INS Viraat

INS Viraat (R22) (Sanskrit: विराट, Virāṭ. "Giant" ) is a Centaur-class aircraft carrier currently in service with the Indian Navy. INS Viraat is the flagship of the Indian Navy, the oldest carrier afloat, and one of the two aircraft carriers in the Indian Ocean Region.
The Viraat is the ex-Royal Navy's HMS Hermes built in 1959 and transferred to India in 1987. In 2009 there were reports that, after the current round of repairs was concluded, India might keep the aircraft carrier in service until 2019. By then, the warship would have completed 60 years of service, over twice its initially estimated sailing life of 25 years. At that time the two Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) seemed likely to be fully operational, which was the reason to keep INS Viraat operational until then, according to un-named Navy officers.

Royal Navy Service

INS Viraat was originally commissioned in the Royal Navy as HMS Hermes on 18 November 1959. During her career as Hermes, she served as the flagship of the Royal Navy's task force during the Falkland Islands campaign in 1982. She would serve the Royal Navy another three years until she was struck from active duty in 1985.

Induction into Indian Navy

 

After evaluating vessels from several countries, particularly the Garibaldi class of Italian ships, the Indian Navy purchased the vessel in April 1986 and gave it an extensive refit at Devonport Dockyard to allow for continued operability into the next decade^. New fire control equipment, navigation radars, improved NBC protection, and deck landing aids were installed in this refit. Boilers were converted to operate on distillate fuel.

First Mid-service Refit

 

In September 1993, the engine room of Viraat flooded, temporarily putting the vessel out of service for several months. By 1995, the vessel was back in service and had a new search radar.

Second Mid-service Refit

 

Between July 1999 and April 2001, INS Viraat completed another life-extension refit which is expected to extend her serviceability until 2010. This refit upgraded propulsion systems, added a package of sensors to sound emergency alerts, and introduced modern communication systems. In addition, long-range surveillance radar, weapon systems, and new hangar with fire curtains was installed. The lift system was revamped to reduce reaction time in the event of an attack and a new flood alarm system was installed. In early June 2001 Viraat returned to service after nearly two years of refit.
The vessel also took part in the International Fleet Review in Mumbai in February 2001. Wing commander Ashoka Padmanabhan flew the Tigermoth-B970 past its deck anchored at 1.5 nautical km from the Gateway of India.

Third Mid-service Refit

 

The vessel had to be towed back to dry dock for another refit in mid-2003 and returned to service only in November 2004, during which the vessel was fitted with the Barak SAM

Viraat during the joint Indo-US Exercise Malabar 2005

Fourth Mid-service Refit

 

Viraat underwent a fourth refit in Indian service from January to August 2009 at Cochin Shipyard. This refit is expected to ensure its continued service in the Indian Navy until 2015. Viraat will go through exercises in the Arabian Sea for a month and a half before being deployed to the Gulf of Aden.

Decommissioning Plans

 

In 2004, India bought the aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov from Russia for US$1.5 billion including its complement of aircraft. It is expected to enter service in 2012 as INS Vikramaditya. Viraat was expected to be replaced by 2011–2012 by a new Vikrant class carrier that the Vikramaditya represents. But now, since Viraat has had its engine and hull refurbished, and its electronics upgraded, it can serve for up to ten more years, steaming in the Indian Ocean projecting Indian Naval Force until 2019. That would mean sixty years in service.

Structure

Viraat is fitted with a 12° ski jump to operate the Sea Harrier, a reinforced flight deck, 1.2 inches (3 cm) of armour over magazines and machinery spaces. The magazine capacity includes 80+ lightweight torpedoes. The vessel retains commando transport capability, for around 750 troops and carries four LCVP landing craft aft. In a wartime scenario, the INS Viraat can embark up to 18 combat aircraft. INS Viraat is ideally suited for two missions: supporting amphibious operations and conducting ASW operations. Despite its age and range considerations, INS Viraat can effectively project naval and air power anywhere in the South Asia region.