Media bluff : Russian assist in IAC 2 construction

Media bluff : Russian assist in IAC 2 construction

     Several media reports quoting unnamed Russian sources, that Russia and India in talks to build India's next generation aircraft carrier dubbed as INS Vishal or IAC 2. Earlier Russian showed a model of aircraft carrier which can capable to launch short take off fighters and assisted take off fighters. The carrier named project 23000E or Shtorm.

Indian navy proposed a plan to build next generation aircraft carrier, which is more powerful than existing carrier's. Navy approached this plan to the government and allowed to move on with the project. The Navy wants the carrier to be powered by nuclear reactors for unlimited endurance and need to be assisted launching for launching heavy fighter jets like Hornet's and Rafale.

There were three major aspects in the Aircraft carrier building,

1. Aircraft Carrier Design

2. Nuclear Propulsion and

3. Assisted Launching

Indian Navy found two major contenders, One is the American's and another is French, who successfully operates such carriers and capable of building new one too. America and French currently building carriers for their Navy, they were powered by nukes with assisted launching capability.

Here Russia didn't build a carrier more than a decade, During the Soviet period they constructed some of them, later they planned another one, however they cancelled it, that cancelled Aircraft carrier program named project 1143.7, and they refurbished a carrier with high cost and later transferred to Indian Navy, The Vikramaditya is costlier than the Queen Elizebeth carrier which is double in size compared to the Vikramaditya.

Moreover, Russia even approached the French to contract their first LHD ( Landing Helicopter Dock ) named Mistral, Because of constructing such helicopter carrier is easier and cost less than building one in Russia. However due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Europe Union and French sanctioned the Russians, later it was sold to Egypt, compensations paid to Russia later.

The Russian model of the 23000E shows a ski jump along with a catapult launch, which can launch both medium weight navel fighters like MiG 29 K and proposed a naval version of PAK FA heavyweight fighter jet's.

Russia plans to assist the Indian carrier building with mutual interest, with Indian money they can build their aircraft carrier free of cost, with the huge cost of building the Indian one. However, India clearly stated that building the second carrier should be done in Indian shipyard's only.

A pretty good reason also on the anvil, that Russia did assist the IAC 1 or INS Vikrant construction. However most of the critical parts like Engine, Radar and sensor systems, artillery gun's are outsourced from the USA, Israel and Italy respectively.

As India already approached the American's for the IAC 2 construction, both are already assigned a team and a joint working group called DTTI. both already involved in a round of talks and Indian visits to American aircraft construction and American visit to Indian aircraft construction also happens earlier. 

Proposed Carrier Project 23000E Shtorm

Cancelled Carrier Project 1143.7 Ulyanovsk

INS Vishal : 2nd meeting of Indo US officials held in New Delhi

INS Vishal : 2nd meeting of Indo US officials held in New Delhi 

2nd Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Technology Cooperation (JWGACTC) meeting between India & United States concludes in New Delhi

The 2nd meeting of the Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Technology Co-operation (JWGACTC), constituted under the auspices of the Indo – US Defence Trade and Technology Initiative, was organised in India from 15 to 18 Feb 16. 

An 11 member delegation of the US Side, headed by Rear Admiral Thomas J Moore, Program Executive Officer, Aircraft Carriers (United States Navy), visited various defence/ industrial installations in India including the Shore Based Test Facility at Goa, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi. The delegation also visited the first Indian Indigenous Aircraft Carrier being constructed at CSL.

The concluding session of the Joint Working Group Meeting was held on 18 Feb 16 at New Delhi and was co-chaired by Vice Admiral GS Pabby, Controller Warship Production and Acquisition and Rear Admiral Thomas J Moore, Program Executive Officer, Aircraft Carriers (United States Navy). During this meeting, various aspects of cooperation in the field of aircraft carrier technology were discussed and a joint statement signed.

The meeting was attended by members of the Joint Working Group and relevant representatives from IHQ MoD (N), HQIDS, DRDO and Ministry of External Affairs, India. 

