'Kalvari' Submarine Set Afloat
In a process extending over three days, Kalvari, the first of India's Scorpene class submarines, was set afloat in the Naval Dockyard (Mumbai) and was brought back to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.
To Undergo Rigorous Harbour Trials
Unlike ships, where equipment installation takes a long time after launching, submarines are completely fitted out at the time of floating out. The boat is therefore now slated to undergo rigorous harbour trials and tests which would certify each system to its fullest capacity. Kalvari is slated to commence trials at sea in a few months.
Packs a Potent Punch
Scorpene submarines are 67 meters long, 6.2 meters wide, and have 1,550 tones displacement. The Scorpene submarines would pack a potent punch, says the Indian Navy. The Kalvari is the first of six submarines in the class being built by MDL in an extremely delayed project.
MDL officials say they will deliver one submarine every nine months from here and expect to complete the order by 2020. The indigenously built asset will be commissioned into the Indian Navy late next year. Even though it is powered by diesel, the 67-meter long submarine having 6.2 metre diameter has been designed to minimize noise and act with stealth in war theaters.
Technology
A technology, called air independent propulsion system, will ensure that it stays underwater longer. It it will be carrying anti-ship missiles and torpedoes on board.
The submarines are being built under a technology transfer from French company DCNS in the deal which some reports pegged at $3 billion.
Can undertake Multifarious Types of Missions
According to the MoD release, Kalvari can undertake multifarious types of missions, typically undertaken by any modern submarine i.e anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, operations by special forces and mine laying etc.
State-of-Art Features
State-of-art features of the Scorpene include superior stealth and the ability to launch a crippling attack on the enemy using precision guided weapons. An attack can be launched with torpedoes, as well as tube launched anti-ship missiles, while underwater or on surface. The stealth features give it invulnerability, unmatched by many submarines, says MoD.