This latest picture of INS Vikrant reveals that arresting cables have already been installed
A week after venturing into the sea, India’s first indigenously-build aircraft carrier IAC Vikrant has returned after completing its third sea trials. During the trials, various equipment in large numbers was tried and tested with training on various systems fitted onboard.
Tweeting about the same, PRO Defence Kochi said that the data from the sea trials will be analysed with mandatory inspection and balance work on the ship. Meanwhile, the indigenous aircraft carrier which will be called INS Vikrant after it enters service with the Indian Navy is likely to be commissioned later this year in August.
The third sea trial which started on Sunday, January 9, witnessed the presence of several scientists of the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, a DRDO facility based at Visakhapatnam.
Notably, the 40-ton aircraft carrier which is also said to be the largest and most complex warship to be built in India completed a five-day maiden voyage in August 2021 and later underwent second sea trials in October.
IAC Vikrant constructed by the Cochin Shipyard Limited has been built at a cost of Rs 23,000 crore and its construction has propelled India into a selective group of countries having capabilities to build state-of-art aircraft carriers. The warship which has over 2,300 compartments has been designed for a crew of around 1,700 people including specialised cabins for women. It will also operate MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 helicopters, MH-60R multi-role helicopters.
Speaking about its dimensions, it is 262 metres long, 62 metres wide and it has a height of 59 metres. Also, the ship has a top speed of around 28 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots with an endurance of about 7,500 nautical miles, informed the Navy officials.
Noting about the capability of the ship, Commander Madhwal said,
“That the ship has been able to carry out basic flying operations from its very first sortie itself is a landmark in Indian warship construction history.”
While India currently has only one aircraft carrier that is INS Vikramaditya, the induction of IAC Vikrant will further supplement the Navy’s defence capabilities.
