Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC), to be named INS Vikrant, successfully accomplished its maiden sea voyage today for which she had sailed on 04 Aug 21 from Kochi. IAC-1 video shows an Indian Navy ALH Dhruv onboard.
“Trials progressed as planned and system parameters proved satisfactory. The carrier would continue to undergo a series of sea trials to prove all equipment and systems prior handing over the vessel to the Indian Navy,” said the Indian Navy release.
Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) ‘Vikrant’ designed by Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design (DND) is being built at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), a Public Sector Shipyard under Ministry of Shipping (MoS).
During the maiden sailing, ship’s performance, including hull, main propulsion, Power Generation and Distribution (PGD) and auxiliary equipment were tested.
Trials, which were reviewed by Vice Admiral AK Chawla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command on the last day; have progressed as planned and system parameters have been proved satisfactory. The carrier would undergo a series of Sea Trials to prove all equipment and systems prior to its delivery in 2022.
Delivery of Vikrant is being targeted to coincide with celebrations to commemorate 75th anniversary of India’s independence ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. With the delivery of IAC, India would join a select group of nations with the capability to indigenously design and build an Aircraft Carrier. Delivery of IAC would also strengthen India’s position in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and its quest for a blue water Navy.