INS Vikrant: News and Discussion

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Manish_Sharma
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Manish_Sharma »

John wrote:Please don’t use Twitter especially unconfirmed Twitter handles as source for anything.
It's poster Singha ji who wrote many war scenarios here on brf also. Now he posts under @daeroplate_v2 at TWITTER.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Roop »

m_saini wrote:
brar_w wrote:... It's probably okay for France to use the hybrid approach and tie their carrier program with US for 50 years(being part of NATO, 5-eyes and whatnot)...
France is not part of Five Eyes.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by m_saini »

brar_w wrote:^^ Read what I wrote again more carefully...
I'm not sure exactly what we're arguing about here. I've never stated that India should develop a domestic EMALS for a single carrier, my op that you replied to was simply differentiating the 2 launch techs.
I also never said that you were saying a domestic steam CAT should not be pursued. I do however oppose the idea of
a hybrid approach of using some foreign steam catapult tech and some local (steam cat??) tech
like some sort of hybrid steam cat developed a la FGFA. Even if it's cost prohibitive I think some things are worth spending on especially since it's obvious that IN won't be limited to a 3 carrier force forever just like it's obvious that China would won't stop at a single type-003.
Roop wrote:France is not part of Five Eyes.
touche :mrgreen:
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by brar_w »

m_saini wrote:like some sort of hybrid steam cat developed a la FGFA. Even if it's cost prohibitive I think some things are worth spending on especially since it's obvious that IN won't be limited to a 3 carrier force forever just like it's obvious that China would won't stop at a single type-003.
Yes by all accounts. Developing a from scratch Steam Cat or EMALS would most definitely be an option and part of the trade space. All I said was that it will be one of the options with other options also on the table. You can't pre-determine that (unless you want just a science project) and must balance that with schedule, budgets, and operational need for a desired capability. Technology around steam catapults is going to be more mature and older so it may be an area where design and operational assistance could help accelerate things much like foreign tech is currently being used to do the same on the current ACs.
Last edited by brar_w on 24 Dec 2021 08:58, edited 1 time in total.
John
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by John »

Manish_Sharma wrote:
John wrote:Please don’t use Twitter especially unconfirmed Twitter handles as source for anything.
It's poster Singha ji who wrote many war scenarios here on brf also. Now he posts under @daeroplate_v2 at TWITTER.
Oh ok didn’t know it was him but regardless it is just opinion post we don’t really know the reason behind its lack of major deployments. Even I have brought it up, I would wait to see if we can get more information on what’s happening before speculating because it could be many reasons.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

https://twitter.com/RAFIndia_/status/14 ... 94404?s=20 ---> Indian Navy's aircraft carriers - Past, Present and Future.

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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

https://twitter.com/DefenceDecode/statu ... 43520?s=20 ---> The ski-jump flying trajectory from a STOBAR aircraft carrier.

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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

This tweet is from Captain DK Sharma (retd) - Former Spokesperson, Indian Navy - Public Relations.

The Rafale M landed today (06 Jan 2022). This is going to be very interesting. The contest is between the Rafale M and the F-18 SH, which is arriving in March 2022 to conduct the same set of trials. The MiG-29K is also in the contest, but the Navy knows all about her already :)

From 57 fighters to 36, then 35 and now 26. Quoting a former Indian Navy Chief, "There are no budgetary restrictions in acquiring 57 multi role, carrier borne fighter aircraft." This will go further down from 26, perhaps to as low as 18.

https://twitter.com/CaptDKS/status/1479 ... 24938?s=20 ---> First of @MarineNationale Rafale M lands at Naval Air Station, Hansa. Suitability trials with Indian Navy carrier operations to commence soon.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

• Advantages of Rafale M - Proven (In Combat) Naval Fighter, Strong Support Base in Host Country, Great Sensor Suite, Commonality with IAF will result in partnering with just one OEM for spares and logistical support, Interoperable with US Navy ---> viewtopic.php?f=3&t=7266&p=2419547&hili ... y#p2419547

• Disadvantages of Rafale M - Higher Unit Cost (when compared to F-18SH), Wings do not fold and thus lesser number of aircraft can be carried. Still not sold on Dassault's "proposed" idea of detachable wingtips.

================================

• Advantages of F-18SH - Proven (In Combat) Naval Fighter, Strong Support Base in Host Country, Great Sensor Suite, Longer Airframe Life (when compared to Rafale M) and the wings fold which allows greater number of aircraft to be carried onboard the Vikrant.

