INS Vikrant: News and Discussion

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Rakesh
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

https://twitter.com/DarkCruiser12/statu ... ZU2FOggdGA ---> Very interesting picture! The maturity of Indian ship designing is clearly visible! The 40,000+ton Vikrant and the 45,000 ton Vikramaditya in one picture! The Vikrant is lighter. Still the deck space of Vikrant is far bigger & wider than Vikramaditya!

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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

So this came in the news today. Quoting unnamed defence sources, which has been picked up by every Indian news outlet.

India flight tests Rafale-Marine for INS Vikrant
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ne ... 296305.cms
02 Feb 2022
The suppliers have made modifications to both Rafale-M and Super Hornet to make them suitable for the Indian order, defence sources said.

The Navy was looking for an aircraft that is capable of delivering nuclear loads, air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, and precision-guided bombs, they said.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

Do read the entire article, if you are interested. It is from Eurasian Times, so FWIW. I am posting the relevant part of the article (and highlighted in bold below) because it is from Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha (Retd), former Chief of the Western Naval Command and seasoned naval aviator. He is the former CO of two Sea Harrier squadrons in the Indian Navy and base commander of INS Hansa. He knows his stuff.

If the Rafale M is chosen, the IN will be the first and likely only foreign operator of the type. This contest is more exciting than the MMRCA 1.0 and the SE fighter contests. The 114 MRFA is a dead duck anyway.

India’s Next Naval Fighter: Closely Contested By F-18 Super Hornet, Rafale-M Could Finally Strike A Chord With The Navy
https://eurasiantimes.com/indias-next-n ... with-navy/
02 Feb 2022
According to Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha (Retd), “With Rafale M shore-based demonstrations over, the Naval Air Staff should be satisfied that basic requirements of preparation are well on the way. Naval Test Pilots must be burning the midnight oil to draw graphs to explore the unexplored limits. They need to be ready for Super Hornet trials sometime in March. Not to be left far behind, Boeing may even be contemplating advancing their demonstration.”

The Admiral further noted that his “sense is that ease of fitment in the aircraft carrier lift and economy of scale could tilt the decision. For the government, the outgo is important whereas, for the manufacturer, it is the economy of scale. It will be prudent from the buyer’s point of view to choose an aircraft for IAF and IN from the same stable to keep the costs, logistics, and life cycle cost within a manageable budget. That is one in hand is better than two in the bush.”
Check out this beautiful and gorgeous artwork of a pair of F-18 Super Hornets from the above article. Drag & drop this into a new window for full size. You will not be disappointed. The single seater 'E' variant has Northrop Grumman's beautiful conformal fuel tanks which fit like a glove on the Rhino. The twin seater 'F' variant pictured below has no conformal fuel tanks. Nice to see the difference.

A Growler variant (highly unlikely) will heavily tilt the scales in favour of Boeing. That Growler would be nice though.

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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

Rafale And Super Hornet Heat Up Indian Carrier Aircraft Race
https://asiapost.live/rafale-and-super- ... raft-race/
02 Feb 2022
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

A Rafale M parked next to a F-18E Super Hornet, aboard a Nimitz Class aircraft carrier. See the side-by-side comparison.

See the wing folding of the Rhino and compare that to the Rafale M.

https://twitter.com/WorldDfenceNews/sta ... ndHEQ8SfZA ---> The race to supply new aircraft-carrier-borne fighter jets to the Indian Navy is heating up, with the US offering set to follow the French Rafale M in an operational demonstration in Goa in March and its manufacturers saying that all technical requirements will be met.

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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Vips »

India should remind Boeing of its Offset commitment of building high altitude engine testing facility and wind tunnel facility. Boeing knew there were absolutely Zero chances of US government allowing Boeing to set up this facility or agreeing to transfer the technology and still played along to get the contracts.

