INS Vikramaditya (Adm Gorshkov) aircraft carrier

[sayareakd]

Igor Leonav, chief commissioner of Sevmash, who is heading the guarantee team to India, said the carrier controlled 778 flights during trials. There were 88 landings, too, all piloted by Russians. The carrier's jamming capability was demonstrated when the Sukhoi-33s, Kamovs, MiG-29s and the early warning aircraft A-50 all failed to paint it on their radars, he said. The carrier's radar, on the contrary, could pick oncoming aircraft from a distance of 350-400 km, said Mr. Leonav.

Navy to get refurbished Vikramaditya tomorrow - The Hindu

A series of hits and misses saw the delivery time of the ship extended by five years and there was a significant cost escalation. But Vikramaditya has finally aced trials by reaching a top speed of 29.5 knots and successfully demonstrating its 'stealth mode' by blinding incoming aircraft with its electronic warfare suite.

Navy set to get its largest aircraft carrier tomorrow - Indian Express

this stealth mode is very interesting........................:thumb::thumb::thumb:

 

[AVERAGE INDIAN]

Courtesy LIVEFIST

 

[AVERAGE INDIAN]

Exclusive: on board the INS Vikramaditya good video

[video]http://www.ndtv.com/video/player/news/exclusive-on-board-the-ins-vikramaditya/298086[/video]

 

[jmj_overlord]

FINALLY.........the day has come..........hope there are no other complications

 

[happy]

Headlines Today Deputy Editor Shiv Aroor reports from Russia:

The Vikramaditya will leave from Severodvinsk by the end of the month and dock at Murmansk, Russia, where it will celebrate Navy Day (December 4). From there it will be escorted by two ships INS Deepak and INS Trikand into the Mediterranean Sea, where two more Indian Navy frontline warships will meet it for the final journey home. The Navy is currently contemplating two options either go through the Suez Canal, or go all around the African continent. A decision on this will be taken in the next three-four days. Our graphic should show both the possible routes. The Vikramaditya's final destination is Karwar where she will be based.

The ship will be travelling without weapons and aircraft. But she will be escorted by four frontline Indian Navy warships, and therefore won't be vulnerable.


Read more at: INS Vikramaditya to be inducted into Indian Navy today : India, News - India Today

 

[pmaitra]

Exclusive: on board the INS Vikramaditya good video

[video]http://www.ndtv.com/video/player/news/exclusive-on-board-the-ins-vikramaditya/298086[/video]

Video shots shamelessly plagiarized from Polygon of Russia 2 Channel, with added Bollywood style drums, which personally, I am getting tired of hearing in every Indian news related to defense.

 

[happy]

Around all this hoopla that Vicky doesn't have protection against air attacks, I just want to ask the professionals,

1) is there really any aerial threat which can go through all the layers of vicky's radar surveillance undetected?

2)At standoff distances of greater than 250kms, can any fighter plane launch attacks that can beat vicky's defences and make a hit?

If the answer is no for the above questions, in what scenario will barack 2 be invaluable to vicky?
@Decklander, @pmaitra, @Kunal Biswas, @sayareakd

 

[Decklander]

Around all this hoopla that Vicky doesn't have protection against air attacks, I just want to ask the professionals,

1) is there really any aerial threat which can go through all the layers of vicky's radar surveillance undetected?

2)At standoff distances of greater than 250kms, can any fighter plane launch attacks that can beat vicky's defences and make a hit?

If the answer is no for the above questions, in what scenario will barack 2 be invaluable to vicky?
@Decklander, @pmaitra, @Kunal Biswas, @sayareakd

The ASMs can be programmed to open their radar at a predetermined distance from the intended target and also disregard other targets and go for a selected target by the launch platform. In such a situation it is very important that all ships have point defence weapons and Vikky shud also have them for last ditch defence.

 

[pmaitra]

Around all this hoopla that Vicky doesn't have protection against air attacks, I just want to ask the professionals,

1) is there really any aerial threat which can go through all the layers of vicky's radar surveillance undetected?

