Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday congratulated the Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard Limited for the maiden sea trial of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) Vikrant. With a planned induction of Vikrant in less than a year, India is set to join a select group of countries having the capability to indigenously design and build an aircraft carrier. Taking to Twitter, PM Modi said that Vikrant is a “wonderful example” of the country’s quest for the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
"The Indigenous Aircraft Carrier 'Vikrant', designed by Indian Navy's Design Team and built by @cslcochin, undertook its maiden sea sortie today. A wonderful example of @makeinindia. Congratulations to @indiannavy and @cslcochin on this historic milestone," the prime minister posted on Twitter, along with the images of Vikrant.
Earlier today, the ministry of defence said in a statement that the warship has been designed with a “very high degree of automation for machinery operation, ship navigation and survivability.” “This is a major milestone activity and historical event. Reaching this milestone is significant as they have been achieved barring the current pandemic challenges and imponderables,” it added.
{{/usCountry}}Earlier today, the ministry of defence said in a statement that the warship has been designed with a “very high degree of automation for machinery operation, ship navigation and survivability.” “This is a major milestone activity and historical event. Reaching this milestone is significant as they have been achieved barring the current pandemic challenges and imponderables,” it added.
{{/usCountry}}Watch: First made-in-India aircraft carrier Vikrant begins sea trials
Here’s all you need to know about India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier:
- Vikrant is named after the Majestic-class aircraft carrier which was operated by the Indian Navy from 1961 to 1997.
- With a flight deck area covering the size of two football fields, the warship is 262 m long, 62 m at the widest part and a height of 59 m including the superstructure.
- With over 2,300 compartments, the aircraft carrier is designed for a crew of around 1,700 people. Vikrant has also specialised cabins for women officers.
- It can achieve a top speed of around 28 knots and cruising speed to 18 knots, with an endurance of about 7,500 nautical miles.
- The mammoth steel structure of 21,500 tonnes of special grade steel has a displacement of about 40,000 tonnes.