India to launch its aircraft carrier till the year is over

14.10.2010 India has completed assembling the main part of Vikrant class perspective aircraft carrier with displacement of 40,000 tons, reports DNA India. In particular, 2 out of 21 blocks are ready in full, as well as sections for a powerplant and diesel generators. Expectedly, Cochin shipyard will launch the ship till the end of 2010.

Keel-laying of the Indian aircraft carrier was held in Feb 2009 when the government ratified appropriation of funds for the carrier construction. The project has been developed since 2003. The ship is assembled under so-called module principle when each section is built separately. All works are subdivided into 2 phases. The first one is hull construction; the second one is final fitting-out.

According to the project, length of the Indian aircraft carrier will make 260 meters, beam – 60 meters. American-made gas turbines LM 2500 (General Electric) will be used as a powerplant. The ship will have max speed of 28 knots. Air group of INS Vikrant will include 29 deck-based fighters and 10 helicopters (either Ka-31 or HAL Dhruv). In total, it is planned to build two Vikrant class aircraft carriers. Supposedly, the first one will be delivered to Indian Navy by 2013.