Naval LCA lands on Vikrant, first aeroplane to touch down

  • February 7, 2023
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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Naval LCA lands on Vikrant, first aeroplane to touch down

Subject : Defence

Concept :

  • The naval version of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas landed on INS Vikrant, which is an indigenous aircraft carrier, marking the maiden landing of a fixed-wing aircraft on INS Vikrant.
  • INS Vikrant was commissioned into the Indian Navy in September 2022.
  • The landing of LCA was also followed by the landing and take-off by a twin-engine MiG-29K fighter jet.
  • Earlier in January 2020, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) had demonstrated a successful arrested landing of the naval LCA on INS Vikramaditya.
  • The recent development has been regarded as a historic milestone and a step towards achieving “Aatmanirbharta” (self-reliance) in defence.
  • Further, the move also demonstrates India’s capability to design, develop, construct and operate IAC with indigenous fighter aircraft.

About INS Vikrant:

  • It is country’s maiden indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-1).
  • Built by: Cochin Shipyard Ltd.
  • The IAC was commissioned in 2022 making it the most potent sea-based asset.
  • Capabilities: can project Air Power over long distances, including Air Interdiction, Anti-Surface Warfare, offensive and defensive Counter-Air, Airborne Anti-Submarine Warfare and Airborne Early Warning.
  • It has a STOBAR (short take off but arrested recovery) system of aircraft launch and recovery on the flight deck.
  • It is armed with the Barak LR-SAM (long range surface-to-air missile) air defence and AK-630 close-in weapon system besides a slew of advanced sensors and an electronic warfare suite.

Other specifications:

  • It is expected to have a top speed of 30 knots (approximately 55 kmph) and is propelled by four gas turbines.
  • Its endurance is 7,500 nautical miles at 18 knots (32 kmph) speed.
  • The vessel can carry up to 1,500 personnel and has 2,300 compartments.
  • The ship shall operate MiG-29K fighter aircraft, Kamov-31 Air Early Warning Helicopters, the soon to be inducted MH-60R multi-role helicopter and the indigenously manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters.
Defence Naval LCA lands on Vikrant