By IANS
New Delhi : The construction of an indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) for the Indian Navy is “progressing” and the vessel could be launched in 2010, but “the final delivery” may be delayed beyond 2012 as was originally scheduled, parliament was informed Wednesday.
“The delay is due to the size and complexities in construction” of the 37,500-tonne vessel, being designed and built for the first time at Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), Defence Minister A.K. Antony said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
“Besides, delay has also occurred due to delay in receipt of some critical materials such as steel from abroad,” he added.
According to the minister, “adequate funds required at this stage as per contract” have been provided to CSL for procuring material and equipment “as per shipbuilding schedule”, as also for augmenting infrastructure.
“The project is being reviewed at various levels to remove impediments, if any, expeditiously,” Antony added.
The Indian Navy currently operates a lone aircraft carrier, INS Viraat, which is due to be retired by 2012. There have also been delays in refitting the carrier Admiral Gorshkov that the navy has purchased from Russia. This vessel was to have been inducted late this year or in early 2008 but this is now likely to happen only around 2012.
Construction of the IAC commenced with the plate cutting on April 11, 2005. With a length of 252 metres and a beam of 58 metres, the ship will have a draught of 8.4 metres.
Powered by General Electric LM2500 gas turbines driving four shafts, it will have a maximum speed of 28 knots and a range of 7,500 nautical miles at 18 knots.
Crewed by 1,400 officers and sailors, the ship will carry 30 aircraft in a mix of the MiG-29, the Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA), the Dhruv advanced light helicopter, and the Ka-31 Helix anti-submarine warfare helicopter.