2)At standoff distances of greater than 250kms, can any fighter plane launch attacks that can beat vicky's defences and make a hit?

If the answer is no for the above questions, in what scenario will barack 2 be invaluable to vicky?
@Decklander, @pmaitra, @Kunal Biswas, @sayareakd

Yes, Vikramaditya is very vulnerable. Every air-craft carrier is, if it is just by itself. Regarding the radar, I do not know for sure, but I do believe there exist weapons that can take it out or cripple it. It should operate as part of a battle-group.

The ASMs can be programmed to open their radar at a predetermined distance from the intended target and also disregard other targets and go for a selected target by the launch platform. In such a situation it is very important that all ships have point defence weapons and Vikky shud also have them for last ditch defence.

I think he is talking about Vikramaditya, and not Vikramaditya along with and as part of a battlegroup.

 

[happy]

The ASMs can be programmed to open their radar at a predetermined distance from the intended target and also disregard other targets and go for a selected target by the launch platform. In such a situation it is very important that all ships have point defence weapons and Vikky shud also have them for last ditch defence.

Sir, I was talking about Vicky operating individually rather than in a battle group. Sir, I am not a professional in this field so kindly oblige my doubts even if I might sound silly.

When you talk about AShMs, I think that they can be launched from aircraft as well as ships. As we are more worried about Vicky's aerial defences, can we not take out the hostile aircraft before it can launch it's missiles from standoff distances by jamming facilities that are proven in vicky's trials and ship to air missiles? Apart from the barack missile can we use the brahmos to take out aerial threats?

 

[Decklander]

Sir, I was talking about Vicky operating individually rather than in a battle group. Sir, I am not a professional in this field so kindly oblige my doubts even if I might sound silly.

When you talk about AShMs, I think that they can be launched from aircraft as well as ships. As we are more worried about Vicky's aerial defences, can we not take out the hostile aircraft before it can launch it's missiles from standoff distances by jamming facilities that are proven in vicky's trials and ship to air missiles? Apart from the barack missile can we use the brahmos to take out aerial threats?

A Carrier never sails out alone beyound own shore based airdefense. It will always have its escorts with it. Brahmos is not an air defence missile.

 

[AVERAGE INDIAN]

Video shots shamelessly plagiarized from Polygon of Russia 2 Channel, with added Bollywood style drums, which personally, I am getting tired of hearing in every Indian news related to defense.

its not a surprise bro name one channel in india that is not a copycat

 

[Dharmateja]

Admiral Gorshkov gets a new name and new citizenship

November 14, 2013 Elena Krovvidi, Alexander Yemelyanenkov, RIR
Key project participants and more than a hundred journalists from Russia, India and other countries arrive to the ceremony of transfer of the INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier to the Indian Navy.

INS Vikramaditya at the Sevmash shipyard. Source: AO Sevmash press office

The Admiral Gorshkov, which is now known as the INS Vikramaditya, will be handed over to the Indian Navy on Saturday, November 16. The crew of the aircraft carrier and its commissioning team are completing their final preparations for the transfer.
The handover ceremony "will be held rain or shine," the Sevmash shipyard authorities told us. The Indian Navy's state of the art aircraft carrier is at the shipyard in Severodvinsk. We had an opportunity to inspect the refurbished ship inside and out and were accompanied on board by the commissioning engineer Roman Khviyuzov and members of the Indian crew.

Today in Severodvinsk, the temperature is around zero degrees. There is frost at night and in the morning, the snow falls and in the middle of the day and late in the afternoon there are occasional drizzles. The Indian crewmembers and the Russian sailors are not affected by this change of weather. For many days, they have been rehearsing their solemn ceremony at the waterfront factory where the aircraft carrier is moored.
It is here, where the official part of the ceremony will begin with the receiving of the guests. It will continue on the summer deck of the ship, where flags of India and Russia will be raised and the relevant documents will be signed.
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin is expected to lead the Russian delegation, on the Indian side it is India's Defence Minister A K Antony.