• Disadvantages of F-18SH - No Commonality with IAF and thus a stand alone fleet will be expensive. CAATSA sanctions will be a looming factor in the final decision making process.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by brar_w »

Rakesh wrote:This will go further down from 26, perhaps to as low as 18.
Inducting a completely new type for as few as 18 aircraft is going to be a big surprise. Either Rafale, or SH would need to cross a fairly significant hill for the Navy to justify them over buying another dozen MiG-29K's weapons, training and support infra for which already exists. Would be a pretty good insight into what the IN thinks of the MiG-29K as far as its future is concerned.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by AkshaySG »

Rakesh wrote:• Advantages of Rafale M - Proven (In Combat) Naval Fighter, Strong Support Base in Host Country, Great Sensor Suite, Commonality with IAF will result in partnering with just one OEM for spares and logistical support, Interoperable with US Navy ---> viewtopic.php?f=3&t=7266&p=2419547&hili ... y#p2419547

• Disadvantages of Rafale M - Higher Unit Cost (when compared to F-18SH), Wings do not fold and thus lesser number of aircraft can be carried. Still not sold on Dassault's "proposed" idea of detachable wingtips.

================================

• Advantages of F-18SH - Proven (In Combat) Naval Fighter, Strong Support Base in Host Country, Great Sensor Suite, Longer Airframe Life (when compared to Rafale M) and the wings fold which allows greater number of aircraft to be carried onboard the Vikrant.

• Disadvantages of F-18SH - No Commonality with IAF and thus a stand alone fleet will be expensive. CAATSA sanctions will be a looming factor in the final decision making process.
Let me preface this by saying while i definitely support the Raffy over SH for Indian Navy the above pro cons list is a bit disingenous and tilted towards Rafale-M , A better comparison would be in a tabular format with both being evaluated on various criteria

First of all while Rafale does have a solid support base in France it isn't anywhere close to the might Boeing and the American Mil-Ind complex brings , When it comes to latter upgrades and support for the much more numerous SH would be much more readily available ,cheaper and most likely quicker .

Secondly while "Rafale-M " has participated in Naval Operations with French Navy its experience pales in comparison to the SH which has seen many times more deployments ,action ,offensive sorties and a design which was built on the foundations of being an excellent Naval fighter whereas Rafale is a slightly modified version of a design used for the Air Force (Not unlike Mig29-k , although more reliable one hopes )

If we lived in a perfect world the F-18SH would be the go to fighter for the Indian Navy and 2 squadrons would be more than enough to see us through the late 30's-40's by the time our own design matures .

However we don't live in such a world and in a decade where we have urgent need to replace hundreds of Air Force fighters and depleted squadron strength it simply makes no sense to go after something that doesn't have commonality with IAF .
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

brar_w wrote:
Rakesh wrote: This will go further down from 26, perhaps to as low as 18.
Inducting a completely new type for as few as 18 aircraft is going to be a big surprise. Either Rafale, or SH would need to cross a fairly significant hill for the Navy to justify them over buying another dozen MiG-29K's weapons, training and support infra for which already exists. Would be a pretty good insight into what the IN thinks of the MiG-29K as far as its future is concerned.
The IN is not happy with the MiG-29K, despite the increased serviceability. Adopting a platform that even the host nation does not use (MiG-29K) has proven to be quite costly for the IN. In the same vein, neither will the proposed Sea Gripen or the proposed Naval Typhoon make the final cut. The choice was always between the Rafale M and the F-18SH, as both planes not only have a strong support base in the host nation, but also a strong future in the host nation's naval air arm. That is an advantage that cannot be overstated.

Whatever the final number will be, the Navy will go ahead (provided the funds are there) with the deal. They are awaiting the commissioning of the Vikrant (Aug/Sept 2022 as per the latest news), as it will be the Indian Navy's first brand new aircraft carrier and that too indigenous. All the three prior vessels have been used and foreign, with the last one being dismal.

