INS Vishal design phase close to complete

INS Vishal design phase close to complete

The Indian Navy's next generation aircraft carrier dubbed as INS Vishal's designing phase almost close to completion with few other decisions still on pending, the major subsystem in the carrier, that's the aircraft launching system and the length of the aircraft carrier is completed. Both US and India will soon finalize the propulsion system too.

The proposed design shows the aircraft carrier has an length of some 280 meters, with two EMAL launchers developed by the US major General Atomics, some also confirms the aircraft also features the advanced arresting gear made by the same GA. Those systems can capable to launch and arrest lighter aircraft like surveillance UAV to heavy fighter jets like F 35.

India also plans to buy the F 18 E/F and the F 18 G from another US major Boeing, who is currently in talks with Indian government to start a assembly line in India, to supply Indian air force, However details also emerged that the INS Vishal carries the F 35 C once the carrier is ready.

Those carriers are smart nowadays capable to launch small aircraft's like UAV's to heavy fighter jets and support planes like E 2D for airborne early warning. India earlier operated a assisted launching carrier INS Vikrant junior, who decommissioned in 1997. It's the second time that IN going to operate the assisted launching carriers.

INS Vishal comes with two launching points, to simultaneously launch two aircraft's, both can capable to launch aircraft's weighing from one ton to 32 tons. The F 35 C is one of the heaviest fighter can be operated from aircraft carrier whose MTOW reported close to 32 tons. The IN's current MiG 29 K's MTOW reported at some 24 tons. More weight means more power and weapon carrying capability.

EMLAS is the better replacement for current generation steam catapults operated by both US and French Navy's today. The EMAL has lower operating costs, require fewer people to operate, improve catapult performance and expand the range of manned and unmanned aircraft that the aircraft carrier can launch.

The INS Vishal almost close to the same length of current INS vikramaditya, both will have the length of some 280 meters. however performance wise the Vishal is far better than the vikramaditya. The INS Vishal might comes with the displacement of some 50-60,000 tonnages only. Since the EMAL requires less space and power.

By assumption the aircraft can carry some 40 aircraft's, which include two to four E 2D AEW planes, and additionally 10 to 12 ton helicopters like S 70 and EC 725, the capacity is almost similar to the current French carrier Charles de Gaulle. The specifications are more enough for the Indian Navy, to act as a force multiplier.

It's the propulsion system issue is the only problem yet to be sorted out, Once it was cleared US and India will select a Shipyard to start constructing the carrier. The actual progress behind the propulsion based on nuclear reactor unavailable so far to public release. It's believed the issue to be sorted out before the fall of 2016. 

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.  

U.S.-India Joint Working Group for Aircraft Carrier Technology Cooperation holds first meeting

U.S.-India Joint Working Group for Aircraft Carrier Technology Cooperation holds first meeting

   In a sign of the deepening U.S.-India defense relationship, the United States Navy hosted a delegation of senior Indian naval officers for the inaugural Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Cooperation on the U.S. eastern coast from 12-14 August.

   During a three-day visit, the Indian delegation, led by Vice Admiral S.P.S. Cheema, Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, visited the U.S. Navy's state-of-the-art aircraft carrier, PCU Gerald Ford, currently under construction at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, received briefs on U.S. Navy management of aircraft carrier programs, met with senior Pentagon officials, and toured the U.S. Navy's research and development facilities for aircraft carrier launch and recovery systems as a first step to exploring opportunities for cooperation.

   During the working group the U.S. and Indian navies held candid and open discussions on various aspects of aircraft carrier development, including design, integration, test, evaluation, management and oversight of carrier construction‎.

   The Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Technology Cooperation, co-chaired by United States Navy's Program Executive Officer for Aircraft Carriers, RADM Tom Moore, and India's Controller for Warship Production and Acquisition, VADM G.S. Pabby, is part of the larger India-U.S. Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI). The intent of DTTI is to reduce procedural obstacles in both the U.S. Government and Government of India defense establishments in order to facilitate broader cooperation in defense production as a component of the strategic partnership. The Indian Ministry of Defence identified aircraft carrier technology as one of the topics of interest to pursue under DTTI.

   Building on a highly successful first meeting, the working group is looking forward to setting a meeting agenda for the next working group to be held in India early next year.

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

INS Vishal

INS Vishal

           

      The Navy's most ambitious project is the Nuclear powered Super Carrier, not only for Indian navy the same applies to all other major Navy's, so far Americans and French have operational Super carriers, and Britain almost completed two Super carrier constructions which expected to sea trials this year.

       So far Indian Navy operates only conventionally powered Aircraft carrier for almost decades, while another Aircraft carrier in the making, Navy's dream about Nuclear powered Super carrier nearly comes real, while recent developments in the Navy where CCS okay-ed the project. earlier reports confirmed the IAC 2 comes with nuclear propulsion along with CATOBAR or EMALS, But some recent reports are not quite clear about the Super carrier, says all options on the Table.

     But the recent  eye opener, Tellis report mentioning US participation arming the Indians to fight against Chinese threats, the dream of EMAL again brighten, He not only mentions the EMAL but strongly pressed the possible sale of F 35 fighter jets along with the DTTI, where Delhi and Washington agreement about defense trade and technology.

       While Navy chief clearly mentions  the future of the Navy's blue water capability lies only on the Air Power, mentions carrier air power should be boosted, while current carrier's and it's air wing has it's limitations due to the launching systems, one need a Catapult or EMAL to launch heavier aircrafts with heavy payloads, current MiG 29K from INS vikky and future IAC 1 lacks, so navy needs a more powerful Carrier to launch much heavier air crafts.

        Also the current carriers has only helicopter based airborne early warning radar the Ka 31, who also lacks power, range and performance, while the E 2 D system works more than a AEW but have decent jamming support. earlier Navy asked the Gruman to brief about the E 2D while Navy has plans to operate from Shore based facilities.

      The Navy also described that the Carrier comes with three Air options like Navy's F 18 E/F Fighter Jets  with EA 18 G growler electronic attack Jet or The American F 35 C, otherwise the French Rafale M. all of them designed to work with super carrier also comes with longer range and heavier payload. unlike Mig 29K lacks ranges and payload due to ski jump Take off.

    The US def Sec Ashton Carter scheduled comes India early June to seal the much awaited Helicopter deal, also government plans to start the official Negotiations/agreement works with the US to start transferring the Technology of EMAL systems.

      During the Navy seminar in India May first some US Navy Top officials joined and explained the possibility of future super carrier technology and using it in the battle, the general atomics staff also speak about the EMAL systems technology and it's applications, the company who developed the EMAL for US super carrier Gerald R Ford.