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This is an archive article published on February 18, 2006
N-submarine project finally moves ahead
With some progress finally made on the compact reactors that will ultimately power the country8217;s indigenous nuclear submarines, the adv...
Written by SHIV AROOR
Vizag/new Delhi | February 18, 2006 12:00 AM IST
2 min read
2 min read
With some progress finally made on the compact reactors that will ultimately power the country8217;s indigenous nuclear submarines, the advanced technology vessel ATV project facility at Visakhapatnam is being expanded for crucial tests scheduled for later this year.
Speaking off the record, a government source in Visakhapatnam told The Indian Express, 8216;8216;Efforts to miniaturise the pressurised heavy water reactors that will power the submarines have made some progress, though lot of work is left. The nuclear establishment has conveyed to us that some preliminary tests could be carried out shortly.8217;8217; He only indicated specific movement on the ATV8217;s dynamometer and drive turbine this year.
Unlike the highly concealed nature of the project itself, it is no secret that Russia is a key partner. However, after functioning under a somewhat unofficial advisory role, sources said Moscow has proposed the possibility of signing an advanced systems pact.
The Navy is keen to lease two Russian Akula-class nuclear submarines in the interim both as an operational platform and as a testing ground for certain indigenous technologies developed under the ATV project. South Block sources said the effort had 8216;8216;slowed down, but not died out8217;8217;. It is coincidence that President A P J Abdul Kalam at the Fleet Review said it was time for the country to build long range submarines, but sources indicated work was expedited in last 10 months .
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