What remains to be seen is how the Rafale M and F-18SH fair in the ski jump trials. I don't suspect there will be any insurmountable technical issues for either bird. The choice - IMVHO - will come down to cost. While the unit cost of the F-18SH is cheaper, the Rafale M has an advantage in the logistical and support base already present in the IAF. How much that advantage will hold true - if & when the contest reaches fruition - remains to be ascertained.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by brar_w »

Rakesh wrote:The IN is not happy with the MiG-29K, despite the increased serviceability. Adopting a platform that even the host nation does not use (MiG-29K) has proven to be quite costly for the IN.
That is likely the case. For a fairly small fixed wing carrier aviation force, and one that is very young at that, you don't go out and introduce such small numbers of a completely new (including 0% commonality in weapons) platform unless you are seriously dissatisfied with the incumbent.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

AkshaySG wrote:Let me preface this by saying while i definitely support the Raffy over SH for Indian Navy the above pro cons list is a bit disingenous and tilted towards Rafale-M , A better comparison would be in a tabular format with both being evaluated on various criteria
Not possible to do tabular format with this forum software. Thoroughly researched and academic articles - in which these tabular formats can be incorporated if the author desires - will eventually come out and will satisfy all us jingos.
AkshaySG wrote:First of all while Rafale does have a solid support base in France it isn't anywhere close to the might Boeing and the American Mil-Ind complex brings, When it comes to latter upgrades and support for the much more numerous SH would be much more readily available ,cheaper and most likely quicker.
Even if Dassault gifts the Rafale M for free, it will never be able to match the output of the American MIC. That is hands down America's greatest advantage and all her allies enjoy that. The Amreekis can afford to do this, because they have invested significant resources and devoted decades into their MIC. No nation, including France, comes anywhere close. That in turn makes everything the French (or any Western European nation) produce, expensive and boutique. There is no way around that and the IAF/IN is well aware of that.
AkshaySG wrote:Secondly while "Rafale-M " has participated in Naval Operations with French Navy its experience pales in comparison to the SH which has seen many times more deployments ,action ,offensive sorties and a design which was built on the foundations of being an excellent Naval fighter whereas Rafale is a slightly modified version of a design used for the Air Force (Not unlike Mig29-k , although more reliable one hopes )
The United States' public visibility of military might is through her eleven Carrier Battle Groups. Nothing else in the American inventory comes close to that. American Presidents wield their diplomacy through the US Navy's eleven CBGs. They are designed to be the main workhorse of the American military and everything on board (including the F-18SH) are built for those workhorse duties. The Rhino is one beautiful bomb truck with a state-of-the-art AESA radar and a variety of A2A and A2G weapons. The Rhino has proven herself for at least the past two decades with the USN (her predecessor was doing that same yeoman service since the 80s) and will serve for many more decades to come.

Dassault designed the Rafale for both the Air Force and the Navy, from day one. The MiG-29 was never designed to be a navy fighter and came in as an after thought when the Gorshkov was offered. Huge difference between the two and something that the IN is paying for to date.

The Rafale M's deployments will obviously pale in comparison to the F-18SH, because the Marine Nationale does not conduct intensive 24-7-365 carrier operations like the US Navy does. No navy on earth does that, expect for the US Navy. They have one carrier (the CDG) compared to the US Navy's 11 carriers. They are not even on the same level. No navy is :)

Every nation with a military has mastered one aspect of war. For the United States, it is their aircraft carrier. That is their specialty and they have being doing it for decades. For India, it is our COIN operations. Nations world over visit India and learn from our Army on how to conduct effective COIN ops. Our special forces are also second to none. For China, its it melodrama and theatrics. For Pakistan it is psyops via ISPR and having illicit relationships with creatures of the bovine disposition. Each nation's military has a unique mastery.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by konaseema »

As much as I would love to have Rafale - M, it doesn't have a trainer version and hence the trainers if bought will be stationed at Goa or we need to have another infrastructure in our east coast. Having said that, I doubt if IN will prefer a US platform when there is no commonality with IAF either. I think another order for 2 squadrons of Mig 29K is in the offing, unless the IN is hellbent not to purchase it again, due to performance / maintenance issues. These jets can be then transferred to IAF once we start receiving TEDBF jets in the 2030's, which should have a production run to manufacture close to 120 jets.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

konaseema wrote:As much as I would love to have Rafale - M, it doesn't have a trainer version and hence the trainers if bought will be stationed at Goa or we need to have another infrastructure in our east coast.
Please see below...

French, U.S. Naval Aviators Learn to Work Together Ahead of Middle East Deployment
https://news.usni.org/2018/04/30/33210
30 April 2018
France sends its naval aviators to Mississippi, where they learn how to land on and fly off carriers in the same courses and with the same training jets used by the U.S. Navy. From an operational standpoint, Marc said it’s easy to integrate into the U.S. Navy airwing’s operation. “What’s nice is we have a common baseline in that their pilots go to U.S. flight school. The Rafale and E-2 pilots start their training here in the United States and continue their training in France,” Capt. Jim McCall, the commander of Carrier Air Wing 8, told USNI News. “So what we’ve done here is fully integrated here into our air wings.”
1) French Naval Air Trainees begin their carrier qualification training in the United States.

