other side, imo IN must increase the anti submarine warfare capability dramatically!

 

[Machoman]

Procurement of Aircraft for Navy
Naval aviation is planned for growth in the Maritime Capabilities Perspective Plan. To facilitate an orderly growth, a master plan for naval aviation assets has been drawn.

A contract was signed on January 20, 2004 with M/s RAC MiG, Russia for supply of MiG-29K/KUB aircraft. Some of these aircraft have been delivered in December 2009. Further, a contract for procurement of maritime reconnaissance aircraft was signed with M/s Boeing, USA on 1.1.2009.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Pradeep Majhi and Shri S Semmalai in Lok Sabha today.

Status of LCA Project
A contract for the procurement of 20 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) in Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) configuration was signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on March 31, 2006. The total contract cost is Rs. 2701.70 crore.

Delay in LCA production is primarily due to refinements carried out in the development phase. A total of Rs. 1712.11 crore has been paid to HAL till December 31, 2009 for the LCA Programme. There was a delay in the development of LCA due to certain technical complexities and denial of critical technologies.

Rs. 3301.78 crore was sanctioned for the development of LCA, which includes manufacture of eight numbers of Limited Series Production aircraft. Additional Rs. 2475.78 crore has been approved by the Government for LCA Phase-II programme.

A high level review is being conducted by the Chief of Air Staff once in every quarter and by the Deputy Chief of Air Staff once in every month. LCA is likely to be inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) by March 2011.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Sivasami C and others in Lok Sabha today.

Purchase of Helicopters
Contracts have been signed for the procurement of Advanced Light Helicopter from M/s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Medium Lift Helicopters from Rosoboronexport, Russia, and Helicopters for VVIP transportation from Augusta Westland, UK.

In addition, cases for procurement of additional Medium Lift Helicopters, Attack Helicopters, Light Utility Helicopters, Heavy Lift Helicopters and Recce and Surveillance Helicopters from various vendors are being processed. All these procurements are based on operational requirements framed by the Indian Air Force. The expenditure on the procurements will be known only after the commercial proposals are opened.

All capital acquisitions are processed as per the Defence Procurement Procedure. The Defence Procurement Procedure – 2008 envisages a timeframe of 20-34 months for finalization of such major capital procurements.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Pradeep Majhi in Lok Sabha today

 

[sudhir007]

Burglary in Indian Navy commander’s house in Israel idrw.org

Burglary in Indian Navy commander’s house in Israel

Burglars broke into an Indian navy commander’s residence in the prestigious neighborhood of Herzliya Pituach in North Israel, home to most of the senior diplomats posted in the country.

The burglars broke into Indian Naval officer Girish Das’ house on the upscale David HaMelech street of the neighbourhood and ran away with precious items.

Later, the police caught a man who was using Das’ credit card at a perfume shop, the Army Radio reported.

A bag of jewellery was recovered from a woman accompanying the man at the perfume shop, the report said.

Das, who could not be contacted, was called by the police to identify the recovered items.

It is not the first time that an Indian official’s house has been robbed in Israel

 

[Justin Joseph]

DRDO in a fix over Antony remarks on naval plane

Pinaki Bhattacharya
New Delhi, March 15, 2010

Officials in the higher echelons of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) are stumped by defence minister A. K. Antony's written response to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

The minister had said: "Deficiencies have been detected in the airframe and other associated equipment of the (Tejas Navy) aircraft. The DRDO is working out modalities with various organisations for rectifying these deficiencies by suitable modifications to the engine/airframe design."

Though no one in the DRDO was willing to go on record, a senior project official of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft in Bangalore said a problem with the "airframe" could not arise simply because the prototype was still being built.

"We have built the external structure. We are now fitting the internal equipment like electricals, hydraulics and plumbing," he said, adding that the aerodynamics of the naval version of Tejas was the same as that of the two-seater trainer version flown in November last. "But since the structural load on the naval Tejas will be much higher, its airframe will have to be tougher," he added.

Officials at the DRDO headquarters said they had sent a draft response to the question Antony answered in Parliament. " We wonder where the mix- up between our response and the minister's reply could have occurred," an official said.

As the system for replies to Parliament posers go, the question is first processed by a Parliament cell of the defence ministry and then sent to the department or agency to which it pertains.

Based on these inputs, a draft reply is prepared and then vetted by a designated joint secretary and then the defence secretary. Then it reaches the minister's office where it is once again examined by his private secretary. For a 'misinformation' to pass through scrutiny of so many experienced hands is a rarity.

