Friday, May 04, 2012

INS Satpura [F48] - Indian Navy stealth Frigate [Shivalik-class, Wallpaper]

Shivalik-class of Frigates were the first Frigates designed & built by India to incorporate stealth features. Mumbai-based Mazagaon Dock Limited [MDL] shipyard was entrusted with the job. Design and construction of the Frigates was undertaken as part of 'Project 17' [P17]. As part of this project, the 3 warships were to be built,

  • INS Shivalik [F47]
  • INS Satpura [F48]
  • INS Sahyadri [F49]
Indian Navy's Shivalik-class Frigate INS Satpura [F48] Wallpaper Indian Navy's Shivalik-class Frigate INS Satpura [F48] Wallpaper

The last of this batch of frigates, INS Sahyadri, already delayed in getting commissioned, is expected to finally join the Indian Navy within a year's period. Even as the Sahyadri is getting ready for completion, a decision has already been taken to place a follow-on order for 7 additional frigates whose design would be an iterative advancement of the Project 17. Identified as Project 17A [P-17A], it is expected to be built using modular shipbuilding technology, a process & capability none of the present Indian ship builders possess.

Indian Navy's Shivalik-class Frigate INS Satpura [F48] Wallpaper Indian Navy's Shivalik-class Frigate INS Satpura [F48] Wallpaper

Therefore, MDL has entered into a tie-up with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri - Cantieri Navali SpA for this project, and has also been sanctioned funds from the Indian Govt. to upgrade its facility. Of the 7 to be constructed, 4 would be made at MDL, while the remaining 3 would be made by West Bengal-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers [GRSE]. The first P-17A warship is estimated to join the Indian Navy in 2017, with the final warship slated for commission by around 2022.

Indian Shivalik-class Frigate - system layout

The illustration above, highlights some of the important weapon systems & sensors incorporated into the Shivalik-class.

INS Satpura took part in the Indo-U.S Malabar-series of annual Naval exercises, held this year in the Bay of Bengal. Some stunning images shot of the warship during the exercises. Wallpaper material.

Click on the images to view larger-sized photographs

Indian Navy's Shivalik-class Frigate INS Satpura [F48] Wallpaper Indian Navy's Shivalik-class Frigate INS Satpura [F48] Wallpaper
Indian Navy's Shivalik-class Frigate INS Satpura [F48] Wallpaper Indian Navy's Shivalik-class Frigate INS Satpura [F48] Wallpaper
Indian Navy's Shivalik-class Frigate INS Satpura [F48] Wallpaper Indian Navy's Shivalik-class Frigate INS Satpura [F48] Wallpaper
Indian Navy's Shivalik-class Frigate INS Satpura [F48] Wallpaper Indian Navy's Shivalik-class Frigate INS Satpura [F48] Wallpaper
Indian Navy's Shivalik-class Frigate INS Satpura [F48] Wallpaper Indian Navy's Shivalik-class Frigate INS Satpura [F48] Wallpaper

Godspeed

source: www.navy.mil