2) French Naval Air Trainees learn to land on aircraft carriers using training jets operated by the US Navy.

3) After the pilot(s) acquire the qualification/certification, they then move on to the Rafale M. Now the article does not state that, but that appears to be the next step. There is likely significant simulator training and conversion training on Rafale B that also occurs at France as well, once these pilots return from completing their training syllabus in the US. This model appears to be working just fine for the French Navy, as they have been operating carriers since the early 60s (presently the Charles De Gaulle and the now retired pair of Clemenceau and Foch).

This makes logical sense for the French Navy to do, because they operate a steam catapult on the CDG which is also found on the Nimitz Class aircraft carrier. This training will continue when their new aircraft carrier comes on board sometime in the 2040s, because that will have EMALS which is also found on the Gerald R Ford Class aircraft carrier.

=====================

The IN might adopt that similar model (assuming the Rafale M is acquired). If so, a similar training syllabus could be adopted along these lines;

• Train rookie pilots to land on a STOBAR carrier using twin seater Naval Tejas or another aircraft of that type. These pilots will be anything but rookies in flying aircraft, but carrier qualifications are a whole different ballgame. This will be combined with simulator training and conversion training on the Rafale B, just like their IAF counterparts currently do at Hasimara AFS. Once the training syllabus is completed, they acquire their qualification/certification and transition to the Rafale M to serve as carrier pilots aboard the Vikrant.

• The easier solution is obviously the twin seater F-18F Super Hornet and Boeing has emphasized that point to the Indian Navy.

• Don't be concerned about having training infrastructure on both coasts, as one location will serve the Indian Navy just fine.
brar_w wrote:That is likely the case. For a fairly small fixed wing carrier aviation force, and one that is very young at that, you don't go out and introduce such small numbers of a completely new (including 0% commonality in weapons) platform unless you are seriously dissatisfied with the incumbent.
konaseema wrote:Having said that, I doubt if IN will prefer a US platform when there is no commonality with IAF either. I think another order for 2 squadrons of MiG-29K is in the offing, unless the IN is hellbent not to purchase it again, due to performance / maintenance issues. These jets can be then transferred to IAF once we start receiving TEDBF jets in the 2030's, which should have a production run to manufacture close to 120 jets.
Additional MiG-29Ks will be the cheapest option, but it will not be the most reliable option. The very fact that the Rafale M that just arrived and the F-18SH coming in March, clearly shows that the Navy is seriously examining other options. To study the feasibility of operating the Rafale M or the F-18SH - by testing them from the SBTF at Goa - illustrates that all is not well with the MiG-29K fleet. They might transfer the fleet to the IAF or continue to operate them on just the Vikramaditya till the fleet's retirement in the early 2030s. If the MiG-29K does stay with the Navy, it will be weird that the Navy will likely operate two different fighter fleets for two aircraft carriers.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by konaseema »

Rakesh wrote:...
I agree with you 110% sir. At the end of the day, we need to have a potent Air wing for our IN and whichever aircraft fits the IN's bill, that is the way to go. Having said that, will there be a need to make structural changes to Vicky & Vikrant (aka lifts) to accommodate either of these 2 aircrafts? How reliable and functional Vicky is these days? Is she spending more days in the yard than at sea? Thanks!!!
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

konaseema wrote:I agree with you 110% sir. At the end of the day, we need to have a potent Air wing for our IN and whichever aircraft fits the IN's bill, that is the way to go. Having said that, will there be a need to make structural changes to Vicky & Vikrant (aka lifts) to accommodate either of these 2 aircrafts? How reliable and functional Vicky is these days? Is she spending more days in the yard than at sea? Thanks!!!
No Sir please :)

I don't see the Rafale M or F-18SH operating from the Vikramaditya. This air wing will solely be for the Vikrant. The Navy reportedly addressed that lift issue on the Vikrant, that is why both are coming in for testing. The navy believes that both can fit on the lift.

