Project 15B Flashcards
NEWS
The P-15 Bravo-class destroyers, also known as the Visakhapatnam-class destroyers or simply P-15B, are a range of guided-missile warships currently being constructed for the Indian Navy. These ships are an upgraded version of the preceding Kolkata-class, boasting superior stealth, automation, and armament capabilities. Manufactured by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) under the Make in India initiative, these four ships are the brainchild of the Directorate of Naval Design (DND). The first ship of this class, INS Visakhapatnam, was commissioned on November 21, 2021. The Indian Navy has set a target to have all four destroyers operational by 2024.
The Genesis of Project 15B
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the primary procurement body of India under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), sanctioned the acquisition of four 6,800-tonne destroyer warships, known as “Project-15B,” in 2009. This was to supplement the Kolkata-class warships that were then under construction. The project aimed to develop a line of destroyers that closely resembled the preceding Kolkata-class warships (Project-15A), with only slight progressive differences in armament and sensors to reduce development time and costs. In January 2011, the Indian Navy awarded the contract for the construction of the four proposed destroyer warships to MDL.
An Overview of Project 15B
The project entails the construction and commissioning of four distinct destroyer warships by the Indian Navy.
The first warship, INS Visakhapatnam , was launched in April 2015. After completing its river trials in December 2020 and marine trials in January 2021, it was handed over to the Indian Navy on October 28, 2021. It was commissioned by the Indian Navy’s West Naval Command in Mumbai on November 21, 2021.
Mormugao commenced operations in September 2016. It completed its basin trials on December 14, 2021, and proceeded to sea trials on December 19, 2021. The ship is expected to be delivered in 2022.
Imphal was laid down in April 2019.
Surat , the last ship of this class, was laid down in July 2018.
Technical Specifications of Project 15B
Type: Guided Missile Destroyer
Displacement: 7,400 tonnes (7,300 long tons; 8,200 short tons)
Length: 163 metres (535 ft)
Beam: 17.4 metres (57 ft)
Draft: 6.5 metres (21 ft)
Speed: Over 30 knots (56 km/h)
Range: 4,000 nautical miles (7,400 km; 4,600 mi) at 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph)
Endurance: 45 days
Crew: 300 (50 officers + 250 sailors)
Distinguishing P-15B from P-15A
The primary physical difference between the P-15A (Kolkata class) and P-15B (Visakhapatnam class) destroyer warships lies in the bridge layout. The bridge of the P-15B warships is vastly different from that of the P-15A - it was designed to reduce radar cross-section (RCS) and enhance resilience.
The P-15A and P-15B destroyers also differ in terms of equipment.
The Kolkata class is fitted with an OTO Melara 76 mm naval gun, whereas the Visakhapatnam class was initially intended to be armed with a Mk-45 127 mm naval gun. However, due to budget constraints, this was replaced with the OTO Melara 76 mm gun.
The sonar will be moved from the hull to the bow.
The bridge layout and mast design were altered to reduce radar cross-section (RCS).
A “rail-less” helicopter traversing system was introduced for the safety of the helicopter during bad weather at sea.
The design is network-centric, featuring a Ship Data Network (SDN), an Automatic Power Management System (APMS), and a Combat Management System (CMS).
Recent Developments
INS Visakhapatnam successfully test-fired an upgraded version of the BrahMos anti-ship missile with an extended range on January 11, 2022, just two months after its commissioning.
