chola wrote:mody wrote:We have already had two Strategic Partnership (SP) projects for submarines, U209-1500 and Scorpene. We have the complete design for both. We have also carried out a painfully slow but supposedly complete overhaul of a Kilo class submarine as well. We are also building Arihant class submarines.
Don't know what were going to learn through another SP project?
It is time we take the plunge and try to build our own SSK, based on the Scorpene and U-209-1500 designs.
South Korea also did a ToT deal for the U-209 design and now build their own subs based on the same. We have done two such projects and yet are incapable of building a sub on our own?
yensoy wrote:Looks like all the engineers and officers capable of imagination, engineering, reverse engineering and design have been working on the SSBNs.
Mody ji, there is really nothing new to learn except for maybe AIP and we already have an indigenous program for that.
The definition of insane is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Maybe we simply don't have the personnel required to handle both so if that is the case then I would concentrate on SSNs.
Time to just junk the SSK idea for an all-nuclear sub fleet.
I would prefer a modified stretched version of the U209-Scorpene Hybrid for P75I. Below would be my wish list for the subs:
1st batch of 6 Subs. 4 To be Built at MDL, 2 at L&T.
1). Hull design to be a hybrid U209-Scorpene based design. Maybe HDW can be hired as consultants or if the navy doesn't want to design their own hull, then go with a Modified stretched U214 design.
Made using Midhani sourced special grade steel. Manufacturing Technic already available in house from the Scorpene project.
2). Sonar to be German or USHUS-NG. If we opt for German sonar, it should offer better performance than the USHUS-NG.
3). Torpedo tubes to be 24ft, to be able to accommodate the Varunastra torpedo. L&T has already developed a torpedo launch module for subs.
4). 8 cell VLS to accommodate Brahmos-NG or Nirbhay missiles. Both can also be fired from torpedo tubes.
5). The combat management system etc. to be German. Should be able to interface with our Torpedo and missiles.
6). AIP to be DRDO developed, if found to be mature and the performance OK or go with Fuel Cells.
7). Active Towed array sonar, DRDO-NPO developed ALTAS, if ready and mature, or opt for the German Atlas Elektronik.
8]. Main engine and machinery German.
9). Batteries, Indian as used with the Kilo class or Japanese Lithium ion based batteries or German batteries as used with their latest U -boats.
Second Batch of 6 subs. 3 at MDL, 3 L&T
1). Hull design derived from 1st batch of 6 subs, plus Scorpene and Nuclear sub experience. No design consultancy required. Totally indigenous design. Made using Midhani sourced special grade steel.
2). Sonar USHUS-NG-MK2. Performance to be comparable to the German and French sonars, used in the 1st batch of 6 P75I subs and scorpene respectively.
3). Torpedo tubes to be 24ft, to be able to accommodate the Varunastra torpedo.
4). 8 cell VLS to accommodate Brahmos-NG or Nirbhay missiles. Both can also be fired from torpedo tubes.
5). The combat management system etc. to be German, as used in P75I or if we can develop our our indigenous suite. Should be able to interface with our sonar and weapons.
6). AIP to be DRDO developed.
7). Active Towed array sonar, DRDO-NPO developed ALTAS, if ready and mature, or opt for the German Atlas or any other option.
8]. Main engine and machinery German.
9). Batteries, Indian, developed as per experience gained from Scorpene and P75I projects or Japanese Lithium ion based batteries.