Underwater vehicle tested by Naval Science and Technological Laboratory

Visakhapatnam: The Vizag-based Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) has successfully completed all trials of the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV).

“The AUV’s basic design is ready with us after undertaking many  user evaluation trials and tests. Now we have asked the Indian Navy to give us its Quality Requirements (QR) so that we can develop the vehicle according to the specific requirements of the Navy. Once we get the QR we will start working on the customised design,” NSTL director CD Malleshwar said.

The AUV is critical for underwater mine sweeping, mine laying and also to gather intelligence and surveillance of enemy vessels. The one developed by NSTL's scientists can perform tasks at a depth of around 300 to 500 m under the sea, relatively noiselessly and without being detected by enemy vessels.

It weighs around 1.7 tonnes and can carry around 500 kg of pay load. NSTL also has plans to develop the advanced version of these UAVs in a larger size and 10 to 12  tonnes in weight. According to NSTL sources, the current one is 4 m in length and 1.4 m in width and can move at a speed of about 7 km per hour.

"The AUVs will enhance the underwater surveying capabilities of the Indian Navy. These vehicles can detect enemy ships and submarines," said an Indian Navy official.

NSTL, which has added facilities, such as sea keeping and a maneuvering basin, also worked on enhancing sea keeping capabilities of ships, like reducing various signatures released by the naval ships to prevent them from being detected by enemies while moving. NSTL scientists have also developed systems that can reduce the noise made by the propellers for stealth operations.

Hearing aid developed

 The cochlear implant, developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), has completed lab trials and is undergoing  field trials.

The indigenously developed hearing aid, which can be used by people of all ages, will be five times cheaper than those available in the open market, said NSTL director C.D. Malleshwar. A quality imported cochlear implant costs around '6 to Rs 7 lakhs.

Besides the scientists of NSTL, a few other DRDO labs are also involved in developing the low-cost implant, he added.