India’s 1st indigenous aircraft carrier wraps up new phase of sea trials

The fourth phase of sea trials for the Indian Navy’s indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) Vikrant was successfully completed on 10 July.

During integrated trials, a majority of equipment and systems onboard the vessel including some of the aviation facilities complex equipment were tested. The aircraft carrier completed maiden sea trials in August 2021.

This was followed by the second and third phases of the sea trials in October 2021 and January 2022, respectively.  During these three phases of sea trials, endurance testing of propulsion machinery, electrical and electronic suites, deck machinery, lifesaving appliances, and ship’s navigation and communication systems was undertaken.

INS Vikrant designed by the Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design(DND) was built at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). The ship is 262 meters long, 62 meters at the widest part and a height of 59 meters including the superstructure. 

The ship’s delivery is being targeted by the end of this month, which is to be followed by the commissioning of the vessel in August 2022.