A recent tweet from dharmic aeroplate states that in 2021, the Vikramaditya spent roughly *ONLY* two weeks at sea in all of 2021. Rest of the time, she was in the yard or in the dock. I don't know how true that is and I believe John dispelled that statement. Regardless, I would stick my neck out and say she spent more time in the dock or yard, than actually out at sea.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Roop »

konaseema wrote:I think another order for 2 squadrons of Mig 29K is in the offing...
I think that would be a foolish and irresponsible thing to do, after all this halla-gulla of trials / testing etc. If the outcome of all that is to simply order more Migs, why waste all this time and energy in testing /trials? To say nothing of the anger it would generate in France / US (righteous anger IMO). This level of political stupidity we could expect from a Pappu govt, but not from Modi / Doval.
... unless the IN is hellbent not to purchase it again, due to performance / maintenance issues.
IMO that is a safe assumption.

To select between Rafale and SH is difficult, because each choice offers solid military and political strengths. Each one would be a solid choice, but I think the SH is likely to win this contest, for both military and political / diplomatic reasons.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by konaseema »

Roop wrote:...
I would prefer Rafale - M if it fits the carrier lift and if IN is fine to have its training done on-shore in Goa & if we can have 2 more squadrons for the IAF as well (to get any volume discounts) :-)
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

A beautiful aerial shot of the SBTF in Goa, from where the Naval-Tejas had her first take off from a ski jump on 21 December 2014.

This is the same facility from where the Rafale M is presently undergoing ski jump tests and also from where the F-18 will do in March 2022.

https://twitter.com/neeraj_rajput/statu ... 46693?s=20 ---> Hunt for India's indigenious aircraft carrier based fighter jets has begun, Rafale (Marine) has reached INS Hansa in Goa for SBTF trials while F/A-18 Super Hornet will follow suit in next couple of months.

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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Manish_P »

Sirs, any update of the F18 Rhinos solution for fitting on the lifts. I am not sure, but weren't they going to present their solution some time ago.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

https://twitter.com/delhidefence/status ... 81826?s=20 ---> With the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Vikrant out for the third round of sea trials. Here are some of the highlights;

• During the maiden sea trials in August 2021, the ship established propulsion, navigational suite and basic operations.

• In the second sea trial later in October-November 2021, Vikrant was put through its paces- machinery and flight trials. The ship was out for 10 days proving its sustenance in the very second sortie. Vikrant also underwent various seamanship evolutions successfully during the second sortie out to sea.

• Gaining adequate confidence in the ship's abilities, the Vikrant now sails to undertake complex maneuvers to establish specific readings of how the ship performs. Scientists from the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, a laboratory based at Visakhapatnam, would be embarked during the trials. In addition, various sensor suites of the ship would also be tested.

Image

Image
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by jaysimha »

[Mod Note: Please do not quote pictures without links. Post Edited. Please repost with links.]
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

Rafale Begins Ski-Jump Demo At Goa Today
https://www.livefistdefence.com/rafale- ... goa-today/
10 Jan 2022

Battle For Indian Navy Fighter Deal Enters New Phase; Rafale-M Ski Jump Tests Begin Today In Goa
https://swarajyamag.com/news-brief/batt ... day-in-goa
10 Jan 2022
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

https://twitter.com/RAFIndia_/status/14 ... 84901?s=20 ---> Indian Navy in MRCA/MRCBCA tender strictly mentioned that any OEM offering it's proposal must assure that the product has complete potential to carry-out operations as an air-arm of STOBAR carrier, for which ski-jump capability with full-weapon loadout is a mandatory attribute.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

https://twitter.com/DefenceDecode/statu ... 84448?s=20 ---> AK-630 and EO targeting system on IAC1 Vikrant.

https://twitter.com/RAFIndia_/status/14 ... 29312?s=20 ---> Multiple systems for self-defence are already integrated on the vessel. Notable is the AK-630 Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) in the rear section. However, some primary elements, like MF-STAR AESA radar fitment, are pending but likely to be completed before induction.

Image

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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

New video released on the heels of Vikrant's third sea trials. Very nicely done. Please click on link below to watch.

https://twitter.com/delhidefence/status ... 29924?s=20
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

Rakesh wrote:Rafale Begins Ski-Jump Demo At Goa Today
https://www.livefistdefence.com/rafale- ... goa-today/
10 Jan 2022
https://twitter.com/realkaypius/status/ ... 67974?s=20 ---> It's tourist season in Goa; this time with two special guests, both wanting permanent resident status. Whoever gets PR, may the real winner be the Indian Navy.

https://twitter.com/realkaypius/status/ ... 06304?s=20 ---> Adjoining SBTF is Navy's premier flight test squadron NFTS, whose test crew will have a key role to play in this demo. Serendipitously, the officer heading NFTS, Captain Shivnath Dahiya, was the second IN pilot to land LCA Navy on INS Vikramaditya after @JA_Maolankar.

