Kamorta-class corvette

INS Kamorta during sea trials
Class overview
Name: Kamorta class
Builders: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers
Operators:  Indian Navy
Preceded by:
Succeeded by: Project 28A (guided missile corvettes)(planned)[1]
Cost: ₹78 billion (US$1 billion)[2]
Building: 2
Planned: 4[2]
Completed: 2[3]
Active: 2
General characteristics
Type: Anti-submarine warfare corvette
Displacement: 3,500 tonnes (3,400 long tons; 3,900 short tons) full load[4]
Length: 109 m (358 ft)[4]
Beam: 13.7 m (45 ft)[4]
Installed power:
  • 4 × Pielstick 12 PA6 STC Diesel engines
  • 20,384 hp (15,200 kW)[5]
Propulsion: CODAD, DCNS raft mounted gearbox
Speed: 31.8 kn (58.9 km/h; 36.6 mph)[5]
Range: 3,450 nautical miles (6,000 km) at 25 kn (46 km/h)[6]
Endurance: 3,995 nautical miles (7,399 km; 4,597 mi)[5]
Complement: 193 (13 officers)[6]
Sensors and
processing systems:
  • 1 × HUMSA-NG bow-mounted sonar[6]
  • 1 × Central acquisition radar (3D-CAR)[5]
  • 1 × EL/M-2221 STGR fire-control radar[5]
  • 1 × BEL Shikari[5]
  • 1 × BEL Ajanta[5]
  • 1 × Hull mounted radar array (HUMSA)[5]
  • 1 × BEL RAWL02 (Signal LW08) antenna communication grid – Gigabit Ethernet-based integrated ship borne data network, with a fibre optic cable backbone running through the vessel[5]
  • 1 × Atlas Elektronik towed array sonar (to be fitted)[6]
Electronic warfare
& decoys:		 Bomber Electronic warfare (EW) suites – BEL Sanket Mk III,[5] Kavach naval decoy system and DESEAVER MK-II
Armament:
Aircraft carried: 1 × Westland Sea King Mk.42B
Aviation facilities: Rail-less helo traversing system and foldable hangar door[5]

The Kamorta-class corvettes or Project 28 are a class of anti-submarine warfare corvettes currently in service with the Indian Navy. Built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, they are the first anti-submarine warfare stealth corvettes to be built in India.[8] Project 28 was approved in 2003, with construction of the lead ship, INS Kamorta commencing on 12 August 2005. Two of the four corvettes, INS Kamorta and INS Kadmatt were commissioned in 2014 and 2016 respectively. The remaining two, INS Kiltan and INS Kavaratti are under construction and slated to be completed by 2017.[9]

The platform and major internal systems of this class of corvettes are indigenously designed and built.[1] The corvettes are named after the islands in the Lakshadweep archipelago.

The Kamorta class corvettes are intended to succeed the Kora-class corvette by precedence[10] and Abhay-class corvette by role.

Construction

The order for four Kamorta-class corvettes were placed in 2003 by the Indian Navy. Construction of the lead ship, INS Kamorta began in the year 2005 and the keel was laid down in 2006 at Garden Reach Ship Builders and Engineers, Kolkata. The ship was launched in the year 2010 and was inducted into the navy in 2014 after a series of delays.[1] Construction of the second ship in the row, INS Kadmatt followed and the keel was laid in 2007. The corvette was launched in 2011 and was inducted in the early 2016. INS Kiltan was laid down in 2010 and launched in 2013. While the last ship of its class, INS Kavaratti was laid down in 2012 and launched in 2015.[10] Both the ships are expected to be completed by the end of 2017.[8]

Project 28's objective was to enhance localization and development of warship construction industry in India. The navy asked the Indian industries to deliver equipment of higher sophistication levels than usual. This led to some unforeseen delays in the product delivery, and struggles perfecting the products.[11]

All the ships of this class are built using DMR 249A special grade high-tensile steel,[4] produced by the state-owned Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials.[10] The main machinery is raft mounted, and each gear unit and its associated engines are mounted on a common raft. The diesel engines are license built by Kirloskar under SEMT Pielstick of France. DCNS supplies the noise-suppressing raft-mounted gearbox for CODAD propulsion. Wärtsilä India manufactures the low-vibration diesel alternators to power the on-board electronics.[11][12]

Indian Navy's computer generated design of the Project 28 Kamorta-class corvette
INS Kamorta commissioning ceremony