Do we have the balls to tell Boeing that Karma is a bitch and award the contract to Dassault or are we afraid of the likely retaliatory measures by Boeing (Support/Spare parts for P8I and Apache's)?
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by John »

^ Being vindictive isn’t going to get you anywhere Dassault hasn’t done any better with its offsets for Rafale and we rely on Boeing in quite lot of other platforms like Apache and P-8s. Let’s pick what is best platform for us not because of a grudge.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Roop »

John wrote:^ Being vindictive isn’t going to get you anywhere Dassault hasn’t done any better with its offsets for Rafale and we rely on Boeing in quite lot of other platforms like Apache and P-8s. Let’s pick what is best platform for us not because of a grudge.
Excellent post, John, and sound thinking. It becomes tiring to read al the gripes here about people p!ssed off at France or Unkil for whatevr reason and paying absolutely no attention to what's good for India. Which choice is best for the IN in the long run? That is the choice that should be made.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Roop »

Rakesh wrote:A Rafale M parked next to a F-18E Super Hornet, aboard a Nimitz Class aircraft carrier. See the side-by-side comparison.
A very useful side-by-side image, Rakesh. As to a preference for one plane or the other, I am neutral, but purely as a prediction, I feel that the F-18E has a better chance. Just a gut feel.

IMO either plane would be a huge boost to IN airpower in the next couple of decades.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by brar_w »

That's a classic hornet next to the Rafale in that photo. Here is a Super Hornet and Rafale picture.

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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

Roop wrote:A very useful side-by-side image, Rakesh. As to a preference for one plane or the other, I am neutral, but purely as a prediction, I feel that the F-18E has a better chance. Just a gut feel.

IMO either plane would be a huge boost to IN airpower in the next couple of decades.
The F-18 has advantages that are hard pressed to beat. No doubt an excellent aircraft. For me, the radar is the aircraft's USP. That APG-79 AESA is ooh la la!

I don't pay much attention to Eurasian Times, but this article caught my eye. And the only reason it did is because of Colonel Ajai Shukla (retd) - a defence columnist who led the charge in 2018 and 2019, about a scam in the IAF's Rafale deal that was negotiated by the Modi Govt. For him to talk positively about the Rafale (I have quoted below) raised my eyebrows. The entire article lifts quotes from folks like him and others, in favour of the Rafale. The one standard theme with all of them is the "commonality" argument. It remains to be seen how strong that argument will hold in light of all the advantages that the F-18 brings to the table.

He does talk positively about the F-18 as well, along with others. Do read the whole article if you are interested. The second last sentence - in the bolded part of the article quoted below - does not make sense whatsoever. The Rafale C cannot operate off an aircraft carrier. If she comes into land on an aircraft carrier, the Rafale C will suffer significant undercarriage damage or may even split into two.

India’s $20B Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) Contract
https://eurasiantimes.com/indias-20b-mu ... -fighters/
07 Feb 2022
Colonel Ajai Shukla (Retd), a columnist, commentator, and journalist covering military technology and India’s defense economy, said that “each of the fighter aircraft has their advantages and disadvantages. However, one of the most important factors that the IAF and Navy will keep in mind is the already large number of different fighter aircraft that form a part of the Indian arsenal.”

He noted that the IAF is already operating seven different types of fighter aircraft, which leads to multiple logistical hurdles. “These challenges relate to spares management, repair and overhaul, and operational support. Given this, acquiring yet another type of fighter is to compound an already big challenge. From that perspective, choosing the Rafale, which the IAF already operates would not create additional logistical problems,” according to Shukla.

Highlighting the Navy angle, Shukla said, “Another fact that the defense ministry would consider is the simultaneous purchase by the Navy of 57 deck-borne fighters for its aircraft carriers. It would make logistical sense for the air force to choose a fighter that could also be operated off an aircraft carrier. It would also be cheaper to do that.”

