DCNS has transferred the second MESMA plug, which is intended to be retrofitted to the Pakistani Navy’s Agosta 90B submarine, to the company’s Nantes Indret facility for testing.

MESMA, part of the air-independent propulsion (AIP) system for conventional submarines, will undergo several months on a test bed before being delivered to the Pakistani Navy.

The 160t AIP system, which measures 8.6m in length and 6.2m in diameter will be integrated into the submarine during its first technical overhaul in 2011.

The MESMA plug is a complete hull section that allows the vessel to remain submerged for over two weeks without having to surface to recharge its batteries.

The installation of MESMA does not affect the overall balance of the submarine and will significantly increase the range and endurance of conventionally powered submarines.