Indian Navy News & Discussions

[Capt.Popeye]

@Capt.Popeye

Sir do the HAL Dhruv delivered to Indian Navy, are configured to carry out ASW operations? I mean , we know that they can fire Torpedoes. But are they at present integrated with such ASW system? Because Navy always lists it as a SAR/ Utility platform.

To start with; the Dhruvs in their present configuration have no organic ASW sensors, unlike the Seakings which have Dunking Sonars. Thus the Seakings have the ability to search sub-surface threats independently as well as network into the ASW Sensor Suite of the Mother Ship(s). Thus the ASW Sensor network increases manifold in both Search Area as well as monitor locations. This helps to pin-point the target. In case of the Dhruv, it will depend on the Mother Ship(s) to locate the target and then will be directed to get into an attack position. The ability of Helos in the Dhruv category (such as Dauphin/Z-9) is thus quite restricted. Not much can be done to beef-up their capabilities, one needs a larger airborne platform to do that.

 

[Capt.Popeye]

Its time to bid farewell to another Veteran of the Indian Navy; which has done her share of yeoman service. INS Viraat is on her 'sunset cruise'

Read on:
The INS Viraat Has Begun Its Final Journey
All India | Written by Vishnu Som | Updated: January 20, 2016 19:24 IST

The Viraat has set sail with 6 Sea Harriers, 4 Chetak and 6 Sea King helicopters onboard.

MUMBAI: After nearly 60 years of sailing across the oceans, the Indian Navy's warhorse aircraft carrier, the INS Viraat, is now making her last operational deployment before she is decommissioned or retired later this year.

With more than 1, 200 officers and sailors onboard, the Viraat, which entered service on May 12, 1987, set sail on Monday from Mumbai to Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, where she will participate early next month in the Navy's massive International Fleet Review (IFR). More than 100 ships from 50 navies from around the world will be at anchorage at Vizag where they will be reviewed at sea by President Pranab Mukherjee and the Prime Minister. IFR 2016 is a key outreach programme of the Indian Navy meant to showcase India's growing importance as a key maritime player in the Indian Ocean region.

With more than 1, 200 officers and sailors on-board, the Viraat, entered service on May 12, 1987.


Prior to being commissioned into the Indian Navy, the aircraft carrier had served as the HMS Hermes with the Royal Navy and went on to serve with distinction in the 1982 Falklands Islands War against Argentina.

The INS Viraat is headed to Vishakapatnam with her full complement of six Sea Harrier fighter jets, Chetak and Sea King anti-submarine warfare helicopters.

More than 100 ships from 50 navies from around the world will be at anchorage at Vizag.

Over the last few years, the Sea Harriers have been incredibly difficult to operate because of the lack of availability of spare parts from the UK. Along with the Sea Harrier, the Navy is operating 6 Sea King anti-submarine warfare choppers onboard the Viraat. Less than 10 Sea King choppers, which were first acquired by India in 1969, are thought to remain operational with the Indian Navy. The Navy has selected the US built Sikorsky S-70B as its Sea King replacement, but the initial contract for 16 of the choppers is yet to be finalised. For now, the Sea Kings are expected to soldier on.

The INS Viraat is headed to Vishakapatnam with her full complement of fighter jets and helicopters.

In total, there are 6 Sea Harriers, 4 Chetak and 6 Sea King helicopters onboard - the largest complement of aircraft the Viraat has embarked in years.

INS Viraat is scheduled to arrive in Visakhapatnam by February 4 before she returns to Mumbai for the final time. Last year, the Defence Ministry had written to various coastal states asking them to pay just Rs. 1 if they were keen on acquiring the carrier to convert it into a floating museum. The cost would be at least Rs. 300 crores in addition to which there would be sizeable annual maintenance expenditure.

INS Viraat is scheduled to arrive in Visakhapatnam by February 4 before she returns to Mumbai for the final time.

India's first aircraft carrier, the iconic INS Vikrant, was taken to the ship breakers in November 2014 after being preserved as a museum in Cuffe Parade, Mumbai between 1997 and 2012. Ultimately, no private buyer was willing to acquire the Vikrant which was sold through an online auction for 60 crores to a Darukhana ship-breaker.

It's unclear if INS Viraat will face the same inglorious fate as India's first aircraft carrier.
Story First Published: January 20, 2016 19:24 IST

 

[Ankit Kumar]

To start with; the Dhruvs in their present configuration have no organic ASW sensors, unlike the Seakings which have Dunking Sonars. Thus the Seakings have the ability to search sub-surface threats independently as well as network into the ASW Sensor Suite of the Mother Ship(s). Thus the ASW Sensor network increases manifold in both Search Area as well as monitor locations. This helps to pin-point the target. In case of the Dhruv, it will depend on the Mother Ship(s) to locate the target and then will be directed to get into an attack position. The ability of Helos in the Dhruv category (such as Dauphin/Z-9) is thus quite restricted. Not much can be done to beef-up their capabilities, one needs a larger airborne platform to do that.

