The first Indian aircraft carrier "Vikrant" has successfully passed mooring tests, according to the portal N+1. Experts checked the operation of its four LM2500 gas turbine engines, transmission, variable stroke propellers and control system.
The steering drive, air conditioning systems, pumping system, fire extinguishing equipment, generators and power systems, and deck equipment were also checked.
The ship will then be tested at sea, which the Indian Navy plans to start in the first half of 2021. At sea, experts check how the ship's onboard equipment works in real conditions, whether it meets the characteristics laid down in the project, including speed, stability and seaworthiness.
Vikrant was started in 2009. In 2013, it was launched, and in 2015 it was removed from the dock for completion at the mooring wall. It was originally planned to complete it and conduct mooring and sea trials before the end of 2015, but later these terms were shifted.
The ship is designed according to the STOBAR scheme (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recoverw - short take-off, aerial landing). With a length of 262 meters and a width of 60 meters, the vessel has a displacement of 40,000 tons. The aircraft carrier can reach speeds of up to 28 knots, and a range of eight thousand nautical miles or 14,800 kilometers.
Vikrant also has four 30-and 76-millimeter artillery pieces and anti-aircraft missile launchers. The ship's air group will include 40 aircraft, including 15 Russian MiG-29K fighters.
Yana Shamayeva
