Fuel Cell-Based AIP to Be Fitted to INS Kalvari

The ‘fuel cell-based Air Independent Propulsion system (AIP) of DRDO’s Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) will soon be fitted onboard INS Kalvari. An agreement has been signed between senior officials of NMRL and Naval Group France in Mumbai, Naval Group writes in a press release. The objective is to enter into the detailed design phase for the integration of an indigenous AIP for the Kalvari class submarines. As part of the agreement, Naval Group France is to certify the AIP design for integration with the submarines.

The AIP is expected to enhanced the submarine’s submerged endurance by several folds. According to the company It has merits in performance compared to other technologies and is unique as the hydrogen is generated onboard. This technology has been developed by NMRL with the support of Indian industry partners. The technology has now reached the stage of maturity for industrialisation, Naval Group emphasises. The land-based prototype of the NMRL’s AIP has been tested successfully.

JH