India’s Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Vikrant Completes 4th Phase Of Sea Trials
73India's indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant completed the fourth phase of sea trials of major equipment and systems, including major aviation equipment, on July 10, 2022.
The fourth phase of Sea Trials for IAC has been successfully completed on 10 Jul 22, during which integrated trials of the majority of equipment and systems onboard including some of the Aviation Facilities Complex equipment were undertaken. The ship’s delivery is being targeted for the end of Jul 22, followed by the commissioning of the ship in Aug 22 to commemorate ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.
The Indigenous design and construction of Aircraft Carrier by the Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard Ltd is a shining example in the Nation’s quest for ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India Initiative’ with more than 76% indigenous content. This has led to growth in indigenous design and construction capabilities, besides the development of a large number of ancillary industries, with employment opportunities for over 2000 CSL personnel and about 12000 employees in ancillary industries.
Maiden Sea Trials of IAC were successfully completed in Aug 21. This was followed by the second and third phases of the Sea Trials in Oct 21 and Jan 22 respectively. During these three phases of Sea Trials, endurance testing of propulsion machinery, electrical & electronic suites, deck machinery, lifesaving appliances, ship’s Navigation, and Communication systems was undertaken.
Back in 2015, India’s minister of defense announced that the indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant would be delivered to the Indian Navy in December 2018. Local media reported in May 2017 that the procurement delays have been resolved and the carrier’s fitting-out was 62% complete, with trials of the auxiliary systems scheduled by late 2017. The latest reports indicate that India’s first locally made aircraft carrier will be commissioned in 2021.
INS Vikrant is a 260 meters long and 60 meters wide vessel displacing 37,500 tonnes. The maximum speed of the ship is announced at 28 knots, with a range of 7,500 nautical miles at a speed of 18 knots. INS Vikrant is set to receive a large crew complement composed of 160 officers and 1,400 sailors. The STOBAR aircraft carrier will be able to accommodate up to 30 fighters and helicopters, including Mig-29K fighters jets and Ka-31 helicopters.