Naval LCA lands on Vikrant, first aeroplane to touch down

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.