DRDO in a fix over Antony remarks on naval plane: India Today - Latest Breaking News from India, World, Business, Cricket, Sports, Bollywood.

 

[Sunny4pak]

self deleted...

 

[RPK]

Indian Navy to procure Integrated Bridge Systems :: Brahmand.com

WASHINGTON (BNS): Indian Navy will be procuring integrated bridge systems (IBS) for two new fleet tankers from the Northrop Grumman Corporation.

The IBS supply orders were given to the Northrop Grumman's Sperry Marine unit by the Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri.

"This important contract win builds on our longstanding relationship as a key supplier to the Indian Navy," said J. Nolasco DaCunha, vice president of International Naval Systems at Northrop Grumman's Naval and Marine Systems Division, according to a news report by Northrop Grumman.

The ships will be having radars, electronic chart display and information systems, adaptive self-tuning autopilots, gyrocompasses and repeaters, speed sensors, echo sounders, differential GPS and other navigation subsystems and sensors.

Sperry Marine will also install ship's inertial navigation system and data distribution system, which will be interfaced with the combat management system.

The heavy 175-meter tankers are being built in Italy and are scheduled for delivery to the Indian Navy in 2010-2011

 

[TheBraveHeart]

http://publication.samachar.com/pub_article.php?id=8345237&nextids=8345237|8345238|8345239|8345240|8345241&nextIndex=1

India to buy French surveillance ships
Updated on Wednesday, March 17, 2010, 23:45 IST Tags:Couach, French, Surveillance

Bordeaux: A French luxury yacht manufacturer announced today a USD 21-million contract to supply India with 15 coastal surveillance ships.

The deal with Couach shipping yards is thought to be part of India's efforts to bolster security over its waters after it accused Pakistani extremists behind the 2008 attacks in Mumbai of travelling by sea.

Couach said the contract was for 15 ultra-fast 13-metre cutters and that the first three could be delivered in February 2011. Seven extra vessels could also be purchased.

 

[jha]

india interested...??

Greece to resell German submarine

Greece hopes to earn some 350 million euros (480 million dollars) by reselling a German-built submarine whose delivery was dogged by technical concerns, the Greek defence minister said on Wednesday.
"The Germans are pricing the Papanikolis submarine at 300 million, let us calculate 350 million without being over-optimistic," Defence Minister Evangelos Venizelos told a news conference.
Athens in 2006 had refused to accept delivery of the submarine built by German contractors ThyssenKrupp after Greek Navy inspectors declared it defective during test runs off the port of Kiel.
But Venizelos on Wednesday insisted that "improvements" had been carried out at ThyssenKrupp's HDW shipyards and that the Greek Navy was now prepared to declare the vessel seaworthy.
"This is what (the Navy) have told us, this is what they will tell Greek parliament as well," he said
He added: "This discussion about a listing submarine which we are trying to sell... is harmful to the public interest."
Greece in 2000 had ordered four new 214-class submarines and an overhaul for three of its older 209-class submarines from HDW. Most of the order was to have been carried out at Hellenic Shipyards near Athens, which were acquired by HDW in 2002, three years before it merged with ThyssenKrupp.
Athens has already paid out 2.03 billion euros on the project out of a total estimated cost of 2.84 billion in current prices with nothing to show for it, the minister said.
Venizelos on Wednesday said plans to overhaul two of the older submarines would now be scrapped and that two new submarines would be ordered instead at a cost of 500 million euros apiece.
The Greek government, struggling with a debt crisis and facing a huge effort to restructure the economy, hopes that the submarine deal will smooth the way for ThyssenKrupp to shed 75 percent of its stake in the struggling Greek shipyards to the Abu Dhabi Mar group.
It has said the sale offers a chance to save the jobs of 1,300 workers.
Venizelos also said another "major" project to purchase French frigates would also be carried out.
"A difficult and long negotiation at state and commercial level is ongoing (on the issue)," he said.

Greece to resell German submarine: minister < | Expatica Germany

 

[Justin Joseph]

Navy chief returns after Tropex-2010 review meet

Express News Service
First Published : 19 Mar 2010 05:21:00 AM IST

KOCHI: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Kumar Verma, who was on a two-day visit to the Southern Naval Command in Kochi to review the Tropex-2010, the recently-concluded annual war games, returned on Thursday.

“The Navy chief, along with the other top officials of the Navy, assessed the different aspects of the war games. The review meeting discussed the new lessons learnt during the annual exercise,” sources said.

