IAC Vikrant returns successfully after five-day maiden sea voyage - See pics

After the commencement of sea trials of IAC Vikrant, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had congratulated the Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard Limited for designing and building the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier. PM Modi had called it a historic milestone.

The Indian Navy officials said that the performance of the key systems of the 40,000-tonne warship was found to be satisfactory. 

During the sea trials, IAC Vikrant's performance, including the hull, main propulsion, power generation and distribution (PGD) and auxiliary equipment were tested.

The warship will operate MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 helicopters, MH-60R multi-role helicopters and has over 2,300 compartments, designed for a crew of around 1,700 people, including specialised cabins to accommodate women officers.

This is to be noted that the aircraft carrier set off on its maiden sea trials, 50 years after its namesake played a major role in the 1971 war.

IAC Vikrant has a top speed of around 28 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots with an endurance of about 7,500 nautical miles. It is 262 metres long, 62 metres wide and has a height of 59 metres. Its construction began in 2009.

India, notably, currently has only one aircraft carrier -- INS Vikramaditya in service.