INS Vikrant Aircraft Carrier (IAC)

Crusader53

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IAC-3 might be nuclear powered Aircraft carrier


BY:Ajay Naik security Editorial Panel For Security Magazine

Chinese venture in to building fleet of aircraft carrier for their naval surface fleet might throw in different plans for Indian navy , Chinese who are already working on a 50000 ton STOBAR carrier known has "Shi Lam", which was earlier known has Varyag, a unfinished Soviet air craft carrier based on Kuznetzov carrier class which Russia currently operates .

China have plans to build four more aircraft carriers of similar class two been conventional and other two been nuclear powered which will enable the Chinese navy to operate its carriers far away from it home naval base ,and armed with three dozen Sukhoi-33 or Naval J-10 variant will have enough punch to showcase its capabilities in international waters .

While at home work on IAC-1 which has been named INS Vikrant has been under construction for a while in Kochi which will be launched by 2012 and will be operational few years later, IAC-2 has already been told will be a CATOBAR aircraft carrier with 65000 ton and plans are there to operate Fixed wings aircrafts like AEW (HAWK EYE 2D) and also ASW aircrafts.

While IAC-3 which will be launched by 2018 and to be deployed by 2025 will be replacement carrier for INS Vikramaditya which will only have service life of 20 to 25 years when inducted by 2012 . Recent discussion with a serving naval officer has disclosed that nuclear propulsion might be used to power the third aircraft carrier.



IAC-3 might be nuclear powered Aircraft carrier

Nuclear is the only way to go for Large Aircraft Carriers. Really, it would make more sense for the IAC-2 and IAC-3 to be of the same design. Better to delay IAC-2 by a couple years. Then to have two or three different types................
 

pmaitra

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Nuclear is the only way to go for Large Aircraft Carriers. Really, it would make more sense for the IAC-2 and IAC-3 to be of the same design. Better to delay IAC-2 by a couple years. Then to have two or three different types................
Although it is true that a Nuclear powered Aircraft Carrier makes more sense, it should be complimented with a fleet of other ships (battleships, submaires etc.) that will not run out of puff (unless they are Nuclear powered themselves). Aircraft Carriers need protection and if few of the accompanying ships have to return for refueling, the Aircraft Carrier will also have to stick to the battle-group, and return as well. Operating close to the Indian Peninsula, Nuclear propulsion for Aircraft Carriers do not add a significant advantage. India doesn't quite have a Blue Water Navy yet.

India currently has no plans of deploying a large number of Nuclear powered ships and the focus at the moment seems to be the Arihant Class submarines. Hence, Nuclear propulsion for Aircraft Carriers seems rather redundant at the moment.

For future, however, it is a good idea.
 

Crusader53

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Although it is true that a Nuclear powered Aircraft Carrier makes more sense, it should be complimented with a fleet of other ships (battleships, submaires etc.) that will not run out of puff (unless they are Nuclear powered themselves). Aircraft Carriers need protection and if few of the accompanying ships have to return for refueling, the Aircraft Carrier will also have to stick to the battle-group, and return as well. Operating close to the Indian Peninsula, Nuclear propulsion for Aircraft Carriers do not add a significant advantage. India doesn't quite have a Blue Water Navy yet.

India currently has no plans of deploying a large number of Nuclear powered ships and the focus at the moment seems to be the Arihant Class submarines. Hence, Nuclear propulsion for Aircraft Carriers seems rather redundant at the moment.

For future, however, it is a good idea.

Yes, I was just stating that the IAC-2 and follow on Carriers. Should be Nuclear Powered..............Of course a couple SSN's would be ideal to screen the Carriers. Regardless, the other escorts can be Conventionally Powered.
 

pmaitra

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Yes, I was just stating that the IAC-2 and follow on Carriers. Should be Nuclear Powered..............Of course a couple SSN's would be ideal to screen the Carriers. Regardless, the other escorts can be Conventionally Powered.
Nuclear powered ships in the US Navy (current):
  • Cruisers: 9
  • Aircraft Carriers: 11
  • Submarines: 72

The advantage of Nuclear propulsion is that they do not need frequent refueling. The US Navy can support it's Aircraft Carriers with a good complement of ships. I doubt if only 2 SSNs will be good enough to screen a couple of potential Indian Nuclear Aircraft Carriers.

