Q. Which of the following is / are correct statement(s) about the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) used in operation of submarines?

1. It reduces the frequent need of surfacing for oxygen, thus enabling them to remain underwater for longer time
2. In DRDO's phosphoric acid fuel cell based Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, there is no need to store hydrogen on-board the submarines

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Answer: Both 1 & 2
Notes: Air independent propulsion (AIP) allows diesel-electric submarines to operate underwater for up to two weeks without surfacing for oxygen, compared to conventional submarines that surface every 48 hours. Fuel cell-based AIPs generate power through a chemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen, necessitating onboard hydrogen storage. However, DRDO's phosphoric acid fuel cell AIP technology eliminates the need for hydrogen storage on submarines.

This question is part of UPSC Daily 20 MCQ Series Course on GKToday Android app.