PTI

Should India build more 40,000 ton Vikrant Class Carrier

Should India build more 40,000 ton Vikrant Class Carrier

   The Cochin shipyard who builds the INS Vikrant carrier, looking to build more such ships to keep the shipyard busy for next five years. The larger shipyard who can capable to build more than 40,000 tons and 900 feet medium air craft carrier, now building small warships. Cochin shipyard earlier asked the Defense ministry to allow them to build more Vikrant carriers.

    As of now Indian Navy has one fully operational STOBAR carrier INS Vikramaditya with 30 MiG 29 K fighters as main arm. The other ship INS Viraat almost out of action and could not be used in battles, INS Vikrant on the other is almost in final touch ups and yet to attain carrier trails. The ship all set to commissioned into the Navy by 2018.

   So afterwards 2018, India may get two operational aircraft carrier each armed with 30 MiG 29 K modern 4+ generation fighter jets. compared to the Vikramaditya the Vikrant is better in design and armaments support. The ship powered by the American engines and added with more number of Naval artillery guns. Vikrant is the first carrier who comes with four 76mm naval artillery guns.

    Vikrant comes with state of art sensor and processing systems, the Carrier comes with European AESA based long range surveillance radar and the Israeli made Multi function  AESA radar for both fire control and surveillance. The designer  made smart move by splitting the MF STAR radar by two to reduce the clutters and blind side.

     The addition of Barak PDMS and long range Barak 8 gives protection against all kind of incoming threats, such as sea skimming missiles and fighter jets. the defense system also include OFB made AK 630 30 mm cannons for close in weapon system support. The ship will carry two AK 630 Gatling guns.

  

  The above mentioned unique features makes the Vikrant one of the most sophisticated conventional powered carrier in the world. So the Cochin shipyard proposes more such ships for Indian Navy. The navy didn't shown interests in the follow on Vikrant for only one reason, It's the STOBAR configuration. Who allows to take off only medium weight fighters, The STOBAR couldn't help the Fighter in the launch position unlike the CATOBAR or EMAL.

   The CATOBAR carriers are more capable carriers than the STOBAR, catobar assists the fighter jet during the launch time by firing the fighter from it's deck, So the fighter jets can carry more weapons and looses very low amount of fuel compared to the STOBAR carrier. Both the carriers can assist the fighter when landing by using the arrestor wires.

     India is not new to the CATOBAR, Earlier the Navy used the Sea Hawk fighters from the INS Vikrant carrier, The carrier is 20,000 Ton weight and 700 feet length. It can carry 24 fighter jets. INS Vikrant decommissioned in 2005, after the Navy found there is no use of such carrier and it's wing in modern battle's.

     Indian Navy already issued a RFP to build four LHD ships in India, each weighting more than 20,000 tons, Who were actually a helicopter carrier Amphibious assault ship. Many sources suggested Navy might buy the F 35 B VTOL version for LHD's fixed wing.

    Navy already in plans to build a modern carrier with powerful propulsion and launching mechanism with American support. The INS Vishal comes with EMAL launching system and  powered by nuclear propulsion, which can carry modern heavy fighter jets like F 18 E/F, Rafale M or the F 35 C. The carrier still on papers. INS Vishal becomes reality only in 2030.

      So before 2020, Indian Navy may operate two STOBAR carriers and four VTOL/LHD carriers. Those six of them enough for defending the Indian coasts with dedicated carrier air wings. That's why Navy didn't look upon more Vikrant class carriers. One must understand the issue building and commissioning a vikarant class carrier costs more than $3 billions. Navy couldn't afford another $6 billions for two more Vikrant class carrier,

    Navy already driving funds to Submarines and Helicopter procurement plans and ofcourse in the INS Vishal project too, Even if Cochin gets any export order of Vikarant derivatives, It can build the ship not the power plant, Radar and fighter aircraft's. which comes from foreign nations.  

Foreign Assistance to Construct INS Vishal

Foreign Assistance to Construct INS Vishal

   After Officially disclosing details about the IAC-II project, Indian navy has forwarded formal request to foreign shipyards to assist an Indian shipyard in constructing India's biggest naval ship code named 'IAC-II'. The construction of the IAC is considered to be extremely demanding and with India aiming to integrate the latest technology it is crucial India receives help from foreign nation.  Indian navy has now formally forwarded request to American ship building company Lockheed Martin, Britain's BAE Systems, DCNS of France and Russian shipyards under Rossoobornexport.


