INS Vikrant Aircraft Carrier (IAC)

[pmaitra]

We got some really nice pictures of INS Vikramaditya, thanks to Oleg Kuleshov aka @KuleshovOleg.

I hope someone does the same thing with the IAC. I am not sure whether it will be allowed. I would like to see more pictures of how the fittings are being done in the IAC.

@Shaitan, waiting for pictures from you.

 

[kstriya]

Just why would you wanna do that? It wouldn't make any sense.
That said the answer is no!
A LHD/LDP needs a well deck and facilities to store vehicles and men for transit, neither of which a carrier has. A carrier can be used as a rudimentary helicopter troop carrier at best.

Guys think out of the box, what is the displacement of Juan Carlos class and Vikrant class. Why just can't we modify the hull to suit a LHD/LDP. We can have a hybrid vessel.

 

[tarunraju]

Guys think out of the box, what is the displacement of Juan Carlos class and Vikrant class. Why just can't we modify the hull to suit a LHD/LDP. We can have a hybrid vessel.

Because the draught of an aircraft carrier is too low compared to an LHD (i.e. its top-deck is too close to the sea compared to an LHD). You have barely 3-4 decks between the flight-deck and the plimsoll, not including the hangar. Also, an AC (due to that draught) is unfit for shallow/littorals. The draught is necessary for the ramps and bays at the aft/stern. You can barely push RHIBs or very light patrol boats out of an AC. The decks in an AC don't have enough support structure to hold heavy vehicles like MBTs.

 

[WolfPack86]

india largest aircraft carrier ever build in india

 

[Abhi9]

INS Vikrant construction at full pace with ALH

 

[bengalraider]

watch near 0.51 for a glimpse of what the IN Supercarrier could look like.

 

[cobra commando]

Government targets to deliver India's first indigenous aircraft carrier by 2018 end

India's first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant is on its way to be delivered to the Navy in December, 2018, government said on Friday. Undocked in June this year at Cochin Shipyard Limited, the construction of the first of the two planned Vikrant-class future aircraft carrier began in 2008 . Replying to a question in Lok Sabha, Minister of State for defence Rao Inderjit Singh said that there has been a delay in the work of constructing the carrier mainly due to non-availability of warship grade steel, delayed ordering of Propulsion System Integration and delay in Russian approvals for design and equipment supply. "The targeted date of delivery to Indian Navy is December, 2018," he said. The indigenous aircraft carrier has been undocked post completion of underwater structural work and the government has approved revision of cost of project to Rs.19,341 Crores, the minister added. Once completed, the 40,000 tonne aircraft, which has been designed by Indian Navy's Directorate of Naval Design, will make India join the coveted club of the USA, UK, France and Russia – the only countries that design and make these ships on their own. India currently operates two aircraft carriers, INS Viraat and INS Vikramaditya.

Government targets to deliver India's first indigenous aircraft carrier by 2018 end

 

[Gessler]

The island superstructure seems almost finished. Save for installation of radar and internal systems (?).

 

[SajeevJino]

.

Eager to see the Selex AESA along with the splited MF STAR

 

[cobra commando]

CNS being received at INS Garuda

Admiral RK Dhowan,PVSM,AVSM,YSM,ADC the Chief of Naval Staff arrived Kochi on 16 Jan16 to review the progress of the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) ‘Vikrant ‘under construction at Cochin Shipyard limited (CSL). He was received by Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba, PVSM, AVSM, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command at the naval air station INS Garuda on his arrival.

The Admiral, accompanied by the FOC-in-C South visited the CSL in the afternoon where he had a walk around of the ship to have a firsthand appreciation of the progress of work onboard and was briefed on the various milestone activities of construction. At the shipyard, he also held discussions with Shri Madhu S Nair, Chairman and Managing Director, CSL and other senior officials of Navy and CSL which included Vice Admiral GS Pabby, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition (CWPA).

‘Vikrant’ is the first aircraft carrier to be indigenously built in the country, the keel of which was laid in Feb 2009. The ship was launched in Aug 2013 with the completion of the Hull construction and is expected to be delivered by end 2018. The Indian Navy currently operates two aircraft carrier, INS Viraat (procured from UK) and INS Vikramaditya (procured from Russia) out of which INS Viraat is likely to be decommissioned in the near future CNS will depart Kochi on 17 Jan 16.

CNS Reviews the Progress of the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier ‘Vikrant‘ in Kochi

 

[archie]

Because the draught of an aircraft carrier is too low compared to an LHD (i.e. its top-deck is too close to the sea compared to an LHD). You have barely 3-4 decks between the flight-deck and the plimsoll, not including the hangar. Also, an AC (due to that draught) is unfit for shallow/littorals. The draught is necessary for the ramps and bays at the aft/stern. You can barely push RHIBs or very light patrol boats out of an AC. The decks in an AC don't have enough support structure to hold heavy vehicles like MBTs.