The meeting reportedly discussed how the new lessons learnt during the exercise could be used to further develop the Navy’s tactical and operational doctrines. The exercise was intended to test the human and material endurance of the Navy, the efficacy of its operational and logistical plans as well as the combat effectiveness.

The exercise, which involved the Western and the Eastern fleets of the Navy, along with the Coast Guard and the Air Force, was held from February end to mid-March in the Bay of Bengal.

Apart from the Navy Chief, Western Naval Command Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Vice-Admiral Sanjeev Bhasin and Eastern Naval Command Flag Officer Commanding- in-Chief Vice-Admiral Anup Singh also attended the briefing session.

The Indian Navy’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Airborne Early Warning (AEW) helicopters as well as the air-to-air refuellers and maritime Jaguars of the Air Force were deployed during the exercise.

INS Viraat, the sole aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy, which is currently in Kochi on its way back to Mumbai, will return to Mumbai on Friday.

Navy chief returns after Tropex-2010 review meet

 

[jha]

Russian Akula Class: The sea shark

Project 971 (NATO code name Akula) is the most advanced Russian nuclear-powered attack submarine.

The submarines were built by the Amur Shipbuilding Plant Joint Stock Company at Komsomolsk-on-Amur and at the Severodvinsk shipbuilding yard. Seven Akula I submarines were commissioned between 1986 and 1992, and three Improved Akula between 1992 and 1995.

Construction of the Akula II class Nerpa nuclear attack submarine started in 1991 but was suspended for over a decade due to lack of funding.

Akula II class vessels are considered the quietest and deadliest of Russian nuclear-powered attack submarines. They feature a double-hulled configuration with a distinctive high aft fin.

Relation with India

Indian Navy will soon get the K-152 the Akula II class Nerpa nuclear attack submarine for a 10-year lease.

The Akula II in service with the Russians is equipped with 28 nuclear-capable cruise missiles with a striking range of 3,000 km. The Indian version is expected to be armed with the 300-km Club nuclear-capable missiles.

The most-modern Russian submarine will be recommissioned as 'INS Chakra’ in India.

The submarine had faced a mishap during sea trials in November 2008 which killed 20 sailors and technical staffs.

Design

The submarine has a double-hulled configuration with a distinctive high aft fin. The hull has seven compartments and the stand-off distance between the outer and inner hulls is considerable, reducing the possible inner hull damage. The very low acoustic signature has been achieved by incremental design improvements to minimise noise generation and transmission – for example, the installation of active noise cancellation techniques.

The retractable masts viewed from bow to stern are the periscopes, radar antennae, radio and satellite communications and navigation masts.
Key Data [Crew - 73]
Speed Surface -20 Knots

Submerged - 35 knots
Depth Test depth - 480m

Crush depth- 600m

Endurance 100 days
Displacement 8,140 tons surfaced

12,770 tons submerged
Dimensions 110*14*9m
Reactor 190MW OK-650M
Steam turbine with 43000 hp
Armaments 4*533mm torpedo tubes

4*650mm torpedo tubes
Power plant 190MW OK-650M pressurized water nuclear reactor

2 auxiliary electric engines (410 hp each)

2 auxiliary diesel engines (750 hp each)


Russian Akula Class: The sea shark :: Brahmand.com

 

[JohnyD]

US offers latest airborne radar to India

After a range of top fighter aircraft and other weapon systems, the US has now offered another sophisticated system to India, the Airborne Stand-Off Radar (ASTOR), whose capability has been described as "unmatched" by a former US navy official.

According to Admiral Walter F Doran, president Asia for Raytheon, Indian officials had already been briefed on "this latest radar, for highly effective 24-hour surveillance and target acquisition capability", India Strategic magazine reported in its latest issue. The system is being operated now by the British Army and Royal Air Force (RAF) in Afghanistan with five ASTOR aircraft and eight ground stations.

Admiral Doran is quoted in the magazine as saying that Raytheon, a military technology giant, had also submitted a formal proposal to the Indian government. He declined to give details.

First deployed in 2008, ASTOR can even detect minor variations in surface levels, like digging and filling of earth at the same place, and draw conclusions about activity. The system consists of an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar on board the Bombardier Global Express 'Sentinel' business jet. Indian officials first visited the aircraft displayed at the Paris Air Show in June 2009 and have followed up with discussions.

Admiral Doran, a former US Navy 7th Fleet commander, said that "the capability on board the ASTOR was unmatched", pointing out that although Raytheon did not make platforms, its combat systems were on board most of the US aircraft, ships, spacecraft and land vehicles. For instance, the AESA radar on board the Boeing F 18 Super Hornet, F 15 Eagle and P8 Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (for the US and Indian Navies) is built by Raytheon.

