L&T Defence provides indigenous, design-to-delivery solutions across the defence spectrum – from surveillance to strike capabilities, and mobility platforms essential to enhance their effectiveness

Larsen & Toubro is a multi-billion-dollar Indian multinational engaged in technology, engineering, construction, manufacturing and financial services. It is India’s leading private sector company for the development and supply of Defence Equipment and Systems – with over 30 years of experience in the field.

L&T has developed multiple Fire Control Systems as well as Radar Systems specifically targeting Air Defence Applications, besides L&T’s track records of development & supply of Precision Monopulse Tracking Radars for tracking satellite launch vehicle and Dual Band ship borne tracking & telemetry system for strategic applications.

With its Dual Band Fire Control Radar, L&T has successfully developed an indigenous solution for short range air defence which works in a highly hostile Electronic Counter Measure (ECM) environment. It is the only dual-band Fire Control Radar of its kind developed in India and has significant advantages over the available solutions.

L&T’s high precision Fire Control Radar would provide timely warnings and fire control solutions against drone attacks that have been seen by the world in recent times. L&T’s FCR has the capability to accurately track small drones, UAVs, fighter planes, helicopters, para mortars, paragliders and missiles and helps generate a precision fire control solution to enable the Air Defence Guns and Missiles to engage targets with the highest hit probability thus safeguarding National and critical Assets.

L&T’s Dual Band FCR offers advantage of fast acquisition of targets with a broader beam and precise tracking with a narrower beam. Extremely narrow tracking beam helps FCR to track targets at a very low altitude.

FCR can track targets moving at a speeds of up to 1000 meters per second during day and night conditions. The FCR can be offered in multiple configurations with ranges from 20 Kms to 70 Kms for an airborne target. Product variants with longer ranges can also be offered.

The FCR can be offered in both land and naval variants which are suitable for installation on multiple platforms including 4×4 vehicles and ships.

There is a significant requirement for such dual band FCRs as the Make-II program for Air Defence Fire Control Radar is on. There is a long standing need to upgrade the legacy air defence systems of Indian Army. A Naval variant of the FCR would serve the needs of Indian Navy to upgrade multiple platforms. On the Export front, South-East Asian and Gulf Nations have requirements for both land and naval applications.

In a complete conformance to Make-in-India and Design-in-India, all critical technologies in the FCR are owned by L&T and realized indigenously. Uninterrupted and efficient product support is therefore assured for the lifetime of the equipment. On par with range of L&Ts indigenously developed products, systems and solutions, L&T offers better obsolescence management and future upgrades since the IP is held by L&T.

SOV400-The small, smart, stealthy submarine

The SOV400 is a special ops diesel-electric midget submarine, designed and developed by L&T Defence – an L&T group company which has played a key role in the realisation of India’s first indigenously designed nuclear submarine. SOV400 offers best value for money, particularly for small navies with limited defence budgets, providing credible deterrence capability when pitted against powerful hegemonic neighbours.

Operational Role

A multi-role submarine, SOV400 is primarily meant for deployment and recovery of special forces while being submerged up to 40m. Its uniquely designed lock-in/lock-out system enables quick release and recovery of marine commandos, while submerged. Two 4-men Swimmer Delivery Vehicles carried on either side of the submarine can insert the divers deep inside enemy coastlines. In lieu of the SDVs, the submarine can carry ammunition and special equipment in two commando containers.

The submarine is fitted with twin torpedo tubes that can launch heavyweight torpedoes for attacks in shallow waters or in self-defence. It is also fitted with a modern conformal array sonar and advanced radio-electronic sensors for detection, surveillance, communication and interception, which provide tactical information for the command through an integrated combat management system.

Stealth

Being considerably small for a conventional diesel electric submarine, SOV400 has very low target strength. Normal diving depth of 125m enables undetected operations underwater. The slow turning single screw propeller with sweptback blades, microprocessor-based power convertors and carefully chosen mounting arrangement of rotating machinery and piping systems have been designed to keep underwater radiated noise within limits. The SOV400 has a streamlined external form that has been optimised for least resistance and flow noise using CFD software.

Manoeuvrability and Control

The SOV400 is designed to operate safely in coastal waters as shallow as 20m. Its cruciform-type aft control surfaces have been specially designed to meet this requirement. The submarine can hover at any depth and can be bottomed if necessary.

Control and Automation

The submarine is designed to operate with a lean crew of 12 through an integrated platform management system. All machinery and equipment located in the aft compartment can be remotely operated from the central control console located in the forward compartment.

Safety and Survivability

Hull structures (made of indigenously developed submarine grade DMR 249 steel), equipment and piping of SOV400 are designed to comply with the safety standards as per DNV GL rules for classification of naval submarines. All critical-for-safety systems have been designed to be fail-safe, ensuring uninterrupted functioning even after failure of a single component. Smoke detection and fire alarm systems, gas monitoring systems, nitrogen-based fire-fighting systems, SEIE Mk-11 suits and means for emergency escape and rescue (either through the main access trunk or through the aft escape hatch) offer adequate degree of safety and survivability of the platform and its crew.

Habitability and Ergonomics

Two AC plants of 140 kW combined cooling capacity maintain the living and operational spaces at 26 oC even while cruising on the surface in extreme tropical seas. Quality of breathable air is maintained by the built-in oxygen regeneration system and soda lime CO2 scrubbers. Fixed bunk beds have been provided for the commandos and crew, except for those on watch.

Customised Design

Since the SOV400 is a fully home-grown product, the design can be customised to suit specific requirements of the user. L&T is already working on an advanced variant with futuristic technologies including Li-lon batteries.