In News
- India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier is all set to be part of the naval fleet.
- It will be part of the naval fleet as INS Vikrant, taking on the name, the crest and pennant number (R11) of India’s first aircraft carrier.
AboutÂ
- Development
- The project got under way in 2007 and the keel was laid in 2009.Â
- The 262-metre-long ship, with a full displacement of about 45,000 tonnes, is powered by four gas turbines with a capacity of 88 MW and can cruise at speeds of up to 28 knots.
- CapabilityÂ
- The carrier can take on nearly 30 aircraft, both fixed-wing and helicopters, of assorted variety.Â
- Initially, it will be the MiG-29K fighters and Ka-31 helicopters that will be operating from the ship.Â
- Depending on the government’s decision, INS Vikrant could get Rafale (M) or F-18 Super Hornet fighters.
- The MH-60R multi-role helicopters that have already been delivered to India will join the air arm of the carrier, once inducted.Â
- The ship will be manned by nearly 1,700 personnel under the Commanding Officer (designate) Commodore Vidhyadhar Harke.Â
- SignificanceÂ
- The significance of INS Vikrant is that it gave a fillip to indigenisation of ship-building materials and processes.Â
Source:TH