The ships also includes an integrated ship management system (ISMS) from L-3 MAPPS which combines an integrated platform management system and bridge management system into a single integrated system.[13]

INS Kiltan and INS Kavaratti are to be more advanced than their elder ships. In a first, composite materials, imported from Kockums, Sweden, are used for the construction of the superstructures. This resulted in increased stealth features, reduced weight relative to typical superstructures built with steel, anti-corrosive and fire resistant. It's also projected for the ships to have some additional armament and new features.[14][15][16]

Design and Description

In 2003, under the code name Project 28, the Indian Navy placed an order for four ASW corvettes.[10] The corvette's design was originally planned to be based on the Russian corvette Project 2038.2, however the basic design was later provided by the Indian Navy's Directorate of Naval Design, followed by the detailed design by GRSE.[17] The design includes many stealth ship features, including reductions in acoustic signature and vibration of the vessels.[18]

The class incorporates some major features including but not limited to the 'X'-shaped hull form to improve stealth, a raft-mounted propulsion system to reduce vibration, and an infrared signature suppression system.[6] It also includes networks such as the Total Atmospheric Control System (TACS), Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Battle Damage Control System (BDCS) and Personnel Locator System (PLS). The ships also include technology that enables them to fight in Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) warfare scenarios. The Indian Navy claims that the indigenization achieved in these ships is about 90%.[4]

General characteristics and propulsion

The overall length of the Kamorta-class corvettes is 109 m (358 ft), and the beam spans 13.7 m (45 ft). The ships displace about 2,500 tonnes (2,500 long tons; 2,800 short tons) at standard load and 3,500 tonnes (3,400 long tons; 3,900 short tons) when fully loaded. Each ship compliments 180 sailors and 13 officers.[6]

They are propelled by four Pielstick 12 PA6 STC Diesel engines, each with a power of 5,096 hp (3,800 kW) in CODAD configuration. They also have two controllable pitch propellers which helps the ship achieve maximum speeds in excess of 25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph).[4][10]

Electronics and sensors

The Kamorta-class corvettes boast a wide variety of sensors. Given below are the list of known sensors in the corvette:

Armament

The armament of the class includes a license-built OTO Melara 76 mm Super Rapid Gun in a stealth mount and a weapons layout similar to what is found on the Talwar-class and Shivalik-class frigates, two Larsen & Toubro built derivatives of the RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launcher, as well as Larsen & Toubro torpedo tube launchers, and a pair of AK-630M close-in weapon system (CIWS). The fire-control system is the Bharat Electronics IAC Mod C system.[7]

There is an option on the ship to include surface-to-air missiles (SAM). But it is unclear as to which SAM will be integrated into the Kamorta-class corvette. Options include Barak 1, Barak 8, and the VL-MICA.[5][19][20] The corvette can hold one helicopter, which currently is an Westland Sea King Mk.42B helicopter.[4]

Ships of the class

All the ships names of the class are reincarnations of ships from the previous Arnala-class corvettes which are considered to be the spiritual predecessors of the Kamorta class.[21]

Name Pennant Laid down Launched Commissioned Home-port
INS Kamorta P 28 20 November 2006 19 April 2010 23 August 2014[22][23] Visakhapatnam
INS Kadmatt[24] P 29 27 September 2007 24 October 2011[25] 7 January 2016[26][27][28] Visakhapatnam
INS Kiltan P 30 10 August 2010[29] 26 March 2013[30] 2016 (expected) tbd
INS Kavaratti[24] P 31 20 January 2012 19 May 2015 2017 (expected) tbd

Export

Under a modernization program, the Philippines Navy sought to purchase two light frigates, each displacing 2,000 tonnes (2,000 long tons; 2,200 short tons), spanning 109 m (358 ft) in length, capable of cruising at 25 kn (46 km/h; 29 mph) and be able to sail in sea state 7. In the bidding process, GRSE was selected as the lowest bidder among the contenders, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, Hyundai Heavy Industries and Navantia. The deal was said to cost more than ₹21.57 billion (US$321 million).[31][32] However, based on a post qualification assessment, GRSE was disqualified on the grounds of not meeting the financial capability requirements [33]