https://twitter.com/realkaypius/status/ ... 16320?s=20 ---> More trivia: CO, INS Hansa was commissioning CO of MiG-29K Squadron INAS 303 'Black Panthers'. @AhujaSurendra who heads @BoeingDefense India business, has commanded INS Hansa & pioneered IN's arrested landing training with the US Navy on the T45 Goshawk prior to swallowing the anchor. Party time folks.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by fanne »

Do my eyes spy three arrestor wire as well, or its just an illusion?
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

fanne wrote:Do my eyes spy three arrestor wire as well, or its just an illusion?
It is three. Good catch.

In the above pictures, you can clearly see the two rows of three arrestor cable housings (in yellow) on the flight deck.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by fanne »

they were not installed during the last trial
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

Some systems are still being installed, however trials are continuing.

I just happened to read that the MF-Star radar has yet to arrive. Cannot confirm.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

Picture in the tweet is a photoshopped Rafale B, taking off from a ski jump, but he says it is just a representative picture.

For all the hullabaloo Shiv Aroor does over incorrect photos from media houses, you would think he would have photoshopped a Rafale M.

https://twitter.com/livefist/status/148 ... 55714?s=20 ---> BREAKING: Rafale-M conducts first ski jump launch demonstration at Indian Navy’s shore facility in Goa at 1200 hours today.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Cybaru »

Rakesh wrote:Picture in the tweet is a photoshopped Rafale B, taking off from a ski jump, but he says it is just a representative picture.

For all the hullabaloo Shiv Aroor does over incorrect photos from media houses, you would think he would have photoshopped a Rafale M.

https://twitter.com/livefist/status/148 ... 55714?s=20 ---> BREAKING: Rafale-M conducts first ski jump launch demonstration at Indian Navy’s shore facility in Goa at 1200 hours today.
:rotfl: :rotfl:
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

The only interesting bit from this article...

Mega deal in mind, Rafale M takes off from Navy’s Goa test range, Boeing F/A-18 next
https://theprint.in/defence/mega-deal-i ... xt/800083/
10 Jan 2022
In 2017, the Navy had issued a Request for Information (RFI) to foreign players for 57 new fighters. But with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) now working on a Twin-Engine Carrier-Based Deck Fighter (TEBDF), the Navy is understood to have cut down its requirement for foreign fighters. In 2020, the then Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh had also said that the force may pursue joint acquisition of fighters with the IAF. “We have the MiG-29K operating from the Vikramaditya and will operate from the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC)-I. To replace them, we have taken up a case for the Multi-Role Carrier-Borne Fighters (MRCBF) which we are trying to do along with the IAF,” he had said.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

Take special note at 1:50 in the video. Another key advantage for the Rafale M is that she will have the ISE upgrades that the IAF Rafale has + the commonality in weapons (Meteor, SCALP and Hammer) that the IAF also has. But I call BS on the part where she says the F-18 will not fit on the lift of the Vikrant, even with the wings folded. I know she is reading off a script, so someone has provided that info to her. I read that elsewhere as well. That just does not make sense. I hope the Navy releases a video of the Rafale M and the F-18 going up and down the lifts of the Vikrant. Squash that once in for all.

Which Aircraft Will Indian Navy Pick For INS Vikrant?

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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by John »

Rakesh wrote: https://twitter.com/DefenceDecode/statu ... 84448?s=20 ---> AK-630 and EO targeting system on IAC1 Vikrant.

https://twitter.com/RAFIndia_/status/14 ... 29312?s=20 ---> Multiple systems for self-defence are already integrated on the vessel. Notable is the AK-630 Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) in the rear section. However, some primary elements, like MF-STAR AESA radar fitment, are pending but likely to be completed before induction.
No Barak-8 either. I don’t think MF STAR or Barak-8 will be fitted before induction. Wonder if they are pushed back in favor of SR SAM and a domestic radar.
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Cain Marko »

Heard on some show that 2 seater rafale m can't operate on carriers and so training will have to be shore based. Any truth to this?
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Re: INS Vikrant News and Discussion

Post by Rakesh »

Cain Marko wrote:Heard on some show that 2 seater rafale m can't operate on carriers and so training will have to be shore based. Any truth to this?
Cain-ji, there is no 2 seater Rafale M. Please go here for more info ---> viewtopic.php?f=3&t=6308&start=2680#p2529665
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