He noted that the French jet again scores points here due to the Rafale Marine, which is already a part of the French Navy and operates off carrier decks. “Finally, there are always politico-economic factors at play in big arms purchases and, here again, the Rafale has well-known advantages. Thus, Rafale has three very hefty advantages,” Shukla added.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by brar_w »

The problem is that the Boeing's F/A-18 orders are about to dry up for the US Navy which is unlikely to include any in its FY-23 budget request. The Canadians have ruled it out and will order the F-35A later this year. The Swiss, and Finns have done the same. The Germans could potentially pick it but regardless there is good chance that the Super Hornet ends production in the 2025-2027 timeframe with its St. Louis line being converted to full time life-extension and sustainment activities. The MOD probably cannot decide and sign a contract within that window and a production re-start will be costly and add to the overall cost. So this would appear to be Dassault's to lose short of any dramatic carrier integration issues like not fitting on the elevators without acceptable compromises.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Cain Marko »

Big question is... What does the vikrant operate when it comes online by mid 2023? Will they trial and lease shornets or rafale once the ship is handed over to the navy in August? Or will it just be the migs initially. Would be awesome to see shornets fulcrums and rafale on the deck.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by brar_w »

It will have to be the existing MiG-29K's. You don't induct completely new aircraft and deploy a brand new carrier with them in 12-18 months. It's a much longer term process.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Aditya_V »

Rakesh wrote:I don't pay much attention to Eurasian Times, but this article caught my eye. And the only reason it did is because of Colonel Ajai Shukla (retd) - a defence columnist who led the charge in 2018 and 2019, about a scam in the IAF's Rafale deal that was negotiated by the Modi Govt. For him to talk positively about the Rafale (I have quoted below) raised my eyebrows. The entire article lifts quotes from folks like him and others, in favour of the Rafale. The one standard theme with all of them is the "commonality" argument. It remains to be seen how strong that argument will hold in light of all the advantages that the F-18 brings to the table.
For propaganda to work you need to first have some credibility- which is created by such articles, so that next time he does a hit jobs- people have something to defend him with.

If you only do hit jobs- everyone including newbies will ignore them. Next time when he does a hit job- notice how people will google these articles as a defense, thats why the once in a while positive article on LCA MK2 etc.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

Cain Marko wrote:Big question is... What does the vikrant operate when it comes online by mid 2023? Will they trial and lease shornets or rafale once the ship is handed over to the navy in August? Or will it just be the migs initially. Would be awesome to see shornets fulcrums and rafale on the deck.
There were media reports in the Hindustan Times that around 4 - 5 Rafale Ms were going to be leased by the Indian Navy. Being a media report, it is best ignored. The Marine Nationale has a very small fleet strength of 40+ airframes. The Charles De Gaulle CSG is right now out somewhere in the Mediterranean with a complement of 20 Rafale Ms. That leaves another 20 airframes. If the balloon goes up in Ukraine, the French will need every airframe possible on hand to make up for any attrition losses. Even if there is no conflict, the French will be hard pressed to spare any Rafale Ms to the Indian Navy.

When the Vikrant is commissioned this August, she will come in with a complement of MiG-29K/KUBs + Sea King Mk42 ASW helicopters (to be replaced with MH-60Rs fairly soon) + Ka-31 AEW helicopters. It will take a full year (so Aug 2023) before the Vikrant can undertake any meaningful carrier operations. But even by then, there will be no F-18 or Rafale M on the deck on the Vikrant. The F-18 should come in quicker (if it is a lease of used airframes, as there should be airframes to spare...unlike the Marine Nationale). Perhaps brar can provide some insight on that. But any new build airframes should see a three year timeframe from contract signature to first delivery.

French Carrier Charles de Gaulle Leaves for 2022 Deployment with U.S. Destroyer
https://news.usni.org/2022/02/01/french ... deployment
01 Feb 2022
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by brar_w »

