The significance of carrier aviation

The significance of carrier aviation

Subject: Science and tech

Sec: Defence

Context:

On March 5, both aircraft carriers of the Indian Navy, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, showcased “twin carrier operations” with MiG-29K fighter jets taking off simultaneously from both and landing cross deck.

More on news:

• This demonstrated an ability that only a handful of nations can boast of. Further one of the carriers, INS Vikrant is indigenously designed and constructed. 
• Commissioned in September 2022, INS Vikrant has been fully operationalised and integrated into the operational cycle in record time.
• India is currently negotiating with France for the purchase of 26 Rafale-M carrier jets as the MiG-29Ks are in short supply while an indigenous twin engine deck-based fighter is currently under development.

What does INS Vikrant signify?

• The design work on the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC)-I, later christened Vikrant, began in 1999; however 2005-2006 were probably the most crucial years for the carrier and for India’s war shipbuilding.
• The crucial decision was on the warship grade steel, which till then was procured from Russia. 
• It was decided that it would be developed and produced in India, a collaborative effort between the Steel Authority of India, the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy. 
• DMR-249 steel is now being used for the construction of all warships in the country.

 What is the composition of INS Vikrant?

• The 262m long and 62m wide ship is powered by four General Electric LM2500 engines generating 88 MW of power giving it a maximum speed of 28 Knots and an endurance of 7,500 nautical miles.
• Built at an overall cost of around ₹20,000 crore and 76% indigenous content, the ship has around 2,200 compartments, for a crew of around 1,600 that include specialized cabins to accommodate women officers and sailors.

What are its capabilities?

• Vikrant can operate an air wing of 30 aircraft comprising MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, in addition to indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters and Light Combat Aircraft (Navy). 
• It uses the STOBAR (Short Take-Off but Arrested Recovery) method to launch and recover aircraft for which it is equipped with a ski- jump to launch aircraft, and three ‘arrester wires’ for their recovery. 
• The flight deck has an independent lighting system to assist for bad weather and night operations.
• Once the aircraft finishes the mission, they are safely vectored back to the ship and guided for a precision landing.
• The fighters which have a hook under the belly pick up one of the three arresting gear wires on the flight deck.
• The aircraft with a speed of more than 250 kmph is stopped within a distance of just 90m in just 2-3 seconds.
• Vikrant has larger deck space and visibly larger hallways compared to previous carriers including Vikramaditya, which is of similar size. 
• The erstwhile 19,500 tonne Vikrant was India’s first carrier purchased from the U.K., which arrived in 1961 and played a vital role in the 1971 war. 
• Then came the 28,700 tonne INS Viraat commissioned in 1987, formerly HMS Hermes, also from the U.K.

After Vikrant, what next?

• An aircraft carrier is fundamental to command, control and coordination of operations from the sea and to project combat power ashore, over the seas or in the air, noting that the fragile maritime security situation across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and India’s stature as the largest resident naval power necessitate a strong and robust Navy.
• Aircraft carriers play a pivotal role in this and concurrent availability of two Carrier Battle Groups facilitate credible presence and preparedness on both Western and Eastern seaboards.
• The Navy has already moved a case for a second Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-II), a repeat of a Vikrant-like carrier. 
• The IAC-II displacing 45,000 tonnes will see some modifications and newer technologies incorporated in the original design of the Vikrant and will also be manufactured by CSL. 
• The proposed IAC-II has often been referred to as India’s third aircraft carrier.

About other countries:

• Japan has begun converting its helicopter carriers to operate F-35 fighter jets. 
• China announced that it is building its fourth aircraft carrier, likely a nuclear-powered supercarrier.
• From commissioning its first carrier, Liaoning, in 2012, launching second carrier Shadong in 2017, third carrier Fujian in 2022 and the fourth to be unveiled soon, China’s pace is absolutely unprecedented.