Indian Navy to unveil two new warships

(Copyright AFP. Any unauthorised reproduction is prohibited.)

Chennai: The Indian Navy will commission two warships, INS Carnicobar and INS Chetlat here today.

These would be the first two in a series of ten water jet fast attack ships being built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata. Tamil Nadu Governor Surjit Singh Barnala will commission the ships at Chennai.

E xclusive: Air power to fight guerrilla war

They will also be the first ever water jet propelled ships of the Indian Navy.

These fast attack crafts are named after pristine islands located in the Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep respectively and will be based at Chennai thereby strengthening coastal security of the region.

They are most suited for interception of fast moving surface crafts apart from performing anti smuggling, fisheries protection, as well as search and rescue operations where time is of paramount importance.

The Fast Attack Crafts have the ability to achieve speeds in excess of 35 knots.
The Water Jets of these ships are coupled with latest generation MTU 16V 4000 M90 engines with a combined propulsion power of 8160KW.

Aero-India 2009: Beyond the Camel Corps

The modified aluminium superstructure of the vessels reduces their Radar Cross Sections (RCS) and also provides improved habitability.

A Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants allows fresh water generation increasing vessel endurance while the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) complies with the latest international Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations on sea pollution.

Special: Aero India Show 2009

The armament includes the 30mm CRN-91 Gun along with sensors manufactured by ordnance factory of Medak.

The ships are also equipped with IGLA missiles, SLRs, HMGs and LMG/MMG in their armament fit.