Now on the flight deck there is the anti-skid coatings are getting a touch-up, as they were used for the training take-offs and landings of the decked MiGs in August and September in the Barents Sea. At that time, 57 flights were completed, including 47, which involved landing on the aircraft carrier. A special achievement was 12 landings and take-offs at night, which had not been practiced by the Russian carrier-based aircraft.

In the aviation hangar, which is now free while the Vikramaditya is transferred to Indian shores, there is a different kind of preparation going on. As expected, on November 16, immediately after the signing of transfer of the aircraft carrier, there will be an international press conference with the Minister of Defense and Chief of the Naval Forces of India, among the Russian counterparts, as well as the Ambassador of India in Moscow.

Sevmash spokesperson Yekaterina Pilikina and her colleagues at the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) say more than a hundred journalists and media professionals have been accredited for the ceremony of transfer of the ship – mainly from Russia and India. A large number has already arrived in Severodvinsk and started their work.

Admiral Gorshkov gets a new name and new citizenship | Russia & India Report

 

[sayareakd]

hope they use the space as shown here

 

[Ankit Purohit]

I am Very very Happy

 

[Austin]

Interview with INS Vikramaditya's commanding officer, Commodore Suraj Berry

Grateful for the professionalism and support of the Russian Navy - Commodore Berry

First of all, we would like to congratulate you on the successful completion of one of the most successful Indo-Russian military projects. Many Russian Naval personnel are envious about the fact you are going to get a state of the art aircraft carrier under your command that is more advanced than anything that Russia has. How do you feel at the moment and what are your main concerns at the moment?

Thank you very much for your kind wishes. I consider myself very fortunate to have been entrusted the command of this magnificent ship. While standing on the bridge and flight deck, I am conscious of this immense responsibility, trust and honour that has been bestowed upon me by the Indian Navy and my nation. The task of commissioning the ship and ensuring readiness of the crew for conduct of safe and efficient operational tasking along with flying is a challenge.

Effective planning, thorough professional training, creation of efficient operating procedures, high safety standards, institution of sound management and good administration principles along with the time honoured traditions, customs and discipline would effectively pave the way for the success of my team. The large number of officers and personnel of my crew are some of the finest professionals of our Navy and I am indeed very fortunate to be part of this team and their shipmate.

During the trials and refit of the ship you had to meet and cooperate with many people from the commissioning team. Could you tell us a little bit about the training of the Indian crewmembers?

Each time the Indian Navy acquired an aircraft carrier, it was a big induction, it is no different this time except the fact that this ship is the largest one to be acquired by the Indian Navy thus far. Displacing nearly 45,000 tonnes, the ship is indeed big. The advanced equipment and state of the art systems present peculiarities of handling and mastering. The Indian Navy selected well qualified personnel with adequate experience at sea and these personnel were put through an intense, well crafted and excellent training programme by the Russian Navy.

The methodology of training has suitably enabled all the Indian crew to imbibe the intricacies of operating and maintaining the ship. The experience of participating in the sea trials and practical training onboard has provided the crew an excellent opportunity to learn by observing the Russian specialists. Having been afforded the opportunity to steer the ship, anchor and manoeuvre her, I must say that the ship has excellent handling characteristics and steers much like a frigate belying its size. The power and manoeuvrability provide great flexibility in its operation.

Backed with experience of operating aircraft carriers and other helicopter carrying platforms, the Indian crew has been able to seamlessly gain hands-on experience on the equipment fitted onboard. The close association and mutual understanding with Russian crew has paved the way for a smooth transition for the Indian crew during trials and training, overcoming challenges and progressing towards independent operation of the ship. To summarize, I must say that each and every Russian crew has been outstanding and acted as a team.

How was the training of the Indian crew organised? Could you comment on the interaction with Russian Naval officers and sailors during the trials?

