IAS Gyan

Daily News Analysis

AIP Modules

24th June, 2023 Defence

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Context:  Larsen and Toubro (L&T) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have signed a deal to manufacture two Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) modules for the Indian Navy's Kalvari class submarines.

About the AIP module deal

  • The AIP module has been designed by the Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL), a DRDO lab.
  • NMRL will transfer the technology to manufacture these AIP modules to L&T.
  • It will be manufactured by the Larsen and Toubro (L&T) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

AIP module

  • Air-independent propulsion (AIP), or air-independent power, is any marine propulsion technology.
  • It allows a non-nuclear submarine to operate without access to atmospheric oxygen (by surfacing or using a snorkel).
  • AIP can augment or replace the diesel-electric propulsion system of non-nuclear vessels.
  • AIP is usually implemented as an auxiliary source, with the traditional diesel engine handling surface propulsion.
  • Most such systems generate electricity, which in turn drives an electric motor for propulsion or recharges the boat's batteries.

About Kalvari class submarines

  • The Kalvari class is a class of diesel-electric attack submarines.
  • They are the Scorpène-class submarine being built for the Indian Navy.
  • The class and submarines take their names from the first submarines inducted into the Indian Navy.
  • The submarines are designed by the French naval defence and energy company DCNS and are being manufactured by Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai.
  • The Kalvari class is capable of offensive operations across the entire spectrum of naval warfare including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying and area surveillance.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Consider the following statements about “Kalvari class submarines”

  1. The Kalvari class is a class of diesel-electric attack submarines.
  2. The submarines are designed by French naval defence and energy company DCNS and are being manufactured by GRSE, Kolkata.

Which of the above  statements are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both are correct
  4. None are correct

Ans: 1

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