Yes sir.Thats very true. But Z9 of PN is listed as ASW helicopter , but IN lists Dhruv as SAR only. But Dhruv has had conducted Tropedo firings in past, so can we assume that if in case of extreme emergency , like the Seakings are retired without replace , then they can be configured for this role?

 

[Capt.Popeye]

Yes sir.Thats very true. But Z9 of PN is listed as ASW helicopter , but IN lists Dhruv as SAR only. But Dhruv has had conducted Tropedo firings in past, so can we assume that if in case of extreme emergency , like the Seakings are retired without replace , then they can be configured for this role?

As of now, the Dhruvs have MATCH capability which allows them to launch Torpedos (just as even the Chetaks can) But no Sub-hunting/locating Sonars.
IN already has Ka-25/28 ASW Helos with Dunking Sonars apart from Seakings. Lighter Helos cannot carry much in the way of Sonar Payloads.

 

[kaykay]

Its time to bid farewell to another Veteran of the Indian Navy; which has done her share of yeoman service. INS Viraat is on her 'sunset cruise'

Read on:
The INS Viraat Has Begun Its Final Journey
All India | Written by Vishnu Som | Updated: January 20, 2016 19:24 IST

The Viraat has set sail with 6 Sea Harriers, 4 Chetak and 6 Sea King helicopters onboard.

MUMBAI: After nearly 60 years of sailing across the oceans, the Indian Navy's warhorse aircraft carrier, the INS Viraat, is now making her last operational deployment before she is decommissioned or retired later this year.

With more than 1, 200 officers and sailors onboard, the Viraat, which entered service on May 12, 1987, set sail on Monday from Mumbai to Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, where she will participate early next month in the Navy's massive International Fleet Review (IFR). More than 100 ships from 50 navies from around the world will be at anchorage at Vizag where they will be reviewed at sea by President Pranab Mukherjee and the Prime Minister. IFR 2016 is a key outreach programme of the Indian Navy meant to showcase India's growing importance as a key maritime player in the Indian Ocean region.

With more than 1, 200 officers and sailors on-board, the Viraat, entered service on May 12, 1987.


Prior to being commissioned into the Indian Navy, the aircraft carrier had served as the HMS Hermes with the Royal Navy and went on to serve with distinction in the 1982 Falklands Islands War against Argentina.

The INS Viraat is headed to Vishakapatnam with her full complement of six Sea Harrier fighter jets, Chetak and Sea King anti-submarine warfare helicopters.

More than 100 ships from 50 navies from around the world will be at anchorage at Vizag.

Over the last few years, the Sea Harriers have been incredibly difficult to operate because of the lack of availability of spare parts from the UK. Along with the Sea Harrier, the Navy is operating 6 Sea King anti-submarine warfare choppers onboard the Viraat. Less than 10 Sea King choppers, which were first acquired by India in 1969, are thought to remain operational with the Indian Navy. The Navy has selected the US built Sikorsky S-70B as its Sea King replacement, but the initial contract for 16 of the choppers is yet to be finalised. For now, the Sea Kings are expected to soldier on.

The INS Viraat is headed to Vishakapatnam with her full complement of fighter jets and helicopters.

In total, there are 6 Sea Harriers, 4 Chetak and 6 Sea King helicopters onboard - the largest complement of aircraft the Viraat has embarked in years.

INS Viraat is scheduled to arrive in Visakhapatnam by February 4 before she returns to Mumbai for the final time. Last year, the Defence Ministry had written to various coastal states asking them to pay just Rs. 1 if they were keen on acquiring the carrier to convert it into a floating museum. The cost would be at least Rs. 300 crores in addition to which there would be sizeable annual maintenance expenditure.

INS Viraat is scheduled to arrive in Visakhapatnam by February 4 before she returns to Mumbai for the final time.

India's first aircraft carrier, the iconic INS Vikrant, was taken to the ship breakers in November 2014 after being preserved as a museum in Cuffe Parade, Mumbai between 1997 and 2012. Ultimately, no private buyer was willing to acquire the Vikrant which was sold through an online auction for 60 crores to a Darukhana ship-breaker.

It's unclear if INS Viraat will face the same inglorious fate as India's first aircraft carrier.
Story First Published: January 20, 2016 19:24 IST

She served us well. Farewell to the lady and all the best for her last deployment.

 

[Abingdonboy]

Spot the difference (pre and post refit):


Pre:

Post:

@Penguin @Vauban @PARIKRAMA @Koovie @Levina @Taygibay @Echo_419 @Water Car Engineer @nair @MilSpec

 

[Taygibay]

As long as you tagged me Abingdon my friend, can I unload homework on you?

- How much reserve or untapped power is there onboard the Vikra today?

