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Shivalik Class Frigates Thread

new pics from shiv:

DSC_1613-786994.jpg


DSC_1558-784934.jpg


:cheers:
 
new pics from shiv:

DSC_1613-786994.jpg


DSC_1558-784934.jpg


:cheers:

Sexy pic. bro......:smitten:

But i have one question....

Can it integrate Nirbhay class cruse missile in future?? because it can give our stealth frigate Great land attack capability and 1000 KM PUNCH.....:pop::pop:
 
Sexy pic. bro......:smitten:

But i have one question....

Can it integrate Nirbhay class cruse missile in future?? because it can give our stealth frigate Great land attack capability and 1000 KM PUNCH.....:pop::pop:

Though I am not privy to the design details, we can all see that the ship has no dearth of space. If reqired, I am sure they can modify the bow to accomodate a VLS. I would also not be surprised if the current 8 cell VLS sees modification to accomodate nirbhay or brahmos. In fact, I would argue that it would be relatively easy to make a UVLS system which can fit klub's, brahmos, nirbhay, etc giving ships tremendous flexibility and keeping the enemy in dark as to their role in war.

However, I would not be surprised if shivaliks don;t get nirbhay fitment. IMO, large number of cruise missiles will require a radical rethinking/ redesign to accomodate larger VLS system on the ship (dedicated 16 or 32 cells). I would personally like to see some universal VLS system like mk-41 (which can accomodate SM-2, tomahawk, asroc, etc) being developed for the indian navy.

mk-41:



mk-41-vls-pc008-053.jpg


Shivalik are to be mainly used for ASW operations to screen wide areas in support of CBG ops. Talwars lack 2 hangers. Shivalik can carry 2 sea-king choppers for ASW ops making them very potent. Moreover, there has been a lot of stress on ASW capability and comparatively less of a stress on AAW as is clear from the arm launcher for sa-n-12. I would expect the next (P-17A) group to have a more broader weapons fit with dedicated VLS cells for SAM's. I would also expect IN to go for larger platforms (P-15B/ P-XX?) which would have 96 - 128 UVLS systems).
 
Shivalik are to be mainly used for ASW operations to screen wide areas in support of CBG ops. Talwars lack 2 hangers. Shivalik can carry 2 sea-king choppers for ASW ops making them very potent. Moreover, there has been a lot of stress on ASW capability and comparatively less of a stress on AAW as is clear from the arm launcher for sa-n-12. I would expect the next (P-17A) group to have a more broader weapons fit with dedicated VLS cells for SAM's. I would also expect IN to go for larger platforms (P-15B/ P-XX?) which would have 96 - 128 UVLS systems).


Thanks dude.......

Great info...:smitten:

As far as P-17A is concern, there is no doubt about it that it's going to have great weapons( Offensive as well as defensive).

Project 17A class frigate - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

We can see that we are building 7 of them!! and Lockheed Martin is offering Aegis Combat System to be included in its Project 17A frigate.....:chilli:

But i think india should develop indigenous system.
 

They are allowing civilians into the latest Indian Navy ship's command and control centre!! But than also she could not take a good pic except those of herself! :hitwall:
 
Originally posted by desiguy, (thread deleted)..... Also note the Indian version of Aegis combat system, CAIO.... without any flimsy name... ;)

Shivalik: India’s New Generation Warship
By Vice Adm Rajeshwer Nath
Issue: Vol 25.2 Apr-Jun 2010


Shivalik: India’s New Generation Warship | Indian Defence Review

Shivalik is the first ship of the Project 17 Frigates designed by the Indian Navy and built by Mazagon Docks Limited Mumbai. This project was conceived to incorporate stealth features and in the process other state of the art systems are also introduced in a modern indigenous warship. The Navy has succeeded in design and building of such a sophisticated class of warship with indigenous efforts duly supported by industry and select international agencies. The success of this project and the novel features built into the design of Project 17 Frigates are briefly highlighted in this articles.

The stealth features make it difficult for the enemy to locate this ship and the detection ranges have been considerably reduced. The modern payload judiciously selected for this class of warship adds to the lethal punch of the growing blue water capability of the Navy. The combined diesel or gas - CODOG main propulsion system provides simplicity and reliability in operations, gives higher endurance ranges and is most economical in fuel consumption. This will result in as low as one-third operating costs compared to combined gas or gas - COGOG system. The savings may be over Rs 2000 crores over the lifecycle of the warship.

rajeshwer-nathThe lines of the ship and the form parameters have been so evolved by the designers to give the best hydrodynamic and sea keeping, manoeuvrability and handling characteristics. Even on high speeds, there is no roll, no pitch, no vibrations and the ship has turned out to be ideal, stable naval platform for naval warfare. The propellers have been specially designed for cavitation inception speeds of over 22 knots and qualify to be quiet and silent propellers.

