IAC Vikrant completes maiden trial with ‘satisfactory’ results
NEW DELHI: India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) Vikrant on Sunday successfully completed a five-day maiden sea voyage as the performance of the key systems of the 40,000-tonne warship was found to be satisfactory, officials said.
The aircraft carrier, built at a cost of around ₹23,000 crore, set sail on Wednesday for the crucial sea trials ahead of its planned induction into the Indian Navy by August next year.
“Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) ‘Vikrant’ successfully accomplished its maiden sea voyage today. Trials progressed as planned and system parameters proved satisfactory,” said Indian Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal.
He said the ship’s performance, including of the hull, main propulsion, power generation and distribution (PGD) and auxiliary equipment were tested during the sea trials. “Trials, which were reviewed by Vice Admiral AK Chawla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-chief Southern Naval Command on the last day, have progressed as planned and system parameters have been proved satisfactory,” Commander Madhwal said.
The delivery of Vikrant is being targeted to coincide with celebrations to commemorate the 75th anniversary of India’s independence ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, he said.
The warship will operate MIG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 helicopters, MH-60R multi-role helicopters. It has over 2,300 compartments, designed for a crew of around 1700 people, including specialised cabins to accommodate women officers.
The aircraft carrier set off on its maiden sea trials, 50 years after its namesake played a major role in the 1971 war. “The ship with a high degree of automation for machinery operation, ship navigation and survivability, has been designed to accommodate an assortment of fixedwing and rotary aircraft,” the Navy spokesperson said.
INC has a top speed of around 28 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots with an endurance of about 7,500 nautical miles. Its construction began in 2009.
Commander Madhwal said that the successful completion of the maiden trials, despite challenges faced due to the coronavirus pandemic, is a testimony to the dedicated efforts of a large number of stakeholders.