FCC

L&T, DRDO ink deal for Scorpene submarines' AIP modules

2023-06-27

It was announced by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) that a contract had been signed with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the realisation of two Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) System Modules. The modules were intended for the Kalvari Class submarines of the Indian Navy. The company stated that the AIP modules played a crucial role in extending the endurance of conventional submarines, and this technology was limited to only a few countries.

According to the company's statement, these modules were the central components of the fuel cell-based AIP System, which had been developed by the Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) of the DRDO in collaboration with L&T, their prime industry partner. This partnership had been ongoing for more than a decade. The Energy Modules (EMs), which were responsible for producing the necessary power, consisted of fuel cells and on-board hydrogen generation. L&T mentioned that the manufacturing, integration, and factory acceptance trials of the EMs would take place in their AM Naik Heavy Engineering Complex located in Surat. Subsequently, the EMs would be provided for integration into the AIP Plug, which would be retrofitted into the submarine.

Furthermore, it was highlighted that the indigenous AIP system's technology was unique in that it generated hydrogen as needed, eliminating the requirement to carry hydrogen onboard. This was a significant safety concern for submarines. The company also emphasised that this technology was environmentally friendly since the by-product of the reaction was non-polluting water, which could be safely released into the oceans.

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