Caley builds submarine launch and recovery system for Indian Navy

Caley's submarine launch and recovery system. Credit: JFD.

Scottish engineering company Caley Ocean Systems has completed the construction of a new submarine launch and recovery system (LARS) for the Indian Navy.

The LARS was designed and developed at the company’s facilities in Govan and Renfrew.

It is intended to form part of underwater capability provider JFD’s third-generation submarine rescue system, which is slated to be delivered to the navy in March.

The new submarine rescue solution is one of two fly-away systems currently being developed by JFD for the Indian Navy under a £193m contract.

The company is also contracted to provide LARS equipment, deep search and rescue vehicles (DSRV) and transfer under pressure (TUP) systems as part of the arrangement, in addition to supplying all the logistics and support equipment required to operate the service.

Caley’s LARS solution has been specifically designed for the fast rescue of distressed submariners.

It is capable of being mobilised on-board suitable vessels in less than 24 hours.

Caley Ocean Systems managing director Douglas Morrison said: “The submarine LARS flies the international flag for Scottish engineering.

“Its specially designed features and technological advancements will allow the rapid rescue of submariners.

“Given the recent tragic events, fast mobilisation timescales have never been more important.

“The system integrates three decompression chambers and its flexible architecture means it can be mobilised on ships with different deck configurations.”

The company used virtual reality (VR) software during the system’s design and manufacturing phases.

VR solutions are also expected to be used to provide necessary training to the crew members from the Indian Navy.