There is no meaningful Rafale or SH capability inside five years. It takes time to place orders and learn a new system. So MiG-29Ks will have to serve as the main combat elements of the new carriers first few years of operations. That said, leasing french Rafales, or USN SH's could be an option with those leased aircraft used primarily for accelerating the standing up of combat capability so a short term arrangement . France can spare a handful of these aircraft for short term needs. USN has plenty as well. No matter what happens in Ukraine, NATO is not treaty bound to defend Ukraine and won't get involved directly because it isn't permitted as per alliance rules (no NATO member has or will be attacked so can't invoke Article 5) so I doubt there is any surge need that France would need to plan for that would prevent it from setting aside a low single digit aircraft for a short term lease (though long term leasing is probably not going to be possible using existing French a/c). Long term, there will be resistance from the French forces to offering a/c from existing stock. They've already raided the French air force to win deals in Greece and elsewhere and there are readiness challenges as backfilling is also delayed due to export prioritization.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Igorr »

brar_w wrote:It will have to be the existing MiG-29K's. You don't induct completely new aircraft and deploy a brand new carrier with them in 12-18 months. It's a much longer term process.
Agreed! This is a long and not easy process,with all circumstances, and with that Vikrant was 'learned' for a certain type of aircrafts, which are by self a vivid example of long-term cooperation between two countries. Look for this information in Russian: http://www.npkb.ru/html/71000.html
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

https://twitter.com/TheLegateIN/status/ ... tbC8khWAxw ---> US Govt's DSCA may soon issue a notification on F-18 Super Hornet Block 3 offer to Indian Navy. Boeing says that the Super Hornet meets or exceeds requirements of the Indian Navy.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

A nice picture (size comparison) of Super Hornets and Rafale Ms on the deck of USS Harry S Truman. She is a 100,000+ ton super carrier and the Vikrant is not even half that displacement. While space is premium on an aircraft carrier, on board the Vikrant...it takes a whole other meaning.

That E-2C Hawkeye and that pair of Sea Hawks are beautifully folded. Very nicely done.

https://twitter.com/JFC_Naples/status/1 ... Not0ZsuL6Q ---> Can you spot them? Two @MarineNationale Rafales refueled on the flight deck of a US aircraft carrier. @USSHARRYSTRUMAN and @French_CSG have been conducting dual carrier operations in the Ionian Sea supporting air policing missions along the Alliance's eastern flank.

https://twitter.com/JXB101/status/15041 ... Not0ZsuL6Q ---> The size difference between Rhino and Rafale is quite something.

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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Cain Marko »

^man those rafales are tiny even though they are in the foreground! I always admired the French engg. ability to pack so much in such a tiny package. TBH this is a twin seater with an empty weight that is ~ single seater like F-16blk50. So much more than a Viper though!
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

Cain-ji, not sure if you mean that pair of Rafale Ms in that picture are twin seaters...because they are not. The Rafale M is only a single seater. There is no twin-seater variant and a point that Boeing is upselling - with their F-18F variant - to the Indian Navy.

Of the 26 MRCBF reportedly planned by the Indian Navy, 18 will be single seaters and 8 will be twin seaters. All 26 F-18s will be carrier compatible, unlike the Rafale M...in which only 18 will be carrier compatible. The other 8 will be twin seaters of the Rafale B variant and will not be able to serve on the Vikrant.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Cain Marko »

Rakesh wrote:Cain-ji, not sure if you mean that pair of Rafale Ms in that picture are twin seaters...because they are not. The Rafale M is only a single seater. There is no twin-seater variant and a point that Boeing is upselling - with their F-18F variant - to the Indian Navy.

Of the 26 MRCBF reportedly planned by the Indian Navy, 18 will be single seaters and 8 will be twin seaters. All 26 F-18s will be carrier compatible, unlike the Rafale M...in which only 18 will be carrier compatible. The other 8 will be twin seaters of the Rafale B variant and will not be able to serve on the Vikrant.
I meant twin-engined, not twin seater Rakesh saar! Shouldn't sneak away from SHQ in wee hours and type in the dark... :((
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

Cain Marko wrote:I meant twin-engined, not twin seater Rakesh saar! Shouldn't sneak away from SHQ in wee hours and type in the dark... :((
All good Cain-ji :)

https://twitter.com/livefist/status/151 ... o5yiW8Nwaw ---> One of the ways @Boeing_IN's F/A-18 Super Hornet hopes to outshine the Rafale in its ski-jump op demo for the @IndianNavy is by flying with at least two Harpoon anti-ship missiles, as opposed to the Rafale's single centreline Exocet.

