INS Arighat (S74)

History

Today, nuclear weapons are the ultimate deterrent to any single world power, so many leasehold nations have developed local programs to ensure their own security and promote national interests and patriotism. India proved this when it completed its first successful atomic bomb test in May 1974.

Since then, the country has embraced the concept of a "nuclear triad" - nuclear delivery via aircraft, land-based ballistic missile launchers and submarines.

While the aerial part is done by the Mirage 2000 fighter-bomber and the ground-based part by the Agni system, the new Arihant class submarines are specifically designed to form the end of the triangle. The group includes lead vessel INS Arihant (S73) and sister INS Arighat (S74) as well as two as yet unnamed vessels (2018).

Launched in 2009, Arihant entered service in 2016 and completed her first patrol in 2018. 2018. At this time (2018) she is renovating.

INS Arighat was originally called INS Aridhaman.

The class will be built to two recognized standards: "Fleet I", which includes only the lead ship INS Arihant, and a modified "Fleet II", which includes INS Arighat and two sister ships. The latter pair will be built from 2018.

The main differences between the two fleets are additional missile units, more powerful nuclear engines and slightly different structural dimensions.

As a nuclear power type, this class enjoys the power output and longevity of a pressurized water nuclear reactor as its primary power source, ensuring its various systems operate at peak efficiency and keeping the vessel as quiet as possible. The reactor is connected to a single multi-blade propeller unit located at the rear of the fuselage.

Top speeds on the water can reach 15 knots, while underwater travel can reach 24 knots (these figures are slightly slower than leading Western designs). Due to the inherent properties of a nuclear-powered propulsion system, the ship can remain at sea indefinitely, limited only by crew fatigue and the food supply on board. The hull has an estimated test depth of 980 to 1,300 feet. Dimensions include a barrel length of approximately 370 feet, a beam of 49 feet and a draft of up to 33 feet.

Staff There are about 95 employees.

The heart of the newer Arighat is the ballistic missile launcher, consisting of a vertical launch unit buried in the upper middle of the fuselage. It is located aft of the sail and consists of up to 24 x K15 Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBM), which can be replaced with 8 x K-4 SLBMs if desired.

In addition, the submarine features a traditional 6 x 21 inch (533 mm) torpedo tube layout at the bow, giving the ship a variety of attack capabilities.

Structurally, the Arighat has a conventional submarine-like design: the bow is rounded to allow full depth of the cut, the conning tower is located in front of the midship, and a diving aircraft is also fitted (some submarines are equipped with a forward fuselage). The fuselage roofline is flat to better accommodate vertically-launched missile pods, but the sides and ventline of the fuselage are rounded for hydrodynamic reasons.

The tail assembly is a traditional cross, with the propeller assembly extending a short distance back.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

POWER

PERFORMANCE

ARMAMENT

AIR WING