India specifies 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier, with catapult

[IND151]

For the first time, the size and specifications of the Indian Navy’s future aircraft carrier have been officially acknowledged. The navy has written to at least four major global shipbuilders, asking for proposals to help in designing a 65,000 tonne carrier that would be about 300 metres long.

The letter of request, issued by the Indian Navy on Wednesday, specifies the carrier should be capable of speeds greater than 30 knots (56 kilometres per hour). However, it is silent on whether it prefers nuclear propulsion, or conventional diesel or gas turbines.

The navy’s letter states the carrier will embark 30-35 fixed wing combat aircraft, and about 20 rotary wing aircraft (helicopters). It would have a catapult to launch fixed wing aircraft, which would make the carrier a “catapult launched but arrested landing”, or CATOBAR vessel. For India’s naval aviators, this would involve a major change from a long tradition of getting airborne from a “ski-jump” at the end of the flight deck.

While not mandating an “electromagnetic aircraft launch system” (EMALS), the navy has specifically mentioned it as an option. The United States Navy’s latest carrier, the 100,000-tonne USS Gerald R Ford, which will be commissioned next year, is the world’s only current carrier featuring EMALS. This uses an electromagnetic rail gun to accelerate aircraft to take-off velocity, instead of the conventional steam-driven catapults that have been used for 60 years.

The navy’s letter has gone out to US company, Lockheed Martin; UK company, BAE Systems, French shipbuilder, DCNS; and Rosoboronexport, the Russian defence export umbrella agency.

The letter pertains to the vessel that is commonly referred to as the “indigenous aircraft carrier number 2”, or IAC-2. Currently, Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) is building IAC-1, a 40,000-tonne carrier named INS Vikrant, which is scheduled to be commissioned in 2018.

INS Vikrant will supplement INS Vikramaditya, the 45,000-tonne carrier bought from Russia, which was formerly named the Gorshkov. Another, older carrier, INS Viraat, is expected to be retired by the end of this decade.

For years, the biggest guessing game around the Indian Navy’s future force has been: will IAC-2 be a massive, EMALS-equipped, nuclear-powered super carrier, developed in partnership with America? So far, admirals have been close-mouthed, saying the process of formulating specifications is under way.

Now, the guessing game is already shifting to: which shipbuilder does the navy’s specifications favour? The US remains the leading horse, not just because it is the world’s most experienced and technologically advanced carrier operator with more aircraft carriers in service than the rest of the world combined.

There is also a US-India “working group”, constituted during President Barack Obama’s visit to India in January, specifically to promote cooperation in aircraft carrier technology. New Delhi and Washington are known to have discussed EMALS under the rubric of the Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI).

Yet, there could be others in the race. Vendors point out that the specifications framed by the navy bear similarities to the French aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle (in terms of speed and size, though not in displacement); and the British Queen Elizabeth II (in terms of displacement and size, though not in speed).

Surprisingly, the navy’s letter allows the foreign vendors just one week to respond, demanding a reply by July 22. The reply is required to contain costing elements along with the proposal.

“This involves evaluating a consultative, hand-holding process that will last at least a decade. There is no way anyone can produce a detailed cost proposal in such a short time”, complains a senior executive with one of the foreign vendors.

Experts have begun evaluating the implications of the navy’s specifications. It is pointed out that asking for 25-30 fighters and 20 helicopters on a 65,000 tonne, 300-metre-long carrier would limit the size of the aircraft on the ship. If heavy fighters are to be a part of the ship’s complement, it would need to be bigger; if the MiG-29K is retained, it would need a foldable nose to occupy less hangar space. The Naval Tejas, a small, light fighter that occupies little space, is also expected to feature in the complement of IAC-1 and IAC-2.

It is also pointed out that specifying a speed in excess of 30 knots eliminates certain forms of propulsion, notably an all-electric drive, which is environment friendly and economical.

Broadsword: India specifies 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier, with catapult

 

[IND151]

This part is important

"Experts have begun evaluating the implications of the navy’s specifications. It is pointed out that asking for 25-30 fighters and 20 helicopters on a 65,000 tonne, 300-metre-long carrier would limit the size of the aircraft on the ship. If heavy fighters are to be a part of the ship’s complement, it would need to be bigger; if the MiG-29K is retained, it would need a foldable nose to occupy less hangar space. The Naval Tejas, a small, light fighter that occupies little space, is also expected to feature in the complement of IAC-1 and IAC-2."