Also Read Design Review of Naval Platforms

For enhancing the warfare capability, the warship incorporates new generation technology through an indigenous system called the AISDN (ATM based integrated ship borne data network) that allows electronic information from ship’s sensors and systems to be transmitted digitally in real time over the common data base. ATM has been seen as the ultimate networking technology that will allow the true broadband working for the future. The warship incorporates advanced survivability features through robust structure, ample watertight sections and fire zones.

Habitability is considerably improved through modular accommodation totally air conditioned. The concept of Total Atmospheric Control (TAC) has been adopted where all the air intake is through the Air Filteration Units (AFUs) and the TACs controls temperature and humidity of air coming into the ship at all times. This warship caters for women officers serving on board.

shivalik-2

Stealth Features

The primary aim of stealth is to reduce platform susceptibility, increase survivability and therefore prevent damage and reduce demands on defensive systems. Low signatures make the detection of the ship more difficult and give it more time to react. The important signature are Radar Cross Section (RCS), Radiated Noise, and Infra Red (IR).

Radar Cross Section

The Radar Cross Section (RCS) is entirely determined by the shape and material properties of the ‘above water part’ of the ship’s hull, superstructure and sensor fit. RCS of a target is its ability to capture incident EM energy and radiate back towards radar. RCS is reduced by hull-shaping, to avoid vertical surfaces and avoid corner reflectors. Radar transparent materials have been used for manufacture of guard rail stanchions and helicopter grid frames. RCS screens have been provided for the boats. Several computer programmes are available for prediction of radar signatures, which serve as an effective tool for comparison of various options and evolving a good stealth ship design. RCS reduction and prediction are generally performed in frequency range 2 - 40 GHZs. The following table shows the comparison of typical RCS values of a conventional ship with vertical surfaces and the kind of reductions possible by simple shaping and concealment of weapons, exposed deck fittings and equipment:-

Ship Type


Contribution from Hull


Contribution
from Equipment


Total RCS

Conventional Super structure


80%


20%


40,000Sqm (46 dbm2)

Superstructure with sloped walls


10%


90%


-

Superstructure with sloped
walls and bulwark


5%


95%


-

Complete stealth Ship


1%


99%


> 1000sqm (28 dbm2)



A good balance between contribution from bare hull and weapon/equipment is required to evolve an overall stealth design. A typical RCS polar plot for a stealth ship is given in figure-5.

fig-5

Infra Red Signatures

The principal sources of infra red - IR signature are the plume and hot parts of the stacks. Work on the IR signatures concentrates on the reduction of exhaust gas temperatures and cooling of visible exhaust ducting. The electro magnetic radiation emitted by the ship from the above sources in the two infra red band widths; 3-5m (medium infra red) band and 8-12 FIR (far Infra red) band is used in designing the IR sensors to detect the ship. The IR signature of the engine exhaust can be reduced by approximately 95 percent in the 3-5m band by a plume cooling device. The IRSS device “Eductor Diffuser” system has been used for the main machinery. A typical polar diagrams for unsuppressed and suppressed ship IR are shown in figure-6.fig-6


Acoustic Signatures

The sources of underwater radiated noise in ship are mainly from machinery both propulsion and auxiliary, flow fluid in the distributed pipe line systems and cavitation of propellers. It is necessary to employ great care to incorporate suitable noise suppression measures to achieve low noise target levels. These include resilient mounts, double mounts, rafts, flexible coupling, quiet propellers etc. The typical curves of radiated noise with and without stealth features are shown in figure-4.fig-4


Integrated Management of Stealth

The 21st century will see more and more attention being paid to stealth features in an integrated manner to deliver the most optimum solution. Signature reduction will form only one part of a balanced stealth capability. The reduction of platform susceptibility can be achieved in a variety of ways including signature reduction, camouflage, deception, decoys, confusion, hiding and jamming. All aspects of signature management need to be coordinated at all stages of ship design, production and procurement.

