Aerospace
7 Amazing facts to know about India’s first indigenous Aircraft Carrier
The brand-new navy aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. Let’s explore some amazing details concerning the huge machine.
The brand-new navy aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. Let’s explore some amazing details concerning the huge machine. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the session where the Navy was given control of the massive aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, which joined the Indian Navy one day ago. Let’s learn more about this ship’s capabilities and why it is so crucial for protecting the Indian border.
It has 2,500 kilometers of cables
It generates enough electricity to run 5000 homes, and the wire will connect to Kashi from Kochi. there are 2,500 kilometers of cables. According to reports, IAC-1 contains 23,000 tonnes of steel, 150 kilometers of pipelines, 2,000 valves, and a variety of finished goods like rigid hull boats, galley equipment, air conditioning, refrigeration systems, and steering gear, indicating that more than 76% of the material and equipment on board is indigenous.
How many people worked in creating INS Vikrant?
According to reports, more than 50 companies directly employed almost 2,000 Indians each day on board IAC-1. Additionally, the project indirectly employed 40,000 people. Additionally, the approximately Rs 23,000 crore total project cost has been injected back into the Indian economy.
What is the INS Vikrant’s entire weight?
The new warship, which weighs 40,000 tonnes, is comparable to India’s present aircraft carrier, the INS Vikramaditya, which weighs 44,500 tonnes and can accommodate up to 34 aircraft, including fighter jets and helicopters. The battleship will be an unmatched military tool because of its ability to project Air Power over great distances.
What number of compartments did Vikrant have?
With 18 stories, INS Vikrant is referred to as a floating city. It has 14 decks and 2,300 compartments, which can hold about 1,500 sea warriors. The ship’s kitchen produces about 10,000 chapatis or rotis daily to meet the needs of the crew. The INS Vikrant has 2,400 compartments, 250 fuel tankers, and a 16-bed hospital.
What types of weapons can it hold?
With 32 Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles, Vikrant is armed (MRSAM). The Kavach anti-missile naval decoy system and AK 630 rotary cannons will also be installed on the aircraft carrier.
What types of aircraft will it transport?
The vessel has been built to fly “a variety of fixed wing and rotary aircraft,” according to the military ministry. In addition to the indigenously produced Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and the MH-60R multirole helicopter made by the American military firm Lockheed Martin, the MiG-29K fighter jet and Kamov-31 early warning helicopters developed in Russia will also be transported, according to the Navy. The largest ship ever constructed in Indian maritime history is the INS Vikrant. Its size is equivalent to two football fields.
What kind of INS is Vikrant using to power the enormous Fleet?
The new INS Vikrant, which is propelled by four 22 MW gas turbine engines, has a range of 7,500 nautical miles (about 13,900 km), which translates into an uninterrupted sea voyage from India to Brazil.
Aerospace
India is set to build a central command for the Air Traffic Control system, called ISHAN
India’s air traffic growth has led to increased responsibilities for air traffic control. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is considering centralizing air traffic control for aircraft, dividing the country into four regions. The goal is to consolidate India’s segmented airspace into a single entity to improve air traffic management (ATM) efficiency, safety, and smoothness.
Recently, the AAI invited expressions of interest to develop a detailed project report for the Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management (ISHAN) initiative in Nagpur. Under this plan, air traffic controllers in Nagpur would handle domestic flights flying above 25,000 feet, eliminating the need for coordination among controllers in different regions.
For domestic regional flights operating above 25,000 feet, control would shift to the central command in Nagpur. This consolidation aims to enhance airline operations, increase flight handling capacity, and reduce congestion and flight times for passengers.
Currently, the AAI provides ATM services over Indian airspace and adjoining oceanic areas, covering over 2.8 million square nautical miles. This airspace is divided into four flight information regions (FIRs) in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, along with a sub-FIR in Guwahati.
FIRs are responsible for providing air traffic services, including weather information, visibility, and search and rescue assistance. The proposed unification under the ISHAN initiative aligns with the projected growth of the aviation industry, which anticipates a doubling of domestic passenger traffic by 2030.
Aerospace
Does AirAsia show interest in Comac aircraft in the future?
Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, operating as AirAsia Group, recently paid a visit to the facilities of COMAC on April 2, 2024, and was thoroughly impressed by what he witnessed.
C919 already securing nearly 1000 orders
COMAC, known for its homegrown aircraft, has launched two promising jets: the ARJ21 and the C919 aircraft. Both aircraft are gaining popularity in the Chinese market, with the C919 already securing nearly 1000 orders from various airlines.
Fernandes expressed his admiration for COMAC’s achievements in aircraft manufacturing, acknowledging the immense challenge it entails. His visit underscored the realization that AirAsia now has a viable third option when it comes to selecting aircraft for its fleet.
During his tour, Fernandes was delighted by the innovation and technology evident in COMAC’s aircraft production and the company’s commitment to long-term partnerships.
He noted that many Western companies have shifted away from prioritizing loyalty and customer service, opting instead for short-term gains and a narrow definition of success.
Last month, COMAC embarked on an international tour, showcasing demonstration flights to neighboring countries, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia. Fernandes believes that the positive impression left by COMAC during his visit opens up new opportunities for collaboration.
Fernandes emphasized COMAC’s remarkable achievements
The shared values of loyalty, customer service, and long-term vision align closely with AirAsia’s ethos, making collaboration with COMAC appealing. With a focus on innovation and excellence, both companies stand to benefit from a partnership grounded in trust and a shared commitment to success.
Indonesia and China have already collaborated in validating and maintaining the airworthiness of the ARJ21 aircraft, indicating a solid foundation for future partnerships.
In his statement, Fernandes emphasized COMAC’s remarkable achievements and genuine desire for long-term partnership, highlighting the absence of ego and a genuine willingness to succeed together. He marveled at COMAC’s fully automated, AI-driven factory, a testament to their dedication to innovation and efficiency.
Fernandes criticized Western firms for prioritizing short-term gains over loyalty, customer service, and long-term strategy, emphasizing the importance of understanding customers’ needs and collaborating to achieve success.
Aerospace
Indigo will soon launch Air Taxi Service in India
InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent brand of IndiGo, is set to revolutionize travel in India with its upcoming air taxi service.
Scheduled for a potential launch in 2026, this innovative venture promises a seamless journey for passengers between two bustling hubs. Delhi and Gurgaon in Haryana. The forthcoming service is projected to revolutionize the daily commute, offering passengers a swift aerial journey covering the distance in a mere 7 minutes.
This remarkable efficiency contrasts starkly with the conventional 90-minute drive, underscoring the immense time-saving potential for commuters. The anticipated fare, ranging from Rs 2,000-3,000, makes this innovative mode of transport not only swift but also remarkably competitive in pricing.
At the heart of this ambitious endeavor lies a strategic partnership with Archer Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology. Under this collaboration, Archer will supply 200 state-of-the-art eVTOL aircraft, representing an investment of US$ 1 billion. These cutting-edge aircraft, capable of accommodating up to four passengers alongside the pilot, epitomize the future of sustainable air travel.
Powered by six battery packs, Archer’s eVTOL aircraft boast rapid charging capabilities, enabling a swift turnaround between flights. With a charging time of just 30-40 minutes, these eco-friendly aircraft ensure minimal downtime, maximizing operational efficiency.
Similar services are anticipated to be introduced by the joint venture in Bengaluru and Mumbai as well. Nevertheless, the service rollout period has not yet been made public by the company. Next year, it is anticipated to get its certification. Following this, the company will start the certification procedure with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).