@XiNiX @sancho @Capt.Popeye @Dillinger @SpArK

 

[SrNair]

A balanced decision ,both in technological and diplomatical perspective .

 

[IND151]

A balanced decision ,both in technological and diplomatical perspective .

We need carrier of this size for sure.

I hope they make IAC 2 a 78,000 Ton Carrier, which will make her a Super Carrier.

 

[ruby007]

For the first time, the size and specifications of the Indian Navy’s future aircraft carrier have been officially acknowledged. The navy has written to at least four major global shipbuilders, asking for proposals to help in designing a 65,000 tonne carrier that would be about 300 metres long.

The letter of request, issued by the Indian Navy on Wednesday, specifies the carrier should be capable of speeds greater than 30 knots (56 kilometres per hour). However, it is silent on whether it prefers nuclear propulsion, or conventional diesel or gas turbines.

The navy’s letter states the carrier will embark 30-35 fixed wing combat aircraft, and about 20 rotary wing aircraft (helicopters). It would have a catapult to launch fixed wing aircraft, which would make the carrier a “catapult launched but arrested landing”, or CATOBAR vessel. For India’s naval aviators, this would involve a major change from a long tradition of getting airborne from a “ski-jump” at the end of the flight deck.

While not mandating an “electromagnetic aircraft launch system” (EMALS), the navy has specifically mentioned it as an option. The United States Navy’s latest carrier, the 100,000-tonne USS Gerald R Ford, which will be commissioned next year, is the world’s only current carrier featuring EMALS. This uses an electromagnetic rail gun to accelerate aircraft to take-off velocity, instead of the conventional steam-driven catapults that have been used for 60 years.

The navy’s letter has gone out to US company, Lockheed Martin; UK company, BAE Systems, French shipbuilder, DCNS; and Rosoboronexport, the Russian defence export umbrella agency.

The letter pertains to the vessel that is commonly referred to as the “indigenous aircraft carrier number 2”, or IAC-2. Currently, Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) is building IAC-1, a 40,000-tonne carrier named INS Vikrant, which is scheduled to be commissioned in 2018.

INS Vikrant will supplement INS Vikramaditya, the 45,000-tonne carrier bought from Russia, which was formerly named the Gorshkov. Another, older carrier, INS Viraat, is expected to be retired by the end of this decade.

For years, the biggest guessing game around the Indian Navy’s future force has been: will IAC-2 be a massive, EMALS-equipped, nuclear-powered super carrier, developed in partnership with America? So far, admirals have been close-mouthed, saying the process of formulating specifications is under way.

Now, the guessing game is already shifting to: which shipbuilder does the navy’s specifications favour? The US remains the leading horse, not just because it is the world’s most experienced and technologically advanced carrier operator with more aircraft carriers in service than the rest of the world combined.

There is also a US-India “working group”, constituted during President Barack Obama’s visit to India in January, specifically to promote cooperation in aircraft carrier technology. New Delhi and Washington are known to have discussed EMALS under the rubric of the Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI).

Yet, there could be others in the race. Vendors point out that the specifications framed by the navy bear similarities to the French aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle (in terms of speed and size, though not in displacement); and the British Queen Elizabeth II (in terms of displacement and size, though not in speed).

Surprisingly, the navy’s letter allows the foreign vendors just one week to respond, demanding a reply by July 22. The reply is required to contain costing elements along with the proposal.

“This involves evaluating a consultative, hand-holding process that will last at least a decade. There is no way anyone can produce a detailed cost proposal in such a short time”, complains a senior executive with one of the foreign vendors.

Experts have begun evaluating the implications of the navy’s specifications. It is pointed out that asking for 25-30 fighters and 20 helicopters on a 65,000 tonne, 300-metre-long carrier would limit the size of the aircraft on the ship. If heavy fighters are to be a part of the ship’s complement, it would need to be bigger; if the MiG-29K is retained, it would need a foldable nose to occupy less hangar space. The Naval Tejas, a small, light fighter that occupies little space, is also expected to feature in the complement of IAC-1 and IAC-2.

It is also pointed out that specifying a speed in excess of 30 knots eliminates certain forms of propulsion, notably an all-electric drive, which is environment friendly and economical.

Broadsword: India specifies 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier, with catapult

Is that the real model!???? The deck doesn't appear to be flat

 

[IND151]

Is that the real model!???? The deck doesn't appear to be flat

Its CGI, probably not of IAC 2.