IMHO, India should have Nuclear Aircraft Carriers with Nuclear support ships, Cruisers, Submarines etc.. However, if India is not going to build the support ships, then building Nuclear Aircraft Carriers will be redundant.

India's focus is to build a Nuclear undersea ballistic missile launch platform as a second-strike against threats. Hence, Arihant class will be the main focus. In the intervening time, it seems India will go ahead with conventional propulsion for it's Aircraft Carriers. However, India will do good to design them in a way that they can be converted to Nuclear propulsion in the future.

N.B.: Many of the US Navy N-Submarines are not part of any battle-group. Yet, a significant number remain in battle-groups.
 
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pmaitra

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We need to take the best of both and form a new doctrine. Remember, overspending is not the way; smart spending is.

3 carriers (with 4th one kept as a backup in the dock additionally) is MORE THAN ENOUGH for surface air power. We will be needing at least 30+ diesel electric submarines, ALL DESI, along with 5-8 SSBNs to make China think 10 times before invading us. For Pakistan, 1 carrier and 2 submarines are enough.
I like that idea. India needs to sustain her economic growth from which will follow more affordability of a large Naval fleet of Aircraft Carriers and it's retinue of battle-group ships and submarines.

Ideally, we should have 5 Aircraft Carriers, 3 active and 2 in the docks (in a positive way).

Currently, we should have 4 Aircraft Carriers, 3 active and 1 in the docks (in a positive way).

Our aim is not global power projection; it is SECURITY, CONTROL and COMPLETE OWNERSHIP of INDIAN OCEAN.
True. Not global power projection, but definitely in the Indian Ocean region. We have to keep our trading lines and oil routes safe, fight piracy, keep an eye on Chinese activities and we should be able to extend a helping hand to the Indian diaspora in Malaysia, East Africa, South Africa, Mauritius, Fiji etc..
 

shuvo@y2k10

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i think india should have 2 medium carriers(40-50k tons),1 large carrier(65k),3 super carriers(nuclear powered-90-100k tons)by 2030
 

Parthy

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I don't think we should have as many as AC... There should be a balance between the surface fleet and submarine flleet.. We already know our submarine fleet is completely depleted. :angry_6:Most no's under refit or in decks..:emot154: Lets build more Hunter/Killer submarines and send it for hunting down Enemy surface fleets....:happy_7:
 

Arahan

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well its wise to have 4 nuclear carrier battle group with balanced surface and sub-surface fleet by 2025.... gotta speed-up our production rates.. give contracts to private ship builders like L&T and pipavav.... rather tan rlyin completely on cochin or garden shipbuilders..:emot154:
 

pmaitra

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well its wise to have 4 nuclear carrier battle group with balanced surface and sub-surface fleet by 2025.... gotta speed-up our production rates.. give contracts to private ship builders like L&T and pipavav.... rather tan rlyin completely on cochin or garden shipbuilders..:emot154:
I am in favour of private participation as you have rightly stated.

However, GRSE is out of the question because they specialise in hovercrafts, landing ships, patrol boats, frigates and corvettes. They might have the technical knowhow, but they will have a hard time building an Aircraft Carrier given their location on the Hoogly river.
 

nitesh

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A ship going to run with aviation engines

Indigenous Aircraft Carrier’s nucleus ready - India - DNA

The nucleus of Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC), India's first ship being built using the modular construction (block-building) method, is ready. The engine and diesel generator rooms and two of the 21 blocks of the 40,000-tonne vessel, designed by the navy's directorate of naval design, have been completed.

The 260-metre-long and 60-metre-broad gas turbine ship will be powered by four American GE LM 2500 aviation engines which generate 80 MW, enough to attain speed in excess of 28 knots. The vessel, which is expected to be ready by 2013, will have six generators of three mega Watts each.
........................................................................
 

plugwater

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India's indigenous aircraft carrier taking shape

The nucleus of Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC), India's first ship being built using the modular construction (block-building) method, is ready. The engine and diesel generator rooms and two of the 21 blocks of the 40,000-tonne vessel, designed by the navy's directorate of naval design, have been completed.

