Image source: topwar.ru
The future flagship of one of the fleets of the Indian Navy, the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, has completed the next stage of sea trials, already the fourth in a row. This is reported by the Indian press with reference to the command of the Indian Navy.
The aircraft carrier returned from another sea launch, during which most of the ship's onboard systems were tested, including a complex of aviation equipment. According to the Indian military, INS Vikrant will make another trip to the sea, apparently a control one, after which it will be prepared for transfer to the fleet. Previously, the launch will take place at the end of July, the transfer of the aircraft carrier - in August.
Sea trials of the first independent aircraft carrier built by India began almost a year ago, the ship independently went to sea in early August 2021. The second stage of the tests took place in October, the third - in January of this year.
According to the plans of the Indian Navy announced last year, the aircraft carrier will go to Visakhapatnam on the east coast, where it will become subordinate to the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy.
Displacement – 37,500 tons, hull length – 262 meters, width – 62 meters. Four LM2500+ gas turbines with a capacity of more than 80 MW (110,000 hp) are installed. The speed is up to 28 knots. The cruising range is 7,500 nautical miles. The crew is 1560 people. The armament consists of four Italian 76-mm artillery complexes, two vertical launch launchers of the "Barak-1" and "Barak-8" of Israeli production, Russian AK-630 anti-aircraft artillery complexes. The aircraft carrier can carry 26 fighters and 10 helicopters on board. The basis of the wing will be either the French Rafale-M, or the American F / A-18E Super Hornet. The final decision on the choice of a carrier-based fighter is promised to be made in the near future.