Criticisms

At 3400 ton, the vessel is argued to be a small frigate rather than a corvette, and poorly armed. Its also been alleged that the Indian Navy wanted a vessel with the endurance of a 3400 ton frigate and an armament of a 1200 ton corvette.[34]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Pike, John. "Project 28 ASW Corvette". www.globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 18 August 2016.
  2. 1 2 "INS Kavaratti: Anti-submarine warfare class stealth corvette launched - The Economic Times". economictimes.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 18 August 2016.
  3. ↑ "INS Kadmatt commissioned; Navy Chief RK Dhowan stresses on indigenisation | Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis". DNA. 7 January 2016. Retrieved 18 August 2016.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "INS Kadmatt commissioned at Visakhapatnam | Indian Navy". indiannavy.nic.in. Retrieved 18 August 2016.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 "INS Kamorta India's First Indigenous built Anti-Submarine Stealth Corvettes,Warship,Indian navy - AerMech.IN". aermech.in. 6 November 2015. Retrieved 18 August 2016.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Indian Navy commissions second Kamorta-class ASW corvette | IHS Jane's 360". www.janes.com. Retrieved 18 August 2016.
  7. 1 2 "Indian Navy commissions second Kamorta-class ASW corvette | IHS Jane's 360". www.janes.com. Retrieved 2016-04-27.
  8. 1 2 "INS Kamorta: All you need to know about India's indigenous warship | Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis". dna. 23 August 2014. Retrieved 17 August 2016.
  9. ↑ "Indian Navy to get four new destroyers". New Corvettes. DNA. 17 March 2009. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 "Kamorta Class ASW Corvettes". Naval Technology. Retrieved 18 August 2016.
  11. 1 2 Shukla, Ajai (1 August 2009). "Warship project delayed to build up private sector". Business Standard. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  12. ↑ "Bharat-Rakshak.com :: NAVY - Project 28 Class". bharat-rakshak.com. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014.
  13. ↑ "The Power of Two: Combined IPMS + IBS for the Indian Navy P28 Stealth Corvettes" (PDF). MCS News. June 2010. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  14. ↑ "GRSE's last two ASW corvettes to be very advanced: Navy - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 2016-01-01.
  15. ↑ "INS Kavaratti launched - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 2016-01-01.
  16. ↑ "Navy experimenting with composite superstructure for warships - The Economic Times". The Economic Times. Retrieved 2016-01-01.
  17. ↑ "Project 28 ASW Corvette". globalsecurity.org. 27 February 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  18. ↑ Malik, Amarjeet. "Anti-submarine corvette for Navy next year". Georgians News. General Military School. Archived from the original on 24 February 2015. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  19. ↑ "Indian Navy test-fires missile developed with Israel". Retrieved 2015-12-29.
  20. ↑ "The reasons why Philippines decided to buy the "Karmota Class" frigate of India". Manila Livewire. Retrieved 19 August 2016.
  21. ↑ Shukla, Ajai (24 August 2014). "India gets its first "90 per cent indigenous" warship". Business Standard. Visakhapatnam.
  22. ↑ The Times of India (12 July 2014). "Navy to commission two ships next month". Times of India. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  23. ↑ "First Indigenously Built Stealth ASW Corvette 'INS Kamorta' Commissioned in Indian Navy". navyrecognition.com. 23 August 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  24. 1 2 "India Launches 2nd Home-built P28 Anti-Sub Corvette". livefistdefence.com. 25 October 2011. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  25. ↑ Anandan, S. (12 June 2011). "Delivery of INS Kamorta next June". Times of India. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  26. ↑ Rajib Chowdhuri (26 November 2015). "Anti-sub warship to join Navy fleet today". Asian Age.
  27. ↑ "ASW corvette INS Kadmatt to be commissioned at Vizag tomorrow - The Economic Times". The Economic Times. Retrieved 2016-01-06.
  28. ↑ "Navy chief to commission INS Kadmatt today - The Hans India". www.thehansindia.com. Retrieved 2016-01-06.
  29. ↑ "Keel Laying – Anti Submarine Warfare Corvette GRSE Yard No. 3019" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 July 2011.
  30. ↑ "Indian Navy's 3rd P28 ASW Corvette Kiltan Launched". livefistdefence.com. 26 March 2013. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  31. ↑ "grse-export-light-frigates-philippines | DefenseNews". DefenseNews. Retrieved 19 August 2016.
  32. ↑ India, Press Trust of. "GRSE close to sealing deal with Philippines on warship export". Retrieved 19 August 2016.
  33. ↑ "Losing bidders buck P18-b Navy deal". 30 June 2016. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
  34. ↑ "Kamorta Project 28 ASW Corvette - Design". Global Security. Retrieved 12 November 2016.

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