Indian navy is now in  the process of selecting the Indian shipyard which will be heading the project. The biggest naval vessel to be built by an Indian shipyard was IAC-1/INS Vikrant, 40000 tonne aircraft carrier which was completed at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). Just before the start of the IAC project CSL had received major boost to its infrastructural capabilities to accommodate the project. In the fray for the project are Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) and L&T's Hazira plant which was instrumental in the completion of INS Arihant, India first nuclear powered submarine.


The vessel to be built under IAC-II is expected to be longer than IAC-I and is expected to displace around 65000 tonne when completed. IAC-II is also expected to be filled to the brim with the latest available modern technology, Indian navy is actively pitching to equip the aircraft with the latest western technology. With this Indian navy has already inclined towards the support of Lockheed Martin and BEA systems. The vessel will feature a CATBOR deck meaning the aircraft will be launched with a steam or EMALS propelled catapult. 

The project also will face the competition of private industries in the form of L&T which has associated itself closely with the grown of Indian defense programs over the decades. L&T has Kattapulli yard under it's disposal which has received major infrastructural boost. The shipyard has churned out both naval and civilian vessels, concentrating mainly on huge oil tankers which displace around 20000 tonne. The shipyard has also been producing vessels for the Indian coast guard and foreign naval forces. L&T is currently involved in the construction of seven patrol vessels for the Indian Coast guard. The shipyard also is involved in the construction of  54 fast interceptor boats for the Coast guard.






The competition from the Indian shipyard's can be easily refined out, even though nine shipyards have been invited the capabilities of the shipyards for the construction of super carrier is a matter of concern. HSL, CSL and L&T making the cut is confirmed for now and the best bet of the lot would be CSL given the experience and the infrastructure the shipyard. CSL poses readily available infrastructure which will need minimal changes. On the other hand HSL which can be enhanced for handling the work will be shortly have it's hands tied in the construction of the six nuclear powered attack submarines. Even though L&T has been a reliable partner, handing over a product of this scale will be prove to be suicidal for India. Rather L&T can be engaged in building indigenously mastered surface combatants like frigates and destroyers.


India is inclined towards US technology given  the consortium both the nations have formed. The relationship between the largest democracies have reached a new level, during Obama's visit to India the nations agreed to set-up working groups for co-developing carrier technology. With Indian navy now opting to request Lockheed Martin for help the agreement seems to be in the making. Lockheed Martin is a leading naval advisor and project executer for US navy and has been instrumental in providing the USN with state-of-the-art Littrol ships, destroyers and massive landing docks. 

   
The maker of US super-carrier are infact Northrup Gruman which have been building Nimitz class carriers since their introduction. It is believed India hasn't forwarded the LoR to Northrup, the exact reason behind this is yet to be known. Only BAE systems has publicly acknowledged about receiving the LoR and has confirmed it's participation in the program. Lockheed Martin is yet to announce and acknowledge its role in the program but what is certain is the adoption of US technology on-board this massive vessel. India has set foot in acquiring the latest technology and aims to equip the ship with EMALS and also to power the carrier with nuclear power.


EMALS is a child of US navy which has been successfully developed and is currently being implemented on the 100000 tonne Gerald R Ford-class carrier. The technology has already been tested for launching dead weights from the decks of the carrier, EMALS has also launched multiple aircraft from the land-based  testing model. Implementation of EMALS is a win-win situation for the Indian navy, the system will drastically boost the launch capabilities of the naval aviation. The operational capability of naval aviation is constrained to a great level owing to the STOBAR design of India's current carrier INS Vikramaditya. Induction of EMALS and CATOBAR technology will help the navy launch heavier aircraft with minimal strain to the air-frame.  The operational range will also receive a major boost considering the fuel saved during the entire launch process. 