I trust you see why I'd ask? Compare what you find with this number :

23 017 HP ...
​

... required to produce the 1 205 BTU that a C 13-3 catapult needs to launch a Rafale off the CDG!

If it fits within your findings ... ...

Heck, why not? Tay.

P.S. Incredible imagoes these Alouettes escorting the Viraat home for keeps!
We still use ours and they are our oldest material in the Royale and AdlA!
Of course, since our present and near future look like this :
they'll be going sooner than later.
That means you guys will be taking them for the last leg of their brilliant service?
As Pakistan did with the Mirage III, please make us as proud of your legacy use as
we are to have made you proper tools. Ease the legend into retirement / Hall of Fame?

 

[Penguin]

After pic 1: Elta STGR for Barak 1 atop stand alone mast
After pic 2: box added to island rear superstructure to house, above where the gap is in the double row of rafts, for Barak 1 VLS (probably 3x8)
After pic 3: same, see atop rear bridge
After pic 4: are those 2 pairs of AK630 in the rear flight deck sponsons?

Satcom gear previously occupying these positions moved to island positions behind stack.

These selfdefence items from decommissioned Godavari class? (Viraat appears to retain e.g. her Elta STGR)

 

[Ankit Kumar]

@Capt.Popeye and @Penguin

Dear, I was just surfing the net about Russian nuclear Ice breakers and research ships , when I came across this.

http://www.marineinsight.com/shipping-news/india-to-acquire-polar-research-vessel/

Some more Google , helped me to locate the same source in a Wikipedia page , List of Ice Breakers , which said India will acquire something like this by 2017.

Your insights please. Also, will it be operated by Navy/ Coast Guard or an independent government organisation?

 

[PARIKRAMA]

Spot the difference (pre and post refit):


Pre:

Post:

@Penguin @Vauban @PARIKRAMA @Koovie @Levina @Taygibay @Echo_419 @Water Car Engineer @nair @MilSpec

Seems the post pics all indicate with naked eye
1. Lot more antennas could be satcom and perhaps some antennas for Barak 1s
2. Couple of CIWS AK 630
3. The brick box items seems to be the VLS cell so Barak 1s

Interestingly i like an older pic of Vikramaditya Don know if its posted or not

The row of Mig29Ks and some crew on deck makes one realise how big is the whole Ship. The 29s in background looks so small like the size of couple of Men in front of the lens. And we know in reality 29s are pretty big when compared to a normal human size. This pic i like bcz it displays so many different emotions.. Rarely we get to see such good pics..

 

[W@rwolf]

 

[Penguin]

Is it possible to have a look at the area forward of the bridge, port and starboard? I'm wondering if there are two more single AK630s mounted there (that would be consistent with what would come off of a Godavari: 2x2 AK630, and would give all around gun coverage)

@Capt.Popeye and @Penguin

Dear, I was just surfing the net about Russian nuclear Ice breakers and research ships , when I came across this.

http://www.marineinsight.com/shipping-news/india-to-acquire-polar-research-vessel/

Some more Google , helped me to locate the same source in a Wikipedia page , List of Ice Breakers , which said India will acquire something like this by 2017.

Your insights please. Also, will it be operated by Navy/ Coast Guard or an independent government organisation?

As it says, "The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the acquisition of Polar Research Vessel (Ice-breaker, Research cum Supply Vessel) by the Ministry of Earth Sciences"

For research vessels of India see
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_research_vessels_by_country#India
or
http://moes.gov.in/content/ocean-research-vessels


Some are Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) owned and IN operated eg. this marine acoustic research ship (MARS):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/INS_Sagardhwani_(A74)
http://indiannavy.nic.in/content/sagardhwani-class

Others are operated by the National Institute of Ocean Technology, India.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ORV_Sagar_Nidhi
http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/de...mmsi:419683000/imo:9384485/vessel:SAGAR_NIDHI

Yet others are owned and operated by India's National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ORV_Sagar_Kanya
http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/de...mmsi:419320000/imo:8123183/vessel:SAGAR_KANYA

For another Ministry of Earch Sciences ship see
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FORV_Sagar_Sampada
http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/de...si:419323000/imo:8300080/vessel:SAGAR_SAMPADA

http://www.cmlre.gov.in/

 

[Penguin]

Are there now any AK630 mounted e.g. above the front main bridge, near the starboard side crane, and/or on port where the angled deck sticks out? i.e. what is the forward gun coverage? This is important since the single Elta STGR is partly obscured by the island, which leaves a gap in Barak 1 coverage. See pic below. A pair of AK630 below the main radar would plug that gap.

 

[W@rwolf]

^ Only those 2 CIWS have been spotted so far. Im guessing the remaining two will be integrated along with Barak-8. The STGR seems to have a blind spot, but i think after the MF-STAR is integrated, the problem will be solved.

 

[Abingdonboy]

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