Guys think out of the box, what is the displacement of Juan Carlos class and Vikrant class. Why just can't we modify the hull to suit a LHD/LDP. We can have a hybrid vessel.

What about the stability of the vessels wont that be a factor? AC pretty much have a 30 tons crashing into the deck every time a aircraft lands. im guessing LHD's wont have that tight stability requirements

 

[Gessler]

It seems the Vikran't flight deck has been cleaned up. Image taken last month.

 

[wuzetian]

bharat karnad writes-

Navy’s carrier design blunder and future of SHAR air wing
Posted on January 30, 2016 by Bharat Karnad
On Indian Navy again. A knowledgeable source notes that the Vikrant-class carriers, starting with IAC-1, being built at the Hindustan Shipyard in Kochi, have a grievous design flaw that need immediate rectification, failing which they will be disabled from participating effectively in amphibious actions. Specifically, the carrier lacks the ability to support such operations. In contrast the INS Viraat (ex-HMS Hermes) has multiple davits (crane-like machines) that help host four LCVPs (landing vessels) and carry a complement of 750 Special Forces troops with equipment. The new Vikrant-class has no such capability. Other than as escort to provide air cover in expeditionary, or from-the-sea, kind of operations, they lack the multi-role capacity for different kind of seaborne missions. At a time when specialized, single mission, platforms are cost-prohibitive, there’s no option — even at this late date — than to suitably modify at least the follow-up carrier of the same class. Until that happens, the navy will have to consider if somehow keeping the Viraat operational for purely amphibious operations and as anti-submarine warfare ship, which twin tasks were the original remit of the Hermes, makes sense.

Then there’s the matter about the Viraat’s Sea Harrier air wing. Where and how will it be deployed? It perhaps could be shifted to the flagship, INS Vikramaditya. Additionally, the Vikrant-class of ACs could be modified to make it more lethal by having it carry large quantities of Cruise missiles, like the Brahmos or, better still, K-15/Shouryas in containers — an innovation the Russian Navy has already implemented. The question then becomes whether the carrier hull can take it, or will it need considerable strengthening. Cruise missile-arming will make the Indian-made carriers more versatile in an environment where one can expect a much larger, more potent, PLA Navy presence in the Indian Ocean in the years ahead.

This entry was posted in Asian geopolitics, China, China military, Defence Industry, DRDO, Geopolitics, Great Power imperatives, India's strategic thinking and policy, Indian Navy, Indian Ocean, Military Acquisitions, Missiles, Russia, russian military, South Asia, Special Forces, Weapons. Bookmark the permalink.

 

[indiandefencefan]

bharat karnad writes-

Navy’s carrier design blunder and future of SHAR air wing
Posted on January 30, 2016 by Bharat Karnad
On Indian Navy again. A knowledgeable source notes that the Vikrant-class carriers, starting with IAC-1, being built at the Hindustan Shipyard in Kochi, have a grievous design flaw that need immediate rectification, failing which they will be disabled from participating effectively in amphibious actions. Specifically, the carrier lacks the ability to support such operations. In contrast the INS Viraat (ex-HMS Hermes) has multiple davits (crane-like machines) that help host four LCVPs (landing vessels) and carry a complement of 750 Special Forces troops with equipment. The new Vikrant-class has no such capability. Other than as escort to provide air cover in expeditionary, or from-the-sea, kind of operations, they lack the multi-role capacity for different kind of seaborne missions. At a time when specialized, single mission, platforms are cost-prohibitive, there’s no option — even at this late date — than to suitably modify at least the follow-up carrier of the same class. Until that happens, the navy will have to consider if somehow keeping the Viraat operational for purely amphibious operations and as anti-submarine warfare ship, which twin tasks were the original remit of the Hermes, makes sense.

Then there’s the matter about the Viraat’s Sea Harrier air wing. Where and how will it be deployed? It perhaps could be shifted to the flagship, INS Vikramaditya. Additionally, the Vikrant-class of ACs could be modified to make it more lethal by having it carry large quantities of Cruise missiles, like the Brahmos or, better still, K-15/Shouryas in containers — an innovation the Russian Navy has already implemented. The question then becomes whether the carrier hull can take it, or will it need considerable strengthening. Cruise missile-arming will make the Indian-made carriers more versatile in an environment where one can expect a much larger, more potent, PLA Navy presence in the Indian Ocean in the years ahead.

This entry was posted in Asian geopolitics, China, China military, Defence Industry, DRDO, Geopolitics, Great Power imperatives, India's strategic thinking and policy, Indian Navy, Indian Ocean, Military Acquisitions, Missiles, Russia, russian military, South Asia, Special Forces, Weapons. Bookmark the permalink.

Just my personal opinion, but if the author of the article does not even know that the Viraat is being de-commissioned BECAUSE THE HARRIERS ARE TOO OLD TO FLY anymore, he should be fired as a defence analyst.

