Gorshkov: India's protector-to-be

[ricky123]

B) After a decade of discussions on the purchase of Admiral Gorshkov from Russia, defence minister George Fernandes and his Russian counterpart Sergei Ivanov signed a Rs 7,000-crore deal for the aircraft carrier on Tuesday. Altaf Mohammed Abid gives you the lowdown on the craft,
which will be India?s in 2008
Locked and loaded

Admiral Gorshkov, which is to be completely refurbished by the Russians, is fitted with an impressive array missile and radar systems. It will also be equipped with MiG 29K fighter jets and Kamov-31 helicopters
About the craft

According to experts, the new aircraft carrier will significantly enhance the combat capabilities of the Indian Navy

The construction of the 45,000-tonne Admiral Gorshkov began at the shipbuilding factory in Nikolaev, Ukraine in December 1978. In 1987 it was transferred to the Soviet Navy, where it was called the Baku till 1991.

Her operational career was cut short, however, when a devastating fire crippled the

ship. Although she was repaired, Gorshkov never saw operational service and is in reserve at the Northern Machine Building Plant repair yard (Sevmash) at Severomorsk.

The aircraft carrier is 273 metres long and 49 metres wide. It can sail for a maximum of 30 days at a stretch, with a crew of 1,950 sailors. It has four torpedo launchers, rocket complexes and two artillery stations. The defence ministry has decided to equip the Admiral Gorshkov with 28 Russian MiG-29Ks. The deal also includes the sale of six Kamov-31 anti-submarine helicopters.

 

[ricky123]

B) Future plans

Russian officials indicated that India may be planning to buy 60 MiG-29K aircraft in phases, for $1.5billion, to operate from Gorshkov and also for its 32,000-tonne air defence carrier, being built at Kochi.


Kamov-31 helicopters

The Admiral Gorshkov uses the tactics of airborne early warning (AEW). While its stealth features make its detection difficult either by radar or sonar, the AEW capability of its Kamov-31 helicopter warns it of oncoming hostile aircraft, effectively enhancing the ship?s offensive capability

Top speed: 270 km/h

Range: 200 km

Armament: ASW torpedoes, depth charges


SS-N-12 Sandbox

It is a Russian supersonic speed cruise missile with a range of 550 km carrying a payload of 1,000 kg.

The Slava-class cruisers carry an advanced version with an improved sophisticated guidance system, an autopilot that can be programmed for mid-course manoeuvers, and an enhanced engine

MiG-29K fighter

The aircraft will have improved navigation equipment commensurate with its maritime role.

For deck landing, it will be fitted with a special navigation system. In the event of the pilot having to eject near the carrier, the novel escape system will ensure that he is ejected clear of the ship.


Kinzhal Missile System

* Surface-to-air missile (SAM)

* Fitted with a 15 kg HE-fragmentation warhead

* Mass: 165 kg; length: 2.85 metres

* Maximum range: 12 km

* Low-to-medium altitude SAM system, capable of engaging not only aircraft and helicopters but also RPVs, precision-guided weapons and various types of guided missiles

* Maximum speed: 850 metres per second

 

[ricky123]

B) SS-N-12 Sandbox

 

[ricky123]

B) Kinzhal Missile System

 

[andrew_nixon]

Yawn......

 

[rasi]

I bet there will be a lot more enhancements before the Carrier is commissioned into service.

 

[snoop_dizzle]

Ricky man no ofence but you post alot of stuff that sometimes to many people is just boring and this takes the cake...why would you want to put info about India buying planes anyway??