The company has also built an AESA radar for F 16s, should a country buying it make the choice in its favour.

So was the Mini-SAR, or the Miniaturized Synthetic Aperture Radar, on board India's lunar mission Chandrayaan-1 which located ice on the polar surface of moon through high resolution imagery.

Raytheon provided the Mini-SAR to NASA, which gave it to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for its lunar mission as part of their cooperative venture. NASA later sent another mission with a higher resolution SAR camera.

Admiral Doran said that ASTOR flies high enough - 40,000 to 45,000 feet - to cover a large ground area, and to be beyond the range of most surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). It is also equipped with a self protection suite to put out flares and chaff to confuse and deflect any threatening missiles.

ASTOR's main equipment includes a dual-mode SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and Moving Target Indicator (SAR/MTI), part of the AESA system. The aircraft can fly for nine hours at a stretch.

There are three consoles for monitoring the ground, two for image analysts and one for the Airborne Mission Commander, besides the pilot and co-pilot. Data from the aircraft is fed to the ground stations from where action against hostile targets is initiated if required.

The US has already offered to India F 35 JSF, F 16 Super Viper, F 18 Super Hornet and P8I aircraft and weapon systems.

After a range of top fighter aircraft and other weapon systems, the US has now offered another sophisticated system to India, the Airborne Stand-Off Radar (ASTOR), whose capability has been described as "unmatched" by a former US navy official.

According to Admiral Walter F Doran, president Asia for Raytheon, Indian officials had already been briefed on "this latest radar, for highly effective 24-hour surveillance and target acquisition capability", India Strategic magazine reported in its latest issue. The system is being operated now by the British Army and Royal Air Force (RAF) in Afghanistan with five ASTOR aircraft and eight ground stations.

Admiral Doran is quoted in the magazine as saying that Raytheon, a military technology giant, had also submitted a formal proposal to the Indian government. He declined to give details.

First deployed in 2008, ASTOR can even detect minor variations in surface levels, like digging and filling of earth at the same place, and draw conclusions about activity. The system consists of an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar on board the Bombardier Global Express 'Sentinel' business jet. Indian officials first visited the aircraft displayed at the Paris Air Show in June 2009 and have followed up with discussions.

Admiral Doran, a former US Navy 7th Fleet commander, said that "the capability on board the ASTOR was unmatched", pointing out that although Raytheon did not make platforms, its combat systems were on board most of the US aircraft, ships, spacecraft and land vehicles. For instance, the AESA radar on board the Boeing F 18 Super Hornet, F 15 Eagle and P8 Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (for the US and Indian Navies) is built by Raytheon.

The company has also built an AESA radar for F 16s, should a country buying it make the choice in its favour.

So was the Mini-SAR, or the Miniaturized Synthetic Aperture Radar, on board India's lunar mission Chandrayaan-1 which located ice on the polar surface of moon through high resolution imagery.

Raytheon provided the Mini-SAR to NASA, which gave it to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for its lunar mission as part of their cooperative venture. NASA later sent another mission with a higher resolution SAR camera.

Admiral Doran said that ASTOR flies high enough - 40,000 to 45,000 feet - to cover a large ground area, and to be beyond the range of most surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). It is also equipped with a self protection suite to put out flares and chaff to confuse and deflect any threatening missiles.

ASTOR's main equipment includes a dual-mode SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and Moving Target Indicator (SAR/MTI), part of the AESA system. The aircraft can fly for nine hours at a stretch.

There are three consoles for monitoring the ground, two for image analysts and one for the Airborne Mission Commander, besides the pilot and co-pilot. Data from the aircraft is fed to the ground stations from where action against hostile targets is initiated if required.

The US has already offered to India F 35 JSF, F 16 Super Viper, F 18 Super Hornet and P8I aircraft and weapon systems.

After a range of top fighter aircraft and other weapon systems, the US has now offered another sophisticated system to India, the Airborne Stand-Off Radar (ASTOR), whose capability has been described as "unmatched" by a former US navy official.

According to Admiral Walter F Doran, president Asia for Raytheon, Indian officials had already been briefed on "this latest radar, for highly effective 24-hour surveillance and target acquisition capability", India Strategic magazine reported in its latest issue. The system is being operated now by the British Army and Royal Air Force (RAF) in Afghanistan with five ASTOR aircraft and eight ground stations.

Admiral Doran is quoted in the magazine as saying that Raytheon, a military technology giant, had also submitted a formal proposal to the Indian government. He declined to give details.