Also Read Indian Shipbuilding: key to maritime and economic security Future Trends in Aviation

Modern Payload

The payload for the Project 17 frigates has been judiciously chosen to give lethal punch and at the same time be stealth in nature. The SRGM 76 mm gun has been specially designed and manufactured for stealth features. SSM and PDMS are in VLS configuration and thus provide stealth. The area SAM and the Anti submarine RBU-6000 if made in VLS configuration for future designs will further reduce the RCS signature. The ship is equipped with variety of weapon systems for multi purpose role including anti ship, anti air and anti submarine. The weapon systems include SSM, SAM, PDMS, RBU-6000, SRGM 76 mm gun, 630 mm guns, MFR, FCRs, ESM/ECM, Sonar, CAIO, two helicopters etc.

AISDN (ATM based integrated ship borne data network)

Shivalik is fitted with third generation Composite Communication System (CCS), intelligent versatile communication system (IVCS), and sophisticated ATM based Integrated Ship Borne Data Network (AISDN) with fibre optics cable throughout the ship. The AISDN provides an integrated backbone network for voice, video, and data communications on a single broad band network. The AISDN has the following objectives :-

* Provide a networking backbone to integrate the data of weapons and sensors to all command and control systems as well as communication systems.
* Share weapon sensor data with each other in acceptable formats.
* Provide backbone to integrate internal and external communication systems.
* Monitor the health and status of command, control and communication systems at a central location.

The AISDN system provides the required flexibility and redundancy to the users on board. ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) is a standardized digital data transmission technology and is a dedicated- connection switching technology that organizes digital data into 53- byte cell units and transmits them over a physical medium using digital signal technology. ATM has been seen as the ultimate networking technology that will allow broad band networking for the future. However fast Ethernet and gigabit Ethernet have brought more bandwidth to the LAN technology and is being preferred.

CAIO (Computer Aided Action Information Organization)

Towards ensuring a multi sensor, multi weapon scenario, the Project 17 Frigates are fitted with advanced CAIO system. The CAIO system collates all sensor data for exploitation, does threat evaluation, controls and designates weapon system. In CAIO, there is central availability of all sensor data to the command for supporting decision making. This ensures no duplicity of “action taken”. CAIO also ensures sensor data fusion. It allows for “informed” decision by command due overlay of radars, EW, and other available inputs. CAIO also enables central disposition and receipt of data to and from other platforms through data link system. The CAIO for Project 17 ships have been jointly developed by Indian Navy with foreign expert agency.

CODOG (Combined Diesel or Gas) Main Propulsion and IPMS

Project 17 Frigates have been designed with CODOG main propulsion system with LM-2500 fuel efficient gas turbines supplied through HAL Bangalore and Pielstick Diesel engines supplied through KOEL India. CODOG propulsion provides simplicity in operation, achieves over 30 knot speed and minimal fuel consumption. For comparable operating profile, the consumption of fuel is nearly one-third in case of CODOG propulsion as compared to COGOG arrangement. This will save fuel costs of about Rs 50 crores per annum at prices prevailing today.
Also Read Aerospace and Defence News

An intelligent Integrated Platform Management System - IPMS on board Project 17 frigates, controls the operation of main propulsion machinery, auxiliary machinery, battle damage control and associated other systems.

The Propellers have been specially designed for low noise and with cavitation inception speed of over 22 knots. The inward turning propellers give narrow wake. The shaft rake is low. The shaft brackets are very carefully aligned to the flow. The stabilizers are perpendicular to the tangent to hull lines to give superior alignment. These design features have contributed to minimal noise and minimal vibrations.

Structural Integrity, Habitability, TACs - Total Atmospheric Controls

Structural integrity of very high order has been provided through robust hull structure, ample water tight sections and fire zones, special fire insulation and smoke clearing arrangements. Expansion joints are specially designed in a manner that the forward superstructure and the after superstructure are welded to the hull and the middle superstructure is suspended on bulkheads, giving freedom to the main hull to flex and allow expansion of main hull girder. This reduces stress on structure.

Habitability: Modular accommodation, totally air conditioned has been provided. Even the galley is air conditioned through separate dedicated ATUs. The automated galley will enable the crew to be fed with Indian, Continental and Asian gourmet meals including freshly baked bread, Dosas and chapattis.

The TACS - total atmospheric control - filters and controls the temperature and humidity of the air coming into the ship at all times. It removes any radioactive, chemical or biological impurities thereby protecting the crew and systems even during nuclear attack. All the air is taken through AFUs - air filtration units and there are no mushroom heads on the top deck. Three numbers citadels have been provided which are user friendly and easier to maintain. Decontamination facilities have been provided on board.