 

[lookieloo]

Just my personal opinion, but if the author of the article does not even know that the Viraat is being de-commissioned BECAUSE THE HARRIERS ARE TOO OLD TO FLY anymore, he should be fired as a defence analyst.

In addition, the Viraat was rebuilt as a "commando carrier" whilst still in British service as HMS Hermes, intended to work as a makeshift amphib. Vikrant, as a fleet carrier, has no such requirement as amphibs are being pursued separately. Bharat Karnad (whoever that is) just made a complete idiot of himself.

 

[archie]

There are other ships to take that role why task AC ??

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_amphibious_warfare_ships

 

[Gessler]

bharat karnad writes-

Navy’s carrier design blunder and future of SHAR air wing
Posted on January 30, 2016 by Bharat Karnad

Lol, Bharat Karnad. That fool! I remember him.

On Indian Navy again. A knowledgeable source notes that the Vikrant-class carriers, starting with IAC-1, being built at the Hindustan Shipyard in Kochi,

Vikrant is being built at the Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL) building dock in Kochi.

Hindustan Shipyard is in Vizag, on the other friggin' side of India!

have a grievous design flaw that need immediate rectification, failing which they will be disabled from participating effectively in amphibious actions. Specifically, the carrier lacks the ability to support such operations. In contrast the INS Viraat (ex-HMS Hermes) has multiple davits (crane-like machines) that help host four LCVPs (landing vessels) and carry a complement of 750 Special Forces troops with equipment. The new Vikrant-class has no such capability. Other than as escort to provide air cover in expeditionary, or from-the-sea, kind of operations, they lack the multi-role capacity for different kind of seaborne missions. At a time when specialized, single mission, platforms are cost-prohibitive, there’s no option — even at this late date — than to suitably modify at least the follow-up carrier of the same class. Until that happens, the navy will have to consider if somehow keeping the Viraat operational for purely amphibious operations and as anti-submarine warfare ship, which twin tasks were the original remit of the Hermes, makes sense.

As @lookieloo said, the Hermes was basically a STOVL ship designed to support amphibious operations. Much like HMS Ocean. Modern Indian Navy requirements call for proper STOBAR carriers able to operate air-superiority aircraft. Now even Vikrant CAN theoretically support a limited amphibious role if you funnel Marines into the lower decks...but that's why IN has a tender open for 4 dedicated LHDs!

If one listens to Karnad, he should also be worried that Vikrant or even Vikramaditya does not come with a huge cruise missile arsenal like the old Admiral Gorshkov did!

Cuz we don't NEED an aircraft carrier with cruise missiles on it! That ain't our doctrine, or anyone's doctrine anymore.

Then there’s the matter about the Viraat’s Sea Harrier air wing. Where and how will it be deployed? It perhaps could be shifted to the flagship, INS Vikramaditya.

Sea Harriers are way too old to be kept around anymore. The day Viraat is retired, Harriers will also be retired. Some flying at airshows is all they're likely to do thereafter.

The ongoing International Fleet Review event is likely to be the last heyday for Viraat & it's air-wing.

Additionally, the Vikrant-class of ACs could be modified to make it more lethal by having it carry large quantities of Cruise missiles, like the Brahmos or, better still, K-15/Shouryas in containers — an innovation the Russian Navy has already implemented. The question then becomes whether the carrier hull can take it, or will it need considerable strengthening.

The reason why Viraat is being retired is because it's gotten TOO GODDAMN OLD. Any idea how much it's going to cost to modify the old hull so much? Even if you do is it gonna be worth it? Better to build a new carrier.

You wouldn't believe how many times the Viraat has already been refitted at CSL. Till recently it used to sit right beside the under-construction Vikrant at CSL in a neighboring berth undergoing maintenance.

Cruise missile-arming will make the Indian-made carriers more versatile in an environment where one can expect a much larger, more potent, PLA Navy presence in the Indian Ocean in the years ahead.

Or better still, stock it up to the brim with explosives and set it on a collision course to Dalian shipyards in China. One old carrier down for us, one new carrier down for China!

This Karnad guy is a lemon.

 

[Anikastha]

It seems the Vikran't flight deck has been cleaned up. Image taken last month.

This babe looks smaller than vikramaditya..Isn't?

 

[Gessler]

This babe looks smaller than vikramaditya..Isn't?

Yes, it has smaller dimensions (length of ship) and displaces around 5,000 tons less.

But the design is very modern and space-efficient, allowing it to carry a bigger number of aircraft than Vikramaditya. The sleek island design offers around 2,000 square meters bigger flight deck than Vikramaditya. The engines are also of the gas-turbine type, a street ahead of the steam boilers you find on the ex-Gorshkov.

Radars, electronics, combat-management systems, everything is considerably newer & better in comparison.

 

[Gessler]

Good bye, Viraat!

Rest, boy, rest.