Visakhapatnam: INS Astradharini commissioned into Indian Navy
Visakhapatnam, Oct 06: The Indian Navy on Tuesday commissioned a home-grown torpedo launch and recovery vessel, christened INS Astradharini. It is an advanced replacement for Astravahini which was decommissioned this year.
The vessel is a collaborative effort by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Shoft Shipyard and IIT Kharagpur.
The Indian Navy termed the commissioning of INS Astradharini as ‘powerful punch' to DRDO's capabilities, set to accelerate the development of underwater weapons and systems.
INS Astradharini will be used to carry out the technical trials of underwater weapons and systems developed by NSTL, a naval systems laboratory of DRDO.
Navy says the unique hull form of the vessel demonstrates the country's ship design and shipbuilding capabilities.
"It is a matter of pride that 95 per cent of the ship's systems are of indigenous design. It also demonstrates Navy's continued adherence to the ‘Make in India' philosophy," says Navy.
Vice Admiral Satish Soni, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command said the induction of INS Ashtradharini adds thrust to nation's goal of self-reliance in developing under water weapons.
Unique features of the vessel
*
It
has
a
unique
design
of
a
catamaran
hull
form
that
significantly
reduces
its
power
requirement.
*
The
vessel
is
built
using
indigenous
steel.
*
It
has
a
length
of
50
m
and
is
capable
to
do
speeds
up
to
15
Knots.
*
Can
operate
at
high
sea
states
and
has
a
large
deck
area.
*
Deck
area
carries
torpedo
launchers
for
deploying
and
recovering
various
kinds
of
torpedoes
during
trials.
*
Carries
a
state-of-the-art
power
generation
and
distribution,
navigation
and
communication
systems.
*
It
has
a
complement
of
two
officers
and
27
sailors.
*
Can
accommodate
13
scientists
and
can
undertake
multiple
trials
during
a
single
sortie.
OneIndia News