 

[saurav]

CGI does not seem to be of a Flat top.. A 65K tons carrier with just 30-35 fighters will be a disappointment. At least 50 fixed wing fighters should be there to project power.

 

[anant_s]

Is there a flexibility with respect to displaced weight (65,000 T)?
In terms of strategic role, Navy would surely have discussed what kind of aircraft it wants onboard and considering that the ship will enter in service by 2015 or so, MiG 29 might not be a final solution (some sort of 5 generation fighter would be required). In this regard, if 30 odd Fixed wing fighters (heavy weight class) are proposed (along with AWACS option, E2D or similar), the final size of ship (& correspondingly its weight) could change. This will have implications on the prime-mover capacity.
I think the proposal for assistance is in design consultancy, design validation and finalizing. This itself could take about an year or so.
Like any large project, several components which have long delivery schedule will need to be ordered after design is frozen and design team finalizes possible components for the same to be tendered.
All in all, i guess this is a very early stage for IAC 2 and it should be atleast 2 years from now before keel of ship is laid at chosen shipyard. That said, if things are done properly and budgets permitting, India can move on to building follow-up ACs (IAC 3 etc) immediately after IAC 1 enters service.

 

[PatriotLover]

Nice indian wet dreams!

 

[Abingdonboy]

Nice indian wet dreams!

In what way is this a "wet dream"? This is the fruits of natural progression wherein India has gone from making/designing FACs to frigates, to destroyers and now Air Craft Carriers with one already under construction.

Yes is Bangladesh or Pakistan had announced such a thing one could say it was nothing but folly or "wet dreams" but India has a clearly defined road map and a history of success in this field that will ensure this becomes a reality in the not to distant future.

 

[PatriotLover]

In what way is this a "wet dream"? This is the fruits of natural progression wherein India has gone from making/designing FACs to frigates, to destroyers and now Air Craft Carriers with one already under construction.

Yes is Bangladesh or Pakistan had announced such a thing one could say it was nothing but folly or "wet dreams" but India has a clearly defined road map and a history of success in this field that will ensure this becomes a reality in the not to distant future.

Which one are you talking about Vikramaditya is imported from Russia.

China makes better carriers. Maybe in the future, you must import from China.

 

[Abingdonboy]

Which one are you talking about Vikramaditya is imported from Russia.

China makes better carriers. Maybe in the future, you must import from China.

I'm talking about IAC-1:


The CAD:

The reality (right now):


http://***************/attachments/1-jpg.14313/

She will be joining the Indian Navy in the next two years.



The Chinese have, to date, built and inducted ZERO aircraft carriers.

 

[anant_s]

China makes better carriers

Name one Chinese built carrier!

Maybe in the future, you must import from China.

Maybe in future India will be in a position to assist others in building ACs. We have learnt in a hard way while making IAC 1, but like in all other projects of heavy engineering, you graduate from one level of competency to another. Even US didn't start making 100,000 ton super carriers straight away.
Before making fun of others, learn to appreciate the toil they have put in to reach the level they are.

 

[IND151]

Is there a flexibility with respect to displaced weight (65,000 T)?
In terms of strategic role, Navy would surely have discussed what kind of aircraft it wants onboard and considering that the ship will enter in service by 2015 or so, MiG 29 might not be a final solution (some sort of 5 generation fighter would be required). In this regard, if 30 odd Fixed wing fighters (heavy weight class) are proposed (along with AWACS option, E2D or similar), the final size of ship (& correspondingly its weight) could change. This will have implications on the prime-mover capacity.
I think the proposal for assistance is in design consultancy, design validation and finalizing. This itself could take about an year or so.
Like any large project, several components which have long delivery schedule will need to be ordered after design is frozen and design team finalizes possible components for the same to be tendered.
All in all, i guess this is a very early stage for IAC 2 and it should be atleast 2 years from now before keel of ship is laid at chosen shipyard. That said, if things are done properly and budgets permitting, India can move on to building follow-up ACs (IAC 3 etc) immediately after IAC 1 enters service.

What you are suggesting may or may not happen.

But its for sure that we will get a very capable carrier.

 

[HowkEye]

Nice indian wet dreams!

at least we dare to dream and work hard to fulfill it..oh wait begging hands dont know how to dream..forget it..