Last scorpene-class submarine ready for trial run
The last scorpene-class submarine, Vagsheer, is all set for trial run starting from April 20, said the manufacturers Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. The defence public sector undertaking was entrusted with the manufacturing of six submarines under the Project75 programme. Under which, the first two submarines – INS Kalvari and INS Khanderi – were commissioned into the Indian Navy on September 21, 2017 and September 19, 2019 respectively. Furthermore, despite facing challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020-21, it delivered INS Karanj and INS Vela in February
and November last year respectively, said the manufacturers.
The sixth one, Vagsheer, is 67.5 metres in length, 12.3 metres in height and is a diesel-electric submarine. On the surface of the water,
this moves at a speed of about 20 kmph, while the speed of this silent killer underwater is about 37 kmph. The important aspect if this submarine is that it can locates an enemy by going to a depth of 350 feet and most importantly, in times of ambush, this machine can silently remain in sea for about 50 days.
According to the manufacturer, on April 20, 2022, this submarine will be induced into water and thereafter the trial run will continue for one year. Only after successful trials done, it will be inducted into the Indian Navy.
Interestingly, Vagsheer is equipped with six torpedo tubes of 533 mm. During any major operation, it can carry 18 torpedoes or SM39 anti-ship missiles with it. This submarine also has the ability to lay mines in the sea to destroy the enemy.
Furthermore, equipped with modern navigation and tracking systems, submarine Vagsheer is fully capable of operating in any weather condition.
In this submarine nearly 44 sailors can be deployed at a time. For resting of soldiers and officers, small compartments have also been made, including the kitchen, cafeteria along with toilet facilities.
Besides, to promote Make in India initiative of the Indian government, a lot of indigenously build components have been fitted into it that includes main batteries, gas analysers, intercoms, AC plants and, RO plants.