First deployed in 2008, ASTOR can even detect minor variations in surface levels, like digging and filling of earth at the same place, and draw conclusions about activity. The system consists of an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar on board the Bombardier Global Express 'Sentinel' business jet. Indian officials first visited the aircraft displayed at the Paris Air Show in June 2009 and have followed up with discussions.

Admiral Doran, a former US Navy 7th Fleet commander, said that "the capability on board the ASTOR was unmatched", pointing out that although Raytheon did not make platforms, its combat systems were on board most of the US aircraft, ships, spacecraft and land vehicles. For instance, the AESA radar on board the Boeing F 18 Super Hornet, F 15 Eagle and P8 Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (for the US and Indian Navies) is built by Raytheon.

The company has also built an AESA radar for F 16s, should a country buying it make the choice in its favour.

So was the Mini-SAR, or the Miniaturized Synthetic Aperture Radar, on board India's lunar mission Chandrayaan-1 which located ice on the polar surface of moon through high resolution imagery.

Raytheon provided the Mini-SAR to NASA, which gave it to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for its lunar mission as part of their cooperative venture. NASA later sent another mission with a higher resolution SAR camera.

Admiral Doran said that ASTOR flies high enough - 40,000 to 45,000 feet - to cover a large ground area, and to be beyond the range of most surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). It is also equipped with a self protection suite to put out flares and chaff to confuse and deflect any threatening missiles.

ASTOR's main equipment includes a dual-mode SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and Moving Target Indicator (SAR/MTI), part of the AESA system. The aircraft can fly for nine hours at a stretch.

There are three consoles for monitoring the ground, two for image analysts and one for the Airborne Mission Commander, besides the pilot and co-pilot. Data from the aircraft is fed to the ground stations from where action against hostile targets is initiated if required.

The US has already offered to India F 35 JSF, F 16 Super Viper, F 18 Super Hornet and P8I aircraft and weapon systems.

After a range of top fighter aircraft and other weapon systems, the US has now offered another sophisticated system to India, the Airborne Stand-Off Radar (ASTOR), whose capability has been described as "unmatched" by a former US navy official.

According to Admiral Walter F Doran, president Asia for Raytheon, Indian officials had already been briefed on "this latest radar, for highly effective 24-hour surveillance and target acquisition capability", India Strategic magazine reported in its latest issue. The system is being operated now by the British Army and Royal Air Force (RAF) in Afghanistan with five ASTOR aircraft and eight ground stations.

Admiral Doran is quoted in the magazine as saying that Raytheon, a military technology giant, had also submitted a formal proposal to the Indian government. He declined to give details.

First deployed in 2008, ASTOR can even detect minor variations in surface levels, like digging and filling of earth at the same place, and draw conclusions about activity. The system consists of an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar on board the Bombardier Global Express 'Sentinel' business jet. Indian officials first visited the aircraft displayed at the Paris Air Show in June 2009 and have followed up with discussions.

Admiral Doran, a former US Navy 7th Fleet commander, said that "the capability on board the ASTOR was unmatched", pointing out that although Raytheon did not make platforms, its combat systems were on board most of the US aircraft, ships, spacecraft and land vehicles. For instance, the AESA radar on board the Boeing F 18 Super Hornet, F 15 Eagle and P8 Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (for the US and Indian Navies) is built by Raytheon.

The company has also built an AESA radar for F 16s, should a country buying it make the choice in its favour.

So was the Mini-SAR, or the Miniaturized Synthetic Aperture Radar, on board India's lunar mission Chandrayaan-1 which located ice on the polar surface of moon through high resolution imagery.

Raytheon provided the Mini-SAR to NASA, which gave it to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for its lunar mission as part of their cooperative venture. NASA later sent another mission with a higher resolution SAR camera.

Admiral Doran said that ASTOR flies high enough - 40,000 to 45,000 feet - to cover a large ground area, and to be beyond the range of most surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). It is also equipped with a self protection suite to put out flares and chaff to confuse and deflect any threatening missiles.

ASTOR's main equipment includes a dual-mode SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and Moving Target Indicator (SAR/MTI), part of the AESA system. The aircraft can fly for nine hours at a stretch.

There are three consoles for monitoring the ground, two for image analysts and one for the Airborne Mission Commander, besides the pilot and co-pilot. Data from the aircraft is fed to the ground stations from where action against hostile targets is initiated if required.

The US has already offered to India F 35 JSF, F 16 Super Viper, F 18 Super Hornet and P8I aircraft and weapon systems.

US offers latest airborne radar to India- Hindustan Times