Navy mulls nuclear propulsion for carriers
India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, Vikrant, is under construction at the Kochi Shipyard
The Indian Navy’s design bureau is favourably considering nuclear propulsion for the second, and possibly a third, indigenous aircraft carrier.
Although the final decision is yet to be taken, sources told India Strategic that the navy and the country’s nuclear scientists have drawn sufficient experience from their success in installing nuclear propulsion in Arihant, the country’s first SSBN (ship submersible ballistic nuclear) submarine (or nuclear-propelled, nucleararmed submarine), which is currently undergoing sea trials, and that is encouraging them to replicate the technology for indigenous aircraft carriers.
Currently, according to the navy chief, Admiral Robin Dhowan, the Naval Design Bureau (NDB) is working towards designing a 60,000-65,000 tonne aircraft carrier — which will be the biggest vessel to be constructed in the country — and that two major systems under consideration are nuclear propulsion and the new generation aircraft launch system, EMALS (Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch and Recovery System), from the US General Atomics. But there is no final decision yet on either.
First of its kind
India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, IAC-I or Vikrant ,is under construction at the Kochi Shipyard for delivery by end2018 and it is to be propelled by four LM2500 gas turbine engines from the US GE. Nuclear power is being considered for the second, called IAC-II and likely to be named Vishal. It is planned for induction in 2029.
There is also the strong possibility of another indigenous carrier, While the has a ski-jump to launch aircraft, IAC-II and will likely use the EMALS to catapult aircraft from short distances of the carrier decks.
The Indian Navy is looking at three aircraft carriers to ensure 24x7 operations with two Carrier Battle Groups. Arihant has successfully completed several propulsion and diving trials and is conducting a series of final tests. Subject to the success, it will be given a warship pennant number, declared it is operational, and cleared for participation in the International Fleet Review scheduled for February 2016.