India’s Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has completed the basin trials of Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC), which will be commissioned as INS Vikrant.
In August, INS Vikrant prepared to commence basin tests, following the fitting of systems and equipment.
Basin trials are carried out to establish the propulsion, transmission and shafting systems that can be tested in waters.
The trials were carried out in the presence of Southern Naval Command flag officer commanding-in-chief vice-admiral AK Chawla and CSL MD and chairman Madhu Nair.
According to local media reports, the trials saw the operation of all four LM2500 gas turbines, main gear boxes, shafting and controllable pitch propellers and the integrated control systems.
In a tweet, CSL said: “Basin Trial of Indigenous Aircraft Carrier, aimed at proving the Main Propulsion Plant & a host of other ship systems in harbour was successfully held at CSL in the presence of VAdm AK Chawla,FOC in C,SNC & Shri Madhu Nair,CMD.
“Basin trial is a precursor to the ensuing sea trial.”
The sea trials are scheduled to take place next year.
In January this year, Vikrant was under the third phase of construction. The 40,000t IAC Vikrant is capable of accommodating MiG 29K fighter jets and helicopters.
The 260m-long and 60m-wide carrier is said to be the largest ship to be built at CSL.
