India to Launch First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier in 2010

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The Indian Navy will launch its first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) in 2010 and will commission the vessel in 2014, according to Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma.

The vessel can carry 30 aircraft and will include long-range surface-to-air missile systems with multi-function radar and close-in weapon systems.

The IAC will operate a mix of Russian MiG-29K, Ka 31 and light combat aircraft, which are being developed by Hindustan Aeronautics.

The 260m-long and 60m-wide aircraft carrier can accommodate a crew complement of 1,600 and will have an operational range of 8,000 nautical miles and a maximum cruising speed of 28kt.

The Indian Navy is also analysing concept studies for a second indigenous aircraft carrier which will have a displacement capacity of over 50,000t and will be equipped with steam catapults to launch fourth-generation aircraft.

Admiral Verma said that price negotiations with Russia for the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya are in their fourth and final stages.

Currently, the Indian Navy's sole aircraft carrier, the INS Viraat is set to complete 50 years of active service and will undergo another inspection by 2013.

India to Launch First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier in 2010 - Naval Technology

[keysersoze]

The Indian Navy has announced that its first indigenous aircraft carrier, currently being built at Cochin Shipyard, will be launched by the end of 2010 and commissioned by 2014.

Cochin Shipyard chairman Commodore M Jitendran said the construction began in 2006 and 70% of production was complete.

"The vessel will become a mobile air base and can accommodate 30 fighter aircraft like MIG-29 K and Indian-made light combat aircraft," Jitendran said.

The 260m-long, 60m-wide aircraft carrier has a full load displacement of 40,000t and can cruise at a maximum speed of 28kt.

Cochin Shipyard expects to receive a second order for another vessel following the delivery of first aircraft carrier to the Indian Navy.

Currently, the Indian Navy has one operational carrier the INS Viraat, which is scheduled to be phased out in 2015.