Apart from US, the other reliable partner India can lookout will be BAE systems. India has imported two of its former aircraft carrier from Britain and hence has a active working group with the company. BAE systems has been instrumental in Britain super carrier, Elizabeth class and has been working relentlessly to equip the carrier with the latest technology. Though Elizabeth class employs a STOL deck little modification will yield in a CATOBAR deck and India's experienced marine engineering team can handle the whole work on the deck. The major problems will be mastering the propulsion and aircraft launch system. BAE has also publicly acknowledged its participation in the program, Lockheed Martin and BAE systems have working groups which are closely working to squeeze in the F-35 for Britain's future carrier. With India opting for western technology the induction of BAE into working group will a major boost.

       DCNS has been a key naval partner for India, the Scorpene's are an example for India's trust on France. India extensively uses France products in its navy, DCNS was the key in France mastering its super carrier dreams. DCNS actively pitched its product for France Super-carrier Charles de Gaulle which is similar to India's IAC-II dreams. DCNS has also been instrumental in France acquiring the Mistal class LHD's. Mistral will be a key competitor in the LHD tender floated by India. DCNS will surely give a run for Lockheed should India consider asking a competitor for the reliable US technology. 

       

   Russian shipyards have also been invited and have received the LoR, but this can be consider as eyewash method the navy implemented to keep the Russia federation crunching for Indian projects. The first issue with the Russian shipyards would be reliability and cost overruns, this was experienced when India inducted INS Vikramaditya. The cost projection increased exponentially sending the Naval command into a tizzy and time limits were repeatedly increased. Almost every project India went with Russia has had problems blocking the complete execution of the project but  Russia undoubtedly is the most trusted partner of India. Russia has given India a sneak peak into almost all modern technology and has helped India in mastering its ship building capabilities.Weather any Russian shipyard will partner Indian shipyard for the project is a question best left unanswered considering the strain the relationships the countries have suffered. The only logical thought towards this would be India's quest to master "Western technology" through this project.


With the new government stressing for a robust naval force, the IAC project has received some serious review's at the top most level. The Defense ministry has allotted $5 millions for the project and has slashed the time frame by requesting foreign partners to reply in the shortest possible time frame. By the year end we'll be seeing the project taking off and IAC-II taking shape. Indian navy has completed the design phase and is now confused in freezing the propulsion system for the carrier. If everything falls into plae there is no doubt of India operating a super carrier in the next decade.

Editor - Karthik Kakoor

DAC sets the Course for a Safer Future

DAC SETS THE COURSE FOR A SAFER FUTURE

M777 Ultra Light Howitzer

       Delivering the promise of fast tracking the procurement process, the DAC headed by the MoD, Manohar Parrikar met yesterday night clearing crucial procurement's for the forces. The tri-services chiefs were in attendance to the crucial meet where clearance was accorded to crucial procurement's to overcome the short falling in the forces. The DAC has cleared procurement's of up to $3.4 billion.

Avro Replacement

       In a major decision the DAC has finally paved the way for the replacement of the aging Avro’s. DAC has finally given its consent to consortium formed by Airbus and Tata.  The Avro replacement deal is estimated around 11930 crore, under which India will procuring 56 aircraft. Airbus has fielded it’s C295 for the replacement and deal and has also signed a deal with Tata to co-produce it in India.

    Under the deal, 16 aircrafts will be procured in fly away conditions and the rest 40 will be manufactured in India. This is a significant step in the ‘Make in India’ campaign and this deal will effectively make Tata the first private company to setup an assembly line to manufacture aircraft in India. The numbers of these tactical aircraft is expected to increase with time, Indian navy and Coast guard have already expressed their interest to procure the aircraft.

C 295

 LUH Replacement

           The aging Cheetah and Chetak fleet have been one of the most agonizing machinery in service. The Navy, Air force and Army operate more than 100 crafts. These aging machines have met with several crash and had greatly reduced the efficiency of the forces in the front line. Even though plans to replace these crafts were drawn several years ago the program has finally taken wings in this DAC meet.    long delayed procurement finally seems it's order, the Army operates more than 100 of Vintage French origin HAL built Cheetah and Chetak helicopters which is already The Ka 226T designed by the Russians has finally won the tender process and will soon replace the aging fleet.