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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

Finally! About time! Coming in late May.

Super Hornet’s Indian Ski-Jump Demo Next Month
https://www.livefistdefence.com/super-h ... ext-month/
04 April 2022
As part of demonstrations of ski-jump launches with meaningful weapons payloads, Livefist learns the F/A-18s will be flying with two dummy Harpoon missiles — an attempt to show up the Rafale’s ability to only deploy one comparable Exocet anti-ship missile on its centreline hardpoint.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by brar_w »

Anti ship missiles and dedicated anti radiation missiles are part of the munition advantage that the SH enjoys. There are three AshMs (2 operational one to be operational by 2024), and two ARMs (both with secondary anti ship capability) cleared for it. Not to mention a dedicated stand off jamming variant.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by John »

Rakesh wrote: https://twitter.com/livefist/status/151 ... o5yiW8Nwaw ---> One of the ways @Boeing_IN's F/A-18 Super Hornet hopes to outshine the Rafale in its ski-jump op demo for the @IndianNavy is by flying with at least two Harpoon anti-ship missiles, as opposed to the Rafale's single centreline Exocet.
Why is Rafale limited to only one Exocet? It’s other hard points can handle Storm Shadow. Not sure why they cannot handle the smaller Exocet?
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

John wrote:Why is Rafale limited to only one Exocet? It’s other hard points can handle Storm Shadow. Not sure why they cannot handle the smaller Exocet?
Good Question. No photographs of Rafales exist carrying more than one Exocet, other than a fanboy depiction from Digital Combat Simulator. What Boeing will do is showcase the fact that a single F-18E/F can carry more than just one anti-ship missile. And as you already know, the Harpoon carries a heavier warhead and has a longer range, compared to the Exocet. Advantage F-18 :)

My un-educated guess is perhaps the Rafale M can carry more than one Exocet, but the French Navy see no point in doing so. Why that is the case, is something only they can answer. In the Marine Nationale (French Navy), one Exocet is reportedly the layout. Please see below.

In India, the Rafale demonstrates great payload capacity on Ski-Jump
https://www.meta-defense.fr/en/2022/01/ ... ski-jumps/
24 Jan 2022
Indeed, this photo shows the Rafale M dedicated to the tests in an impressive payload configuration, with two 2000-litre subsonic canisters, 2 medium-range Mica EM missiles, two self-defense Mica IR missiles, and an anti-ship missile AM-39 Exocet under the fuselage, a configuration completely comparable to that implemented by the French Navy from the Charles de Gaulle for anti-ship missions.

This snapshot, which there is no reason to doubt was taken after takeoff from the Goa Ski Jump test, shows that the Rafale is capable of carrying heavy loads, more than 5.5 tons in external loading, and therefore to reach a maximum take-off weight in the ski jump configuration between 20 and 21 tonnes, i.e. a weight very close to that commonly used on board the French aircraft carrier.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by AVBharat »

I wonder whether either Rafale or F-18s would fit on Vikramaditya’s lifts. Wonder where the venerable Philip is..

AVB / Anthony Hines
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

AVBharat wrote:I wonder whether either Rafale or F-18s would fit on Vikramaditya’s lifts.

AVB / Anthony Hines
Both aircraft should fit in the lifts of the Vikramaditya.

The Vikrant's lifts are reportedly in similar dimensions to the Vikramaditya's lifts.

So if the Rafale and F-18 fit on the lifts of the Vikrant, it should fit on the lifts of the Vikramaditya.

Whether the Vikramaditya will actually sail with the Rafale or F-18 is another story.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Gagan »

HNair,
You're a VERY confused person bro'
Please re read what I've written.
You'll eventually get it

OK?

