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Aviation trials of INS Vikramaditya to start in July

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Russia will deploy a MIG-35 and other aircraft to check out the aviation facilities of INS Vikramaditya, the Russian aircraft carrier which is set to join the Indian Navy by the year end.

The 'aviation facilities complex trials' of the aircraft carrier will begin sometime in the middle of July in the Barents Sea, Navy sources said. A team of about 20 Navy aviation personnel including pilots are on their way to Russia to observe the trials, which will be carried out by a Russian crew.

The complex sea trials of the aircraft carrier, which started on June 7, comprise primarily of two aspects -- the ship trials and the aviation facilities complex trials. The ship trials have already started. Over 500 Indian Navy personnel under the command of Captain Suraj Berry, the commissioning commanding officer of the carrier, are present on board the aircraft carrier observing the trials. By the time India takes command of the ship, there will be around 2,000 personnel to run Indian Navy's biggest ship, with a displacement of 45,000 tonnes.

Besides the MIG-35, Russia will deploy a MIG-29K fighter and helicopters for the aviation trials which will check out facilities such as landing, deck lighting, arrestor and restraining gears etc. The aviation facilities complex trials are expected to last over three months.

Officials said the ship was moved to Barents Sea as it doesn't freeze in winter because of warm currents. The ship is expected to remain there for the extensive trials until deep into winter, when handing over to the Indian Navy is expected.

After a delay of over four years, when INS Vikramaditya finally joins the Indian Navy it will be the biggest ship with the Indian military, besides significantly enhancing its blue water capabilities.

Aviation trials of INS Vikramaditya to start in July - The Times of India
 
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