         The order is expected to be around 200+, the helicopter would again be produced in India by an Indian private company and the program is slated to be a major relief to rotary operation wing.

Ka 226T

 Light weight Howitzer M777

      To counter the moves of China, India has planned to setup a mountain strike corps. This regiment is in-charge of checking any aggressive moves by the Chinese and will also be one of the first parties to enhance the Chinese, should a full scale war break out between the countries. Artillery guns has been one of the most lacking fields in the army, thanks to the famous Bofor’s deal any future plans to procure these guns have always run into turbulent waters.

    The DAC has finally cleared the procurement of the M777 from the US, these artillery guns are extremely light weight and can be easily transported with the help of even a medium helicopter. The M777 deal is valued at around $700 million, the army will be procuring nearly 145 units. BAE has come forward to supply the howitzers by locally producing them in India with an private player.

 Air force and Navy

 DAC has also approved the procurement of 36 Pilatus PC 7 IJT, this will be a follow on to the orders placed by the air force.

 DAC has also given its nod to accument ALG (Advanced Landing Grounds). IAF will also receive modern communication systems.

 Stressing for an office in the skies for the PM and the President, DAC has given clearance to procure two Boeing 777-300 from the state carrier, Air India, this aircraft will then be fitted out with an advanced radar and warning system. The aircraft will also be fitted with defensive systems which can deploy chaffs and flares to counter any missile threats. The aircraft will be replacing the aging 747 that have for long served the PMO and the President’s office.

The frontline Talwar and Delhi destroyers will now be fitted with the potent BrahMos system. The navy will now receive 69 BrahMos missiles which will fitted on all the Talwar and Delhi destroyers. 

 DAC has also allocated about 30 crore, signalling the start of the IACII project. DAC has also set apart 3 crore, for the modernization of Kochi ship yard. Tele-medicine facilities for the Navy has been cleared at around 62 crore. 

 Editor Karthik kakoor

US Think Tank, US must Arm Indian Navy

US Think Tank, US must Arm Indian Navy

Only available IAC 2 Vishaal Artistic representation Model

     Ashley J Tellis Released a research paper saying the US must Arm the Indian Navy to defeat the Chinese Navy in each and Every aspects, Since it's a Threat to Indian Ocean region both Indian and American interests, Tellis was worked as a US state Advisor, member of Indian Civil Nuclear Disunion bench, senior adviser to US Ambassador to India.

    It's been a discussion between Indian and US government that supplying US's most advanced EMAL aircraft launching system to Indian Navy, since discussion going through Navy freeze the designing works of Indian Nuke powered Carrier IAC 2.

      Ashley addressed many times to the US congress about the Chinese advancement in Indian Ocean, which will be controlled only by arming the Indians without any delays,

      He also urged the US government that they should speed up the negotiations to supply the EMAL systems to the Indian Navy, not only but US should support the Indian Naval shipbuilders to design the IAC 2, he also says that US should not hesitate to supply the modern carrier borne AEW system the E2 D Hawk, and the Fifth Gen CATOBAR capable F 35 C. which allows the Indian Navy to secure and get upper edge to rival's air wing.

      He also pressed the US congress to assign a partnership between Indian and American SEA commands to work jointly for securing the Indian Ocean and controlling the Chinese deterrence  patrol in IOR, also urged to help Indian navy to design the Nuclear reactor which is going to be placed in the carrier. and US industry should assist Indian Ship builders to construct Bigger ships in Indian docks.

         The US assistance to the Indian Navy should send a strong Signal to the PLAN and Chinese Government. he also urged US congress to step in Indian defense sector how Israel and Russia acting Indian interests.

           The same above was reflected to US Senator John McCain briefed by the carniage in sep last year, reflects the Obama's trip to India this year and both agreed to jointly work on the aircraft Carrier Technology Sharing and Design. The New government in India understand the importance of the Indian Ocean and arising threats of Chinese activities around IOR. that's the move was pulled by the New Modi government by Visiting and Hosting the US.

