UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Indigenous AIP system for Indian Navy’s diesel-electric submarines achieves key milestone with inauguration of Setting to Work Phase-2 Activity

Q1. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. A fuel-cell based Air Independent Propulsion system can allow a conventional submarine to operate underwater at low speeds for weeks rather than days.
  2. Air Independent Propulsion systems draw the oxygen they need from the surrounding seawater, so the submarine does not have to carry any oxidant.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q2. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. A conventional submarine running on its electric motors can be quieter than a nuclear-powered submarine, which is why such boats are considered for silent ambush roles.
  2. A nuclear reactor needs no atmospheric air, so a nuclear-powered submarine can operate completely submerged at high speed indefinitely.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q3. With reference to fuel cells, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Electrons released at the anode reach the cathode through an external circuit, while ions move between the electrodes through the electrolyte.
  2. A fuel cell keeps delivering electricity for as long as fuel and oxidant are supplied to it, and is not recharged the way a battery is.
  3. Fuel cells are commonly classified by the electrolyte they use, as in the phosphoric acid fuel cell.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 2 only
  • D. 2 and 3 only

Q4. Which one of the following types of submarine Air Independent Propulsion converts the chemical energy of its reactants directly into electricity, without first producing heat and mechanical work?

  • A. Steam-turbine (MESMA) AIP
  • B. Closed-cycle diesel AIP
  • C. Stirling-engine based AIP
  • D. Fuel-cell based AIP

Q5. With reference to India's submarine programmes, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. Under Project-75, Scorpene-design submarines were built in India with technology transfer from a French firm.
  2. The DRDO-developed AIP is being built into the new hulls of Project-75(I) rather than into submarines already in service.
  3. Project-75(I) envisages new conventional submarines that are equipped with Air Independent Propulsion.
  • A. 1 and 3 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 2 only
  • D. 1 only

Q6. Consider the following facts: (I) A nuclear reactor needs very little fuel to provide power over a very long period, so a nuclear submarine can operate completely submerged at high speed indefinitely. (II) Fuel-cell AIP systems can allow some conventional submarines to operate underwater at low speeds for up to about a month. Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the above facts?

  1. Even with AIP, a conventional submarine's submerged endurance remains shorter than that of a nuclear-powered submarine.
  2. AIP makes conventional submarines a full substitute for nuclear submarines in long-range, high-speed missions.
  3. AIP-equipped conventional submarines are acoustically quieter than nuclear-powered submarines.
  • A. 2 and 3 only
  • B. 1 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1 and 2 only