AIP Modules

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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.

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