         Indian Navy operating Carrier for more than half a century and used in almost all war battled by India. but never engaged in a bigger Naval battle, thus Pakistani Navy is too small and Indians CG alone take care of them, The Indian Navy building it's fleet to Fight against the Chinese Naval fleet, as Americans Helps the Japanese and South Korean Navy's to Compete against the Chinese Navy, It's time to Build the Indian Navy fully optimized to Fight against entire Chinese Navy.

       Tellis also mentioned the Modi's initiative plans of setting up coastal reconnaissance Radars across IOR and also refurbish Ancient Indian Relationship with Countries like Mauritius and Seychelles. there is no doubt that irked the Chinese so much.    

         The Submarines operated by the Chinese Navy is also worse the Indian Navy's operational capabilities, many times Indians managed to identify the Chinese vessels closely patrolling near to Indian waters. but if they comes with Aircraft carriers the vision is totally different. which is a model of gun boat diplomacy,

         But India's favorable land based Air strips in Andaman gives upper edge to the Indian Navy also, a quick target for Chinese too. since it can't be mobilized.

          The Author and the Veteran Think tank  not only mentioned the Naval architect but briefed  Indian Fighting capabilities against China and the American role in Indian Defence too, you can download the research paper in below link 

Making Waves

 

the Advanced E 2D AEW

US marines V 22

EMAL system

EMALS- Electro Magnetic Aircraft Launcing System

EMALS (ELECTRO MAGNETIC AIRCRAFT LAUNCH SYSTEM)

 An Excellent Represenation of EMAL launch

EMAL is the USS Gerald R Ford Aircraft Carrier

      With the new government keen on developing the relationship of India with the global power USA has help forge several hundred deals. The governments have adopted the new motto --- "Chalein Saath Saath: Forward Together We Go". The governments have stressed on bilateral ties in trade, commerce, banking, industries and military systems.

      The US-India military forces and command believes in freedom, democracy, and government by rule of law, and to increase security trough out the globe. These interests also include maintaining security and stability, defeating violent religious extremism and terrorism, preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction and associated materials, data, and technologies, and protecting the free flow of commerce throughout the globe prospering every country.

         When the President of United States of America visited India many defence projects were cleared for co-produced. Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI) that was initiated in 2012, under which the US and India would work on co-development and co-manufacturing projects has been given renewed interest. Four "pathfinder projects" were identified during Obama's visit the four products to be co-produced are the Raven mini unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), "roll-on, roll-off" intelligence-gathering and reconnaissance modules for C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, mobile electric hybrid power sources, and chemical-biological warfare protection gear for soldiers.

A heavy E 2D Launch by EMAL , just a 50 mts enough

With US Navy unable to check the movement of Chinese ships has requested Indian Navy to join the efforts and has asked to stand out openly in the South China issue. Indian Navy has received substantially from the US counterpart. With India raring to be a ‘blue water’ force has been very keen on operating at least a “ three CBG (Carrier Battle Group) “ with one serving on the western and the other on the eastern water fronts. And another in docks for maintenance.  India has had experience with the CBG’s and has operated a two front CBG. The carriers operated by the Navy are of STOBAR (Short Take Off But Arrested Recovery) configuration. But with a STOBAR configuration launching heavier aircrafts could not be achieved. It is crucial to operate reconnaissance missions but this requires the ability to launch heavier aircrafts and this in turn requires using the CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery). Under the IAC (Indigenous Aircraft Carrier) plans the IAC-I was configured with a STOBAR launch system and the IAC-II is being planned to be configured with the CATOBAR systems. With CATOBAR systems being very hard to maintain the Navy has went with the latest EMALS system to assist launching heavier aircrafts off the carriers.

The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) is a system being developed by General Atomics for the United States Navy to be fitted on the newest Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers. This system would effectively replace the old steam propelled catapult aircraft launch system on the old carriers. EMALS is a highly sophisticated system that is being fitted out on the Gerald class carriers. The system has passed all initial tests and the first land based prototype passed testing by June 2010. The current steam catapults being used in the CATOBAR system require about 615 kg/ 1,350 pounds of steam for each aircraft launch, and this steam in return produced from the nuclear reactor. To propel the catapult forward huge amount of hydraulics and steam is essential. Generation of this steam is an extremely demanding procedure and requires high amount of purified water be piped through the nuclear reactor. This involves very high maintenance. EMALS being a electric driven launch system has many advantages and mainly is a system that requires extremely less maintenance.

