Three
Follow-on Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (FO-WJFAC) for the Indian Navy
were launched on 30 Jun 15 at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers
Ltd (GRSE), Kolkata by Smt Medha Murugesan, wife of Vice Admiral P Murugesan,
AVSM, VSM, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. |
Vice
Admiral P Murugesan, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, who was the Chief
Guest during the occasion, asserted that Indian Navy has been the torch
bearer in the drive for indigenous construction of warships and acknowledged
the role of GRSE as a reliable partner in pursuing the national goal
of ‘Make in India’. He extended warm felicitations to the
entire team of the GRSE for their significant contribution towards meeting
the Navy’s growing requirement of state-of-the art warships.
These follow on Water Jet Fast Attack Craft are powered by the latest
4000-series of MTU engines, along with advanced machinery control system
and water jets and can attain a maximum speed of 35 Knots. The craft
would also have the latest communication equipment and radars which
would enable effective surveillance. These follow on ships have higher
power generating capacity of 280 kW, enhanced capacity of RO plant from
2 TPD to 4 TPD among many other features as compared to the Water Jet
Fast Attack Craft already in service. The indigenous CRN 91 Gun with
Optronic Pedestal gives them the requisite firepower to undertake their
basic role of patrolling effectively. Two of these ships are scheduled
to be delivered to the Indian Navy in this year.
According to GRSE, these WJFACs are ideally suited for interception
of fast moving surface craft and will perform anti-smuggling, fishery
protection and search & rescue operations. The ship is fitted with
Hamilton Water Jets which is the most advance and innovative marine
Propulsion System in use today. |
Picture: GRSE