India's First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant Undocked by Cochin Shipyard.

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Naval Forces News - India

India's First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant Undocked by Cochin Shipyard

India on June 10th undocked its first indigenously-built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in the South West of the country. The ship, built at CSL, will now undergo final outfitting followed by a series of sea trials before its induction into the Indian Navy.

India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, undocked at the Cochin Shipyard. Picture: Indian Navy

The launch of the 37,500-tonnes, 260 metres long and is 60 metres wide vessel is behind schedule by three years. It is expected to start its sea trials in 2016 before being commissioned into the Indian Navy by the end 2018 "Almost 90 per cent of works below the fourth deck, all underwater works, is over. Major equipment have gone in. Cabling, piping, electrical works, heat and ventilation works will take place now. Delivery of systems and components for the aviation complex designed by the Russian Nevoske design bureau is expected anytime now," said an official.

India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, undocked at the Cochin Shipyard. Picture: Indian Navy

Maximum speed of the ship is announced at 28 knots, the ship reported range is 7,500 nautical miles at a speed of 18 knots. INS Vikrant is set to receive a large crew complement composed of 160 officers and 1,400 sailors. The aircraft carrier will be able to accommodate 30 fighters and helicopters, including Mig-29K fighters and Ka-31 helicopters. More pictures available at this link.

India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, undocked at the Cochin Shipyard. Picture: Indian Navy