The EMALS is based on generation and utilization of electric current rather than the old practice of using steam.  The whole system works on the principle of Electromagnetic induction. 

The Projectile is anything a Launch system or a Bullet too

The major components of EMALS are –

• Linear induction motor
• Energy storage subsystem
• Power conversion subsystem
• Control Consoles

Program status

Linear induction motor                                                                                                

    Linear Induction motor is a motor that is used to achieve rectilinear motion rather than the traditional circular motors that is generated using a common electric motor.  A linear electric motor typically consists of a flat magnetic core with transverse slots which are often cut straight and with coils laid into slots, each phase gives an alternating polarity and so that the different phases physically overlap each other. In an induction motor the force is produced by linearly moving magnetic field acting on conductors in the field. Any conductor be it a loop, a coil or simply a piece of plate metal, that is placed in this field will have eddy currents induced in it thus creating an opposing magnetic field, in accordance with Lenz's law.

   When energized, the motor accelerates the carriage down the track and the carriage in turn takes the aircraft along and propels it off the deck. With the charge being inducted into the motor only the section of the coils surrounding the carriage is energized. With only the coils being energised the reactive losses is minimised to a very great extent. With the LIM EMALS can accelerate an aircraft of around 45000 kgs to about 240 km/h.

Energy storage subsystem

        To propel the carriage at the speed required the induction motor requires very large amount of electric power. The current required to attain this speed required production of current which is actually more than the power that can be obtained from the ship's own power source. The EMALS is therefore put with a energy-storage subsystem which draws power from the ship’s main power source and stores the procured energy kinetically on rotors armed with four disk alternators. This energy is then stored and the alternators running and the process repeats till the need for an aircrafts launch is felt. When the systems are activated for the launch of an aircraft the system releases the stored energy in a very short period of time as against the time required for production of steam in the traditional stem propelled catapults. Each rotor can easily store more than 100 mega joules of energy. To reduce the time betweens launch of each aircraft it the system has been configured to be recharged within 45 seconds of a launch which is way faster than steam catapults.

Power conversion subsystem

       With the energy produced with the help of the linear induction motor the produced energy is stored in Energy storage subsystem. After the energy is stored it is crucial for the same energy to be released when a launch is required. The basic function of the power conversion subsystem is to release the stored energy in the energy storage subsystems during launch; this is brought about by using a cycloconverter. A cycloconverter is used to covert a constant voltage, constant frequency AC waveform to another AC waveform of a lower frequency by synthesizing the output waveform from segments of the AC supply without an intermediate DC link. The cycloconverter provides a controlled rising frequency and voltage to the LIM, energizing only the small portion of stator coils that affect the launch carriage at any given moment.

Control consoles

      It is crucial for the EMALS to be controlled and monitored constantly and it is also crucial to maintain a constant voltage for the LIM and to look make sure the launch of the aircrafts will be a uninterrupted process. This whole process is brought about by control units which are responsible for control through closed loop structure. And this in turn allows the operators to maintain a constant tow force that reduces the stress on a aircrafts airframe to a large extent.

         The IAC-II is in advanced stage of planning and is rumoured to be propelled by nuclear fuel. Also the carrier is being rumoured to be around 65000 tonnes which makes the IAC-II the heaviest Indian build ship. The main focus of a CBG is to extend the reach of the countries forces. But India has never been in the global race for projecting a control regime environment. Even after the carrier is inducted it’s area of operation may only be around the IOR or the EEZ. If the CBG is charged with the safeguarding of EEZ then reconnaissance is going to be a important part of the CBG’s daily routine. This requires the launch of heavier aircrafts like the E-2D Hawk eye that is to be part of the carrier’s air wing. This means the navy has to opt for a CATOBAR configuration. But with the EMALS being a very newly introduced system it has to be seen if the Navy command goes with the EMALS or opts to the more proven ‘ steam propelled’ catapults to launch these aircrafts.

Article By Karthik Kakoor