INS Vikrant

History

INS Vikrant is the first indigenous aircraft carrier design undertaken by the Indian state. It is one of two planned for the new Vikrant-class surface combatant, built in 2009. It is expected to complete its sea trials in 2014, although it is already about three years behind schedule and commissioning is most likely after 2017).

Her sister, INS Vishal, started construction in July 2012, with a commissioning year yet to be determined. India, which once relied on sourcing external military solutions from Russia and the West, is now trying to take drastic steps to become a world military power through domestic means.

The Vikrant class carrier is a big step in that direction.

For decades, the Indian Navy has used various types of ex-Soviet or ex-British aircraft carriers. The two main types - the first Indian aircraft carrier, the INS Vikrant (R11) and the successor, the INS Viraat (R22) - are of British origin and form the backbone of the Navy's air defence fleet.

However, over time and technological advancements, these become aging vessels, leading to consideration of replacing them. In 1989, the Indian government announced the construction of two new 28,000-ton "Air Defense Ships" (ADS), primarily for the use of BAe Sea Harrier Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft acquired through a UK procurement contract.

Then, economic problems hampered the project and India's hopes for a modern airline were dashed.

It wasn't until 1999 that things improved and the idea of ??a homegrown airline in India was revived. However, at this point in history, the Sea Harriers are old mounts (only 9 are currently in service with the Indian Navy, out of a total of 11 available in 2012) and there is no viable VTOL prospect to replace them in the future. As such, the overall design of this new Indian carrier will be different from the previously anticipated ADS ships. The carrier will have a ski ramp installed on the bow and will recover its returning aircraft via a traditional tether configuration in what is known as "STOBAR" ("Short Takeoff But Arrested Recovery") (a configuration that has been used successfully in Europe for decades the former great powers and the USSR, and proved a solid concept). India's purchase of Russia's Mikoyan MiG-29K Fulcrum (a naval version of its land-based Fulcrum equivalent) means this new Indian 40,000-ton aircraft carrier will deploy more conventionally-minded aircraft from its cockpit (rather than sea-like aircraft) such VTOL types).

Harrier). Design concepts for a new Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) emerged in 2001, and the project was officially endorsed by the Indian government in 2003, with sufficient funding to push ahead.

The class was named "Vikrant" (not to be confused with the predecessor carrier INS Vikrant R11, after which the new INS Vikrant was named).

The IAC plans to eventually deploy two Vikrant-class ships - INS Vikrant as lead ship and her sister ship INS Vishal. While the Vikrant will be designed as a 40,000 ton ski slope flight deck, it was announced in August 2012 that the Vishal would feature a more traditional "flat-top" deck layout with a catapult launch facility (known as "CATOBAR" = "Catapult" - Assisted Take-Off Barrier Arrested Recovery").

This design plan will enable the Indian Navy to launch larger and heavier fixed-wing aircraft, such as AEW (Airborne Early Warning) types, which is not possible in limited STOBAR configuration - demonstrating the power of the Indian Navy to expand significantly in local waters (Particularly in relation to neighboring Pakistan and the Pacific-Asian powerhouse China. Changes to the Vishal make her a 65,000-ton ship with a new flight deck.

Overall, Vikrant is expected to be able to operate up to 30 fixed-wing aircraft and another 10 rotary-wing aircraft. The Mikoyan MiG-29K Fulcrum is expected to be the leader in fixed-wing aircraft, but over time these may be supplemented (or possibly replaced) by local HAL Tejas (navy versions of land-based models). The types of helicopters in question include the British Westland Sea King and the Russian Kamov Ka-31 series.

Despite procuring 45 MiG-29Ks from Russia, the Indian Navy has the idea of ??launching the French Dassault Rafale multirole fighter due to its inherently greater capability (the Indian Air Force has already committed to replacing the Rafale to maintain its aging MiG-21s "Fishbed" front). Instead, the INS Vishal will be alongside larger-sized aircraft, likely led by the Sukhoi Su-33 series - the naval form of the superb Sukhoi Su-27 "Flanker" series.

At the time of this writing (2012), the Vikrant is defended by a 4 x 76mm Otobreda dual-purpose cannon, supported by multiple surface-to-air missile sites. A digitally controlled close-in weapons system (CIWS) is installed for close combat with approaching aircraft or missiles.

The Selex RAN-40L L-band early warning radar system will be part of a defense network of sensors and systems processing.

In size, the INS Vikrant has a barrel length of 860 feet, a beam of 200 feet, and a draft of 28 feet. It is typically powered by 4 GE LM2500+ series gas turbines, producing power on two shafts. Top speed in ideal conditions is estimated at 28 knots, with a range of up to 7,500 miles.

Her crew will consist of 1,400 officers, sailors, pilots and mechanics.

Make no mistake, Vikrant's efforts are very important to the Indian Navy. In terms of national pride, this initiative cannot be underestimated.

However, since this is the country's first "real" attempt to design and build a homegrown aircraft carrier, it has (and will continue to see) the challenges facing the project in terms of available materials, experience, technology and know-how to the satisfaction of the project. To that end, the program has overcome some logistical hurdles, although delivery delays have been identified. The Navy will use its aging fleet of INS Viraat and retired Sea Harrier aircraft until Vikrant gains further traction in its efforts to become India's first domestic airline.

The rise of China's aircraft carrier fleet and the US Navy's involvement in the Pacific should stimulate India's initiative well.

Update 10/03/2013 INS Vikrant was officially launched on August 12, 2013.

Specification

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