Women Naval Officers

Project 17 Frigates have been provided with accommodation for women naval officers serving on board. Their cabin has attached bathroom, bigger wardrobe space and located near the captains suite.

Conclusion

Shivalik has come out as a potent warship, as good if not better than any other advanced modern naval frigate in the world. The Indian Navy has thus displayed their capability in design and building of a new generation stealth frigate with futuristic technologies. These include integrated stealth, lethal payload with advanced CAIO, modern fuel efficient CODOG propulsion with state of the art IPMS, ATM based integrated ship borne data network - AISDN, third generation CCS and IVCS, total atmospheric control TACS.

The lines of the ship and form parameters have been so optimally evolved for most superior hydrodynamic, sea keeping, manoeuvrability and handling performance demonstrated successfully at sea during trials. Shivalik has turned out to be an ideal, versatile and stable naval platform with minimal ship motions and minimal vibrations for naval warfare. CODOG propulsion plant offers simplicity and reliability in operations with higher endurance ranges and as most economical in fuel consumption. The above state of the art and futuristic technologies have been the pride of very few select nations like USA, UK, France, Germany, Netherlands and Italy.

India is now a proud member of this exclusive club with cutting edge warship technology. It needs to be emphasised that the Project 17 stealth frigate design is totally indigenous evolved ab-initio by the Indian Navy. Some reports in the media mention, Shivalik design having been derived from a foreign acquired ship. These are incorrect reports. Instead some of the features of Project 17 had been incorporated in the acquired ships during negotiations. The success of Shivalik indigenous design can be attributed to various factors like continuity of the key officers directing the design, Government sanction for completing the design before the sanction for building the ships, democratic and transparent manner of working amongst design, staff and professional directorates, liberal communications and involvement with industry.

Also Read “The P-17 frigates, heralds a paradigm shift in the design” R/Adm KN Vaidyanathan, DGND

The follow-on ships of Project 17A will see refinements in design based on experience gained and lessons learnt in Project 17, design. Future ship design and construction will be influenced by advances in both manufacturing techniques and technologies, along with improvements in the ship design environment, resulting from greater use of computer base data bases and graphic tools. The next generation digital shipbuilding will simulate and optimise the entire shipbuilding life cycle process in a virtual environment from the initial development to delivery. This will increase productivity, reduce costs, improve quality in warship building.

Vice Admiral Rajeshwer Nath
 
“The P-17 frigates, heralds a paradigm shift in the design”
By Bharat Verma
Issue: Vol 25.2 Apr-Jun 2010

Interview with Rear Admiral KN Vaidyanathan, Director General Naval Design

Shivalik, the first Ship of the P-17 Class, appears different from earlier designs of IN ships. What are the major new design features of this class of ships? Please elaborate on stealth features in particular and how were they achieved during design and construction and during acquisition of equipment from the industry?

Shivalik, the first of class of the P-17 frigates, heralds a paradigm shift in the design of future surface combatants for the Indian navy. While the sleek and stealthy appearance of Shivalik, sets her as a class apart from earlier indigenous designs, the ship embodies several new design features to give her much improved operational capabilities. “Stealth” has been a major thrust area from the early stages of the design. Apart from this, the design embodies several new concepts for improved survivability, seakeeping, ship handling and on-board habitability. The watertight subdivision of the hull meets the most stringent damaged stability requirements and the distributed power supply systems using Energy Distribution Centres (EDCs) has allowed zoning in the Power Generation & Distribution (PGD). The incorporation of the TACS (Total Atmosphere Control System) for the ship’s air conditioning and ventilation system, which features considerably reduced number of external air induction/exhaust terminals, gives her a very user friendly citadel which is easy to operate and maintain. This gives the additional benefit of uncluttered exteriors of the ship which has significantly reduced the Radar pic-2Cross section (RCS) of Shivalik. The hull form with carefully crafted hull sections and load water plane, gives the vessel excellent sea keeping qualities together with very good propulsion performance as a result of low shaft rake and very low appendages resistance. The relatively large rudders give the ship excellent manoeuvring performance as has been borne out by the ship trials. Use of modular accommodation has considerably improved on board habitability. The design of Shivalik evolved with considerable focus on reducing the ship signatures. Primary focus was on reducing the RCS, Infrared signatures and the Radiated underwater noise of the ship.