The 260-metre-long and 60-metre-broad gas turbine ship will be powered by four American GE LM 2500 aviation engines which generate 80 MW, enough to attain speed in excess of 28 knots. The vessel, which is expected to be ready by 2013, will have six generators of three mega Watts each.

A source said the blocks being made separately will come up vertically till a certain length. After which a long flight deck, capable of operating Russian MiG-29K, Ka-31 and the indigenous naval light combat aircraft Tejas, will be laid on them.

The keel of the ship being manufactured by Cochin Shipyard was laid in February 2009 by the defence minister, after the government sanctioned its design and construction in January 2003. The vessel will have two take-off runways and a landing strip with three arrester wires. It will have the capacity to carry a maximum of 30 aircraft with sufficient hangars to house them.

IAC's construction has been planned in two phases. The first phase covers work up to the first launch by the end of this year, while the second phase would cover all remaining work till its delivery for sea trials towards the end of 2013


India's indigenous aircraft carrier taking shape
 

StealthSniper

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Displacement Standard -
Full Load - 37,500 -40,000 tons
Length 252-260 meters
Beam 55-60 meters
Draft 8.4 meters
Propulsion four GE LM2500 gas turbines 80 MW
Top speed 30 knots [1999 estimate]
28 knots [2005 estimate]
Endurance 7,500 nautical miles / 45 days
Crew 1300 personnel [1999 estimate]
160 officers and 1,400 sailors
Capacity 25 aircraft [1999 estimate]
# 30 aircraft MiG-29K
# Kamov 31
 

smartindian

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LM2500 Marine Gas Turbine



LM2500 marine gas turbine is a simple-cycle, two-shaft, high-performance engine. Derived from GE's TF39 and CF6-6 aircraft engines,the LM2500 consists of a gas generator, a power turbine, attached fuel and lube oil pumps, a fuel control and speed governing system, associated inlet and exhaust sections, lube and scavenge systems as well as controls and devices for starting and monitoring engine operation. The LM2500 has four major components a16stage, 18:1 pressure ratio-compressor with seven stages of variable stators and inlet guide vanes;a fully annular combustor with externally mounted fuel nozzles; a two stage, air-cooled high-pressure turbine which drives the compressor and the accessory-drive gearbox; and a six-stage, aerodynamically coupled, low-pressure power turbine which is driven by the gas generator's high-energy exhaust gas flow.
Easy to install and maintain, the LM2500 features the following: a simple modular design, marine corrosion-resistant materials and minimum size, weight and space requirements per horsepower. The LM2500 delivers high thermal efficiency and low fuel and airflow per horsepower.The LM2500 marine gas turbine is frequently housed in a high-shockresistant, thermal, acoustic enclosure and mounting base. The enclosure attenuates noise in the engine room and provides sensors for inlet icing and fire detection. It also houses fire extinguishing equipment. GE furnishes these modules for the United States Navy and other navies. The modules can be equipped with either resilient shock mounts or hard mounts. Resilient shock mounts not only provide mechanical safeguards, they also are important for absorbing structure-borne noises and reducing the ship's noise signature.
Pre-wired, pre-piped and factory tested for easy installation, the LM2500 module weighs just 48,000 pounds (22,000 kg) with shock mounts and45,500 pounds (20,639 kg) without. It requires only 324 x 108 x 120 cubicinches of ship space (27 x 9 x 10 feet) (8.23 x 2.74 x 3.05 m). The inletduct flow area is 48 square feet and the exhaust duct flow area is36 square feet (3.34 sq m).

The simple modular design of the LM2500 incorporates many features which maximize shipboard maintainability and minimize parts replacement downtime, such as a split compressor casing, in-place blade and vane replacement, in-place hot section maintenance and accessible external fuel nozzles.