The interaction and professional understanding between the Russian and Indian Navy has been very good and has stood the test of time over decades. A sizable percentage of Indian Naval personnel have been in Russia for various projects in the past and fostered strong bonds of friendship and mutual respect. The bilateral exercise, 'INDRA' conducted annually between the two navies reflects the good and warm relations and is testimony of our commitment to each other.

The 12th Crew under command of Captain 1st Rank Igor Vaisilivich Raybko and the Indian commissioning crew have fostered close bonding during the course of trials. Whilst both the crew may not be proficient in the languages, the understanding is perfect and both crews joined hands in all evolutions onboard and have imbibed a good sense of mutual understanding. The joint planning/ coordination group of the Crew along with the Brigade Staff are responsible for the successful conduct of trials. Similarly, the joint working group on training has done a marvelous job in creating a unique concurrent trials and training programme onboard.

Onboard we undertook evolutions for trials, working side by side on the main propulsion plant, power generation/ distribution systems, radio electronic aids, handling movement of aircraft on deck, anchoring/ mooring to the buoy, tasks with boats etc. Our cooperation also extends to mutual participation in sports and cultural activities onboard. Both crews jointly celebrated the Russian Navy Day and Independence Day of India with flags of both countries flying side by side on the mast in 2012 and in 2013. This truly epitomized the joint-ness, mutual feeling of respect and understanding between the two crews. We are thankful for the professionalism of the Russian Navy and the support that they have rendered to us during each phase of the trials.

It is interesting to know what' route the carrier is going to follow while going from the White Sea to the Indian Ocean. When are you supposed to be received in India?

There are only two routes that the carrier can follow enroute to reaching its new port of Karwar in India. The primary route would be through the Suez Canal. In case of non-availability of services for passage through the Canal, the ship will sail around the Cape of Good Hope to India.

Could you please tell us about your family? How did they react to the news that you were appointed as the Commissioning Officer of Vikramaditya?

They felt very happy and honoured by the trust and faith reposed on me by our Navy.

What rules do you follow during important periods of your life and when you have to take individual decisions?

Work honestly and sincerely in the best interest of the Navy and the nation always. What's good for the ship and Navy is good for all. Train and work hard as a team always, it's the team and the ship that matter most. Forward planning and optimal utilisation of resources is key to success. Finally it's the men behind the machine who are important. Indian Navy has excellent professionals who are ever willing and ready for any challenge, anywhere, anytime. It's an honour to be part of such a force.

What memories will you keep about the time in Severodvinsk? Would you like to come back here again? For example to take a look at a cedar which you have planted yourself....

Severodvinsk has been a home away from home. The hospitality, respect and warmth that have been bestowed upon me in this maritime town has been unforgettable. I am sure that I will always remember Severodvinsk for the rest of my life. I would definitely like to come here again at some point of time and take a look at the cedar I have planted!

 

[lookieloo]

Yes, Vikramaditya is very vulnerable. Every air-craft carrier is, if it is just by itself. Regarding the radar, I do not know for sure, but I do believe there exist weapons that can take it out or cripple it. It should operate as part of a battle-group.

With surface escorts, I don't think the IN has much to worry about vs air-attack (at least not much more than a US battlegroup). I'd be more concerned with submarine threats as India comes up a bit short in the SSN department. Only nuclear-powered attack boats can effectively escort a ship like Vikramaditya; SSKs simply don't have the speed/endurance to keep up.

 

[Neil]

its posted before i guess... but still...

 

[arnabmit]

The starboard strip beside the island is really not big enough to accommodate fighters. There seems to be some permanent structures (orange circles) and the loading cranes (red circles).

For it to accommodate fighters, the deck would have to be extended further (black lines) and the loading cranes relocated more outboard.

@Decklander any idea what those covered structures are (orange circles)?

hope they use the space as shown here

 

[Decklander]

They are the davits/cranes for lifting up stores or other stuff. The covered equipment cud be chaff launchers or someother equipment. I am not aware of what they are.