DRDO launches testing & evaluation facility for sonar systems of Indian Navy in Kochi

New Delhi, November 8, 2022

The Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) recently launched a Hull Module of Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterization & Evaluation (SPACE) facility at the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) in Kochi.

It is a state-of-the-art testing and evaluation facility for sonar systems developed for use by the Indian navy onboard various platforms, including ships, submarines and helicopters, a press release from the Ministry of Defence said.

The facility will give an impetus to the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and India’s "Make in India" commitment, the release said.

The SPACE facility is based on the concept design and requirements projected by NPOL and has been constructed by L&T Shipbuilding, Chennai. It will be mainly utilized for evaluating sonar systems, allowing for quick deployment and easy recovery of scientific packages such as sensors and transducers, the release said.

'The SPACE is one-of-a-kind facility in the world. The uniqueness of this facility lies in the specially designed submersible platform, which can be lowered up to depths of 100 meters using a series of synchronously operated winches.

"The design and construction of the platform meet all the statutory needs of Indian Register of Shipping and the vessel classifying authority and strictly adhere to the inspection and registration criteria as per Kerala Inland Vessel Rules," the release added.

NNN