Performance-output 33,600 shp (25,060 kW)

SFC .373 lb/shp-hr

Heat rate 6,860 Btu/shp-hr
9,200 Btu/kWs-hr
9,705 kJ/kWs-hr
Exhaust gas flow 155 lb/sec (70.5 kg/sec)
Exhaust gas temperature 1,051°F (566°C)
Power turbine speed 3600 rpm

Average performance, 60 Hz, 59°F, sea level, 60% relative humidity,
no inlet/exhaust losses

Four LM2500 Marine Gas turbines will power IAC 1
 
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smartindian

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NEW DELHI: Progressing towards self-reliance in the defence industry, India's first indigenous aircraft carrier will be in the waters by 2011,

Indian Navy chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta said Wednesday.

The under-construction aircraft carrier will be ready in two years.

"Our indigenous aircraft carrier is being constructed in Kochi. It has been three years since the work started. On Feb 28, what we call keel laying of the carrier will take place," Mehta told reporters here.

The building of a ship can be divided into seven phases: design, construction planning, work prior to keel laying, ship erection, launching, final outfitting, and sea trials.

"Many of the parts have already been constructed. My estimate is that it should be in the water in two years," Mehta said.

The aircraft carrier is expected to have 40,000 tonne displacement capacity at an estimated cost of Rs.3,000 crore (Rs.30 billion).

The Indian Navy is currently operating only one full deck aircraft carrier, the INS Viraat, also the only one being operated by a country in Asia or Western Pacific. In a bid to become a true-blue water navy, the Indian Navy is expected to operate three aircraft carriers by 2015.
The ship has a length of 260 m and maximum breadth of 60 m. The ship will be propelled by two shafts, each coupled to two LM2500 Gas Turbines developing a total power of 80 MW, sufficient to attain speeds in excess of 28 knots. The ship has an endurance of around 8,000 NM and complement of 1600. The ship will have two take off runways and a landing strip with 3 arrester wires. It can carry a maximum of 30 aircraft with adequate hangarage capacity. The carrier is designed with a very high degree of automation for machinery operation, ship navigation and survivability.

The production of Indigenous Aircraft Carrier commenced in November 2006 and large numbers of blocks have already been fabricated, which are under erection. Major equipment to be installed in lower decks of the ship have been ordered. The ship is being constructed using high strength steel developed in-house with the help of DRDO and SAIL. Long Range Surface to Air Missile (LR SAM) system with Multi-Function Radar (MFR) and Close- In Weapon System (CIWS) is envisaged for the carrier. The ship will be equipped with the most modern C/D band early Air Warning Radar, V/UHF Tactical Air Navigational and Direction Finding systems. The carrier would also be having jamming capabilities over the expected Electro Magnetic (EM) environment, along with Carrier Control Approach Radars to aid air operations. Integration of all weapon systems onboard the carrier would be through an indigenous Combat Management System (CMS).The ship�s integration with Navy�s Network Centric Operations would provide force multiplication.

Design of this prestigious ship has been undertaken by the Directorate of Naval Design (DND) which has an experience of over 40 years in successfully designing 17 different classes of warships, to which around 90 ships have already been built within the country. It is also pertinent to mention that DND is the only government organisation in the world today undertaking indigenous design of warships. Delhi class destroyers are the biggest warships built so far by indigenous design. These ships are operating successfully over last 10 years and have demonstrated their design superiority when INS Delhi withstood extremely adverse weather conditions and high sea states while encountering typhoons during the ship�s passage in the South China Sea in 1995.

M/s CSL was chosen for building Indigenous Aircraft Carrier, based on its modern infrastructural facilities. Though this is the maiden venture for CSL in warship construction, the shipyard has been involved in commercial shipbuilding for the past three decades. In order to optimize on build period of IAC, CSL has been provided with over Rs 200 Crores to augment infrastructure in areas such as large cranes, workshops, heavy duty machinery etc.

The ship construction is planned in two phases. The First phase covers work up to first launch in end 2010. The second phase would cover all balance work till delivery of the ship to the Navy in end 2014. Assistance for propulsion system integration and aviation aspects have been taken from M/s Fincantieri of Italy and M/s NDB of Russia respectively.
 

StealthSniper

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I hope nothing goes wrong when we acquire the GE engines from America. It will be better if we have more indigenous components on our warships (especially critical components) so we won't be at risk of sanctions later.
 

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