Indigenously built INS Astradharani commissioned into Indian Navy
INS Astradharani was commissioned into Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
It is Indian Navy’s first totally indigenously-designed and built Torpedo launch and recovery vessel (TRV). It is advanced replacement for INS Astravahini which was decommissioned from India Navy in July, 2015.
Key features of INS Astradharani
- The unique design has been formulate by a collaborative effort of Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), IIT Kharagpur and Shoft Shipyard.
- It is 50-metre twin-hulled warship with maximum speed of 15 knots (28 km/h).
- Fitted with Catamaran Hull configuration design i.e. consisting of two parallel hulls (twin hulled) which significantly reduces its power requirement.
- It will function and operate under the Eastern Fleet of Indian Navy. The ship has a complement of 2 officers, 27 sailors and can carry 13 scientists.
- It will carry out the technical trials of underwater weapons and systems like torpedoes and mines.
The induction of INS Astradharani adds thrust to the India’s ongoing endeavours towards indigenisation under Make in India campaign. It also has helped to meet country’s goal of self-reliance in underwater weapons development.
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Month: Current Affairs - October, 2015