A
Former Russian aircraft carrier (Soviet-built Admiral Gorshkov) which
was being refurbished for the Indian Navy is being prepared to begin
its first set of sea trials. These trials are expected to last through
the spring and end with a delivery to the Indian Navy planned for late
2012.
The vessel, which was originally intended for the Soviet Navy, but then
refitted for India, will be taken to the White Sea and then to the Barents
Sea where it will stay for three to four months.
“After sea trials
are complete, we plan to transfer the carrier to India by December 4,”
Sevmash said. |
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At
present, the Vikramaditya’s main power generators are being tested
and the sleeping and living quartes are being fininshed. Crew training
was completed in late March, Sevmash said.
The Vikramaditya, previously known as the Admiral Gorshkov, is a Soviet-made
Project 1143.4 class aircraft carrier. It was sold to India in 2004
but will be delivered only in 2012, after a refit that lasted eight
years and was the subject of an on-going dispute between the two sides
over cost.
India has already started taking delivery of MiG-29K naval fighter
aircraft for the Vikramaditya
INS Vikramaditya will be operated in a STOBAR configuration, with a
14.3 degree ski-jump on the bow and three arrestor wires on the stern
of the angled deck. This will allow the operation of 16 MiG-29K (and
KUB) or Sea Harrier fighter aircraft and 10 helicopters.
The vessel is expected to displace 45,000 tons full load, with a length
of 283 meters.
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