PS: I didn't add a smiley, but I'm sure you're intelligent enough to understand the sarcasm
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

Gagan, do not quote long posts to put in a few lines. Please be mindful of other readers. Your post has been edited.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by hnair »

Gagan wrote:
HNair,
You're a VERY confused person bro'
Please re read what I've written.
You'll eventually get it

OK?

PS: I didn't add a smiley, but I'm sure you're intelligent enough to understand the sarcasm
Don’t what in that six months old post tripped you off? I did re-read your original post and there is nothing new that popped out other than a wish for a new carrier citing Chinese carriers as an incentive. We all wish for a new carrier. What I tried to elaborate is why it might not be what GoI or IN have in mind, based on publicly available data and choices.

After going through post, I mentioned I added a smiley later because Cain Marko took my quip about 10 Su33 carrying a total of 200 AAM missiles seriously and hence clarified it was sarcasm. (That the Chinese crafts always carry double what they claim because we under- estimate their capabilities is a cliche for some posters that I was pointing at)

Anyways, welcome to 2022 April. Hope you post more so we can have a civil discussion.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

Article is incorrect. There are no twin seater Rafale Ms as indicated below.

The only twin seater variant is the Rafale B and she is not carrier compatible.

US F-18 fighters to be tested for INS Vikrant at Goa on May 21
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-ne ... 44477.html
06 April 2022
The highly capable and versatile F-18 Super Hornet can fit into both elevators of IAC-1 with folded wings. A maximum of eight two-seater F-18 fighters are capable of launching from the deck of both Vikrant or Vikramaditya unlike Rafale-M two-seaters, which can only operate from shore-based facility and thus losing one-third of its combat capacity. This means while F-18 twin-seater fighters can be launched from carrier deck during war, the twin-seater Rafale-M fighters can only be launched from the shore.

Although the two aerial platforms under consideration of the Indian Navy can carry massive weapon loads, long-range air to air missiles and air to ground weapons, the F/A-18 Hornet can carry up to four anti-submarine missiles as compared to one by the Rafale-M fighter. Both are proven 4.5 generation fighters with F-18 having a huge successful history of combat over high seas and land.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

Check this out. While commissioning is this August, actual deployment will only be in 2023.

https://twitter.com/RAFIndia_/status/15 ... omvYhplvlQ ---> An Indian Navy MiG-29K "Sea Baaz" being loaded on the IAC-1. This specific semi-knocked-down airframe will be employed to study the deck and hangar movements onboard the indigenous aircraft carrier.

https://twitter.com/RAFIndia_/status/15 ... omvYhplvlQ ---> Indian Navy will soon begin touch-and-go, landing and ski-jump trials with fixed-wing aircraft soon. The commisioning ceremony of the ship is scheduled to be held in August 2022.

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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Pratyush »

https://idrw.org/iac-1-ready-for-handov ... years-csl/

The CSL is saying that they can build the sister ship of Vikrant in 5 years.
Vips
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Vips »

Yeah sure. Later after receiving the contract due to "circumstances outside of human control" this building time would stretch to 9-10 years.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

https://twitter.com/defencecore/status/ ... v_cjn-uRvQ ---> CSL Director says If the Indian Navy asks us to bring out another aircraft carrier of 45,000-55,000 ton category, we can build it in five years from now, & can also use the Electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) in upcoming aircraft carrier in required.

https://twitter.com/defencecore/status/ ... JPit0VKxOw ---> Quick correction - CSL director mentions 45,000 ton* for given timeline, but Navy's requirement might vary between 45,000 to 55,000 ton category carrier.

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kit
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by kit »

Vips wrote:Yeah sure. Later after receiving the contract due to "circumstances outside of human control" this building time would stretch to 9-10 years.

keep in mind IAC 1 s foreign contracted equipment esp aviation complex from Russia had significant delays., if we need every thing timely , having a elaborate defence industry complex helps
kit
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by kit »

Pratyush wrote:https://idrw.org/iac-1-ready-for-handov ... years-csl/

The CSL is saying that they can build the sister ship of Vikrant in 5 years.
might be possible, CSL has now achieved considerable experience in modular ship building
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