RCS: The hull form features flared main hull and sloped full beam superstructure to considerably reduce specular reflections. Special care was taken to avoid dihedral and trihedral corners which cause multiple radar scattering. The boat deck has been concealed behind radar suppression screens. The Gun turret in the foxle has a stealth canopy and the flush deck Vertical Launch Missile (VLMs) for the Surface to Surface Missiles (SSMs) have been conducive to reduced RCS. The helo hangar has sloped shutters and flush deck rails for helo traversing gear. The hull form and superstructure was evolved iteratively by extensive 3D CAD modelling and continuous RCS signature evaluation using specialist signature evaluation software.

IR Signature Reduction: The infrared signature reduction is achieved by using Eductor Diffuser IR suppression devices for the Gas turbine and the diesel engines. Besides exhaust gas cooling, hot metal cooling is achieved to afford good look-down protection from hostile IR sensors. The engine room ventilation with sea water coolers and acoustic enclosures for DAs help to reduce hull contrast temperatures.

shivalik-2

Radiated noise: Acoustic studies were undertaken from early design stages by modelling the structure and airborne noise characteristics of machinery equipment to predict the underwater radiated noise. The results of these studies helped drive a balanced approach to noise reduction guiding the selection of machinery configuration and mounting arrangements with specifications for the structure borne vibrations and air borne noise which were included in the procurement orders of the equipment. Acoustic signatures were verified during factory acceptance trials, before clearing the noise critical machinery for installation onboard ship. The sea water suctions are arranged from carefully designed sea chests, to avoid radiation of fluid borne noises due to pump impulses.
Also Read IDR Interview: Admiral Nirmal Verma, Chief of the Naval Staff

Procuring machinery and equipment meeting the stringent vibration and airborne noise specifications was quite a challenge. However, I must say, the Indian industry has come some way to meet the requirements, but there is much road ahead to cover.

What are the major new systems in the Shivalik class? What are the new features in terms of the layouts on the ship?

Shivalik is the first IN ship to have a Combined Diesel or Gas Turbine (CODOG) propulsion plant. This propulsion configuration combines the compact high power/speed benefits of the gas turbines with the long endurance advantage of the diesel propulsion. The twin shaft arrangement features relatively large, slow running propellers which, while driving the ship efficiently at the top speed, also have high cavitation inception speeds compared with earlier designs. This feature of the propeller compliments the low noise features of the machinery to provide silent speed regimes of operation up to cruise speeds. The Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS) features multifunction displays with distributed Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) riding on a dual redundant Gigabit Ethernet data bus to monitor and control the ship’s propulsion and auxiliary systems including the Battle Damage Control System (BDCS). The Automated Power Management System (APMS) manages the generation and distribution of electric power in the ship. The ship has an ATM based Integrated Ship Data Network (AISDN) which serves as the backbone on which the external and internal communication systems, data communication between weapons and indigenous sensors and navigation data distribution are supported. The Integrated Versatile Console System (IVCS) replaces the earlier plug in systems providing multifunction display with touch screens for displaying all navigation data and status of weapons and sensors. The IVCS also supports the internal communication of the ship. The Combat management system, with fleet functionality, is a sophisticated development with considerable participation of the navy which will effectively co-ordinate the functions of the several weapons and sensors not only on board the ship but also those of other ships in company. The P17 packs all the punch of a destroyer in her design.

The layout features wide alleyways and uncluttered upper decks. A centre line passage between the two helicopter hangars provides a clear lobby between the helo deck and the inside of the ship. The flush deck rails of the helo traversing system, besides being conducive to lower RCS, gives the ship much improved operational flexibility for the helicopter. The large bridge with generously provided bridge wings is ergonomically designed. The large windows of the bridge give very good all round visibility and the diverse equipment on the bridge are neatly packed into consoles for good aesthetics.

How has Shivalik performed in the sea trials? What are the highlights of the signature reductions realised on Shivalik?

Shivalik has undergone extensive sea trials for proving her machinery and ship handling. The sea trials have been very satisfactory and the ship handling has been seen to be very good. The ship sails rock steady even at her top speed. The hull is vibration free and the machinery reasonably quiet.
Also Read The truth about Defexpo straight from Bharat Verma

How does the design of Shivalik compare with other designs of her class? With the experience of Shivalik, what would be the direction for the design of the follow on class P-17A?

