India Set to Launch First Nuclear Sub

India is set to launch its first nuclear submarine later this year which if successful will put the country in an extremely exclusive club, according to a report on www.ibnlive.com. The project codenamed the Advanced Technology Vessel has been crawling since the 1970s.

Reports now indicate that India has overcome the biggest problem or miniaturization of a nuclear power plant that is to be mounted on a submarine hull.

The vessel will be launched in Vishakapatnam and sea trials for this submarine are slated to begin by 2010, and are expected to be fully operational by 2012.

According to the report, the vessel displaces 6,500 tons and can stay submerged for up to 100 days. Armed with guided missiles, it will have a crew of 70 people.

(Source: www.ibnlive.com)