INS Vikrant - India's first indigenous aircraft carrier launched
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INS Vikrant
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India's first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant launced today at Kochi Shipyard. It is the biggest warship built in the country. India today entered into elite group of nation including US, Russia, Britain and France capable of designing and building a carrier of this size.
Indian Defence minister it was an "important" first step towards a long journey in the area of warship building for the country.He also pointed out that Indian Navy will be enhanced with latest technological weapon to ensure safety and security to nation.
INS Vikrant will be equipped with modern weapons systems including long range surface-to-air missiles (LR SAM) and close-in weapons system (CIWS).The carrier will carry Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), MiG-29K combat jets and a range of helicopters.
INS Vikrant will be 260 metres in length and 60 metres in breadth .It can attain speeds in excess of 28 knots (56 kilometres per hour) was explained by sources.It can accomodate more than 1500 personnel .This carrier is having a capacity of 40,000 tonnes and above.The 263 metre-long ship is powered with four gas turbines generating 88 MW of power – enough to light up Kochi city.
It has been designed by Directorate of Naval Design and is being built at Cochin Shipyard Limited. INS Vikrant will go for extensive trials in 2016 before being inducted into the Navy by 2018 end.
INS Vikramaditya will also join Indian Navy soon which will strengthen naval capability. Arch rival China has also launched its indigenous Aircraft last year.
