We are more likely to see a RAM coated SLCM/LR-LACM variant like the US Maritime Strike Tomahawk than a VLO CM from DRDO/HAL. The pvt sector may have some surprises in store though.
Project-76 Indigenous Diesel-electric Submarine (SSK) Program
- Thread starter Ashwin
- Start date
We are more likely to see a RAM coated SLCM/LR-LACM variant like the US Maritime Strike Tomahawk than a VLO CM from DRDO/HAL. The pvt sector may have some surprises in store though.
Non magnetic hull is that much nich technology? Does any of our sub have this tech?
We do produce non-magnetic steel, but it has not been certified for submarine hulls. And using non-magnetic steel for submarines has its own trade-off. Non-magnetic steel is relatively softer and has lower tensile strength, which reduces the maximum submarine size to < 2000 tonnes (for reference, Type 212A displaces around 1800 tonnes) without weight penalty and also reduces the maximum diving depth. I don't think IN is drawn towards it. Navies usually periodically demagnetise their hull steel which reduces magnetic signature.
Last edited:
No reason to believe they already don't exist.
Though at some point they'll feel the need of a VLO cruise missile that can be carried flush under AMCA wings. Though such an undertaking will have to come from ADE/RCI.
This is also relevant for SLCM purposes as it requires highest possible Kp, as you already have a limited magazine depth and it takes a while for a sub to replenish its armaments and return to station
Got the answer from AI.
Now realized that it's better to build a 200MWth reactor for 10,000 tonnes SS(G)N, 35MWe will provide enough power to even move a 10,000 submarine like crazy.
From AI(Indus):
"
Now the key point: reactor cost does NOT come down in proportion to power.
This is the most important thing to understand, and it's why small reactors are actually a bad deal per unit of power.
Nuclear capital costs scale with a power-law "six-tenths rule" — cost is roughly proportional to capacity raised to the power ~0.6, not 1.0 .
The practical consequence: a 200 MW reactor costs only about 40% of a 1,000 MW reactor, even though it makes just 20% of the power — i.e. roughly double the cost per megawatt.
The reason is that a large share of reactor cost is fixed and doesn't shrink with output: the pressure vessel, shielding, primary coolant loop, instrumentation and control, the nuclear-qualified workforce, and the enormous testing/qualification and regulatory overhead. This "diseconomy of scale" is well documented for small modular reactors.
"
The exact formula is closely guarded by the oem for obvious reasons. You will not find any open source info on it. In fact, 212CD also uses composites in its outer hull afaik so it is not of an all-steel construction either.
The IN is reportedly already considering the Scalp naval w/800km range for Scorpene Batch 2. The least DRDO can do is to add a nose chine to the existing SLCM/LR-LACM ( a la Tomahawk Block 4) to reduce head on rcs, imo.
Designing a proper VLO version (like the Japanese Type 12) of LR-LACM could take some time.
We've already tested the SLCM; there's no way we'll request a new missile at exorbitant prices.
There is a RfP out currently for sub launched LACM.
Russia is dangling Kalibr-PL to push 3 used Kilo hulls down our throats. France is offering Scalp Naval which I'd say has a better chance since the IN existing Kilo boats wouldn't be compatible and they are on their last legs anyway.
Iirc, Shishir Gupta put out a report about it recently.
If Scalp does get acquired, it could be easily retrofitted to in service Kalvari boats in due course.
If Scalp does get acquired, it could be easily retrofitted to in service Kalvari boats in due course.
I looked into it. Its a RFI, that doesnt mean anything without AoN. They are probably assessing the market.
If we order Scorpene Batch 2 today its 6-7 years away. You dont order missiles for it today.
If we can integrate Klub-S 3M-54E(supersonic terminal dash) with our kalvari them it will be great.
We are MTCR member so we can get longer range.
Cost may be high, but then we don't need to only use them, we can use Klub-S and DRDO's SLCM in mix.
Buying even 50 of those will suffice our need.
We are MTCR member so we can get longer range.
Cost may be high, but then we don't need to only use them, we can use Klub-S and DRDO's SLCM in mix.
Buying even 50 of those will suffice our need.
Mix and match is not possible between Russian and Western naval weapons as they require combat system integration. Or we wouldn't have had Exocet, Harpoon and Klub-S on 3 lines of SSKs.