Shivalik design embodies many firsts in IN ships. The CODOG propulsion plant, the Ship Data network (AISDN), the new Total Atmosphere Control System (TACS) for the ship’s air-conditioning and ventilation, IMCS, APMS, the distributed PGD system using EDCs, the IVCS, etc., set her quite apart from earlier designs in terms of design concepts, automation and operational advantages. The ship compares very well with contemporary world designs in terms of capabilities packed into a class of ship of her size. The design and construction of Shivalik have produced a wealth of experience on which to further improve the P17A design. P17A will be more stealthy with covered mooring deck and flush deck mounted (VLM) weapon systems. The number of antennae on the ship will be reduced by use of a multifunction radar. The design will also explore better options for roll stabilization of the platform. In order to help cut down build periods and improve productivity, it is planned to go in for modular integrated construction for P17A. The design, project management and life cycle will be supported by a more comprehensive CAD/PLM.

shivalik-1

How have the other new design projects benefited from the design experience of Shivalik?

Continuous design engagements of the Design organization is vital for the enhancement of design skills and nurturing of design capabilities. After the design of the P-15 class, there was some lull period when no new ship projects were sanctioned. However with the commencement of P 17 in the mid nineties, there was a resurrection of the design capabilities of DGND and the somewhat dormant skill sets got rejuvenated. P 17 is truly a watershed in the design history of the navy in terms of adopting new design concepts and new strategy for the design projects. This has set a definite course for managing and progressing the designs of P15 A destroyers, P 28 corvettes and P 71 Indigenous Aircraft carrier.

What are the challenges faced by the Navy for the new design projects? Is the Navy able to attract quality manpower for specialized tasks like warship design? To what extent, the now available IT tools, have changed the paradigm of design processes?

There are several new challenges faced by the Navy for the new design projects. To meet the genuine new aspirations of the naval staff in terms of required platform capabilities, there is considerable pressure on new indigenous equipment suppliers to meet the more stringent noise and vibration specifications given by the designers. It is a challenging task for the project managers to drive the indigenous suppliers to meet specified standards. It is a recognized fact the world over, that any warship design is an evolutionary process, particularly in an environment of developing industry such as ours. Given this fact, it is very challenging to meet the cost and time budgets for equipment development which in turn impact the ship construction programme. The task of balancing the conflicting requirements of incorporating the latest available technologies whilst freezing specification at a finite time, poses special challenges in a country like ours. This is so as we are still maturing on many technology areas and would yet like to maintain high indigenous content. Manpower for the specialist tasks of design is another challenge faced by the Navy. However even today, the Navy is the only repository of the large pool of skilled and experienced warship designers. Naval officers, going through the grill of elaborate training in the Navy with wide job profiles relevant to preparing them as designers, still continue to be the most promising feeder source for the naval design organization. With available IT tools, there has been a paradigm shift in design processes. The availability of a suite of initial design software allows a wider exploration for optimizing design. This has consequently made the process more officer-centric. The wide area network (WAN) connectivity with the shipyards has facilitated easier and faster exchange of design drawings,data and documents with the shipyard. The availability of CAD modelling software with good integration of a Product Data Manager (PDM) will provide a robust platform for optimizing design layouts and maintaining good configuration control in design. The PDM will help capture all relevant data and linked information arranged in an organized product structure. In the near future, the available IT design tools will help progressing designs in a multi-user environment through enterprise wide efforts with collaboration of platform designers, shipbuilders, equipment suppliers and system developers.

Also Read Defence Purchases: time India asserts itself

What is the Navy expecting from the Indian Industry for the future naval platforms?

The Navy, with several new ship projects on the anvil, is looking for considerable support from the Indian industry to successfully realize the naval ship projects. The industry is urged to invest efforts to develop naval equipment meeting the stringent standards, particularly for noise and vibration, as these are crucial to meeting the performance requirements of the ship. Modularity of systems, with standard well-defined minimum interfaces with the ship will be the thrust for the future. This will help the ship design and construction to proceed on the basis of the agreed interfaces while the equipment supplier can concurrently develop equipment within the confines of the module. Such an approach will also, to a large extent, accommodate evolutionary designs of state of the art equipment to meet the rising aspirations of the naval staff. Further, given the complexity, magnitude and resource intensive nature of development of new naval systems, a navy-industry relationship founded more on partnership than mere customer-supplier relationship would be required. This will give confidence to both parties for sharing the risks of development as well share the benefits of new technology with reduced costs.

Bharat Verma, Editor Indian Defence Review and author of the book Fault Lines and Indian Armed Forces.
 
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