Super hornet STOBAR from Goa

[SQ8]

I can see the U.S. tying access to its EMALS tech to the Super Hornet. Or, in order to properly bag the IN contract, the U.S. could offer the F-35B.

They likely would push the F-35B to push more control into the Indian military chain.
Because at the end - in the mind of some planner in the pentagon, India is going to be a threat some day

 

[MH.Yang]

If Indians choose to buy F18, we will see flankers(J-15T) take off with ejection and F18 take off with jump.

 

[Two banks of the River]

F-35B

Given that both the carriers have traps, if a F35 offer ever comes, it would make sense for F35C variant.

 

[Black Tornado]

Given that both the carriers have traps, if a F35 offer ever comes, it would make sense for F35C variant.

B variant would be better choice as well, because then we’ll be able to use them in our LHDs four of which are to be procured. So effectively we can have 6 aircraft carriers with STOVL F-35. We’ve been using vertical take off and landing aircraft for years, and Navy has lot of experience operating them even if the gap is of generations between F-35s and Sea Harriers.

 

[Two banks of the River]

B variant would be better choice as well, because then we’ll be able to use them in our LHDs four of which are to be procured. So effectively we can have 6 aircraft carriers with STOVL F-35. We’ve been using vertical take off and landing aircraft for years, and Navy has lot of experience operating them even if the gap is of generations between F-35s and Sea Harriers.

Not a wise choice to convert the aviation facilities of a 20,000 ton vessel to support the F35B type operations.

The primary objective behind LHD project is being able to have a 24/7 continuous ability to first deploy and then support battalion size force to either defend or reclaim any islands in A&N chain during any conflict.

The 20,000 Ton vessel which we want , we want it to able to carry 800+ troop with their equipment and landing crafts and troop transport helicopters.

The moment you try to convert this into a fighter aviation asset, this primary task is not possible. And it's not an easy or cheap conversion actually. The whole sensor suite , the defence suite, the internal layout, everything will need to change.

Untill we decide that the LHDs we want are the size of something like America Class, it's unwise to do so.

And our harrier jets have proved that vertical landing is actually the most dangerous part and actually limits the load carrying capacity and causing numerous mishaps. So there happens to be no reason why one should operate a VTOL aircraft from a STOBAR carrier.


One more thing, given the size of LHDs we want, even if they were configured to carry F35Bs, the most they can in their size carry is around 12 jets. That's 48 F35Bs for 4 LHDs. But the two carriers alone can carry 50+ F35s.

Why would one want to restrict the capabilities of the larger dedicated asset?

 

[Deino]

Next attempt should be another 50-55k conventional carrier with CATOBAR design, similar Ac can be made in another 5-6 years with adequate funding.

No offense, but India is still trying with the Vikrant since when, and still it is far far away from being operational… India still works on the Tejas since how long, now builds the Mk 2, which is de facto a new larger aircraft, and started with the AMCA … don’t you think you should finish one project and reconsider your schedule before aiming for much more in even less realistic timeframes?

 

[Super Falcon]

friend break the news indian navy will buy super hornets

 

[johncliu88]

Based on the recent photos, Vikrant doesn't have any arresting cable installed yet. I don't think the F-18s will be on it any time any sooner.

 

[Two banks of the River]

Based on the recent photos, Vikrant doesn't have any arresting cable installed yet. I don't think the F-18s will be on it any time any sooner.

Mig29K have been spotted on the deck. Maybe it's installed now.