INS Vishal: Length, capacity, launch date all you need to know

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday commissioned the first ever India-made aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. With the ship officially becoming a part of the Indian Navy now, attention is being turned to its successor, the much-awaited INS Vishal, which is expected to have several improvements over the INS Vikrant. 

Also read: INS Vikrant: Cost, length, where it is docked all you need to know

The design phase for the INS Vishal began in 2012 under the aegis of the Naval Design Bureau and it is expected to be commissioned in 2030. It will be built by Cochin Shipyard Limited. 

Increase In Capacity & Size

To begin with, the INS Vishal is expected to have an increased size and displacement over the INS Vikrant. 

Compared to the 45000 metric tonnes of displacement capacity in the INS Vikrant, the INS Vishal is expected to see an increase in capacity by 20000 metric tonnes, clocked at a total of 65000. 

The running length of the aircraft carrier will be 860 feet and it will boast a width of 200 feet. Reports suggest that the air wing of the ship will be able to accommodate more than 30 aircraft and 10 helicopters. 

When commissioned, it will be the largest aircraft carrier in the Indian Navy. 

Technological Upgrades

The INS Vishal is also expected to see massive technological upgrades over the previous aircraft carriers in the Indian Navy. Since the ship is under construction at the moment and will require till 2030 to be commissioned, the full specifications of the upgrades are unclear. 

However, the most prominent upgrade will be the inclusion of the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). This technology has been developed by General Atomics for the US Navy and it can launch aircraft smoother than any previously available technology. 

It also requires low maintenance and is relatively cheap to operate. 

Also read: INS Vikrant: 10 Features of India’s first homemade aircraft carrier

A report by UK-based media outlet The Daily Mirror claimed that the design for the INS Vishal will be based on Britain’s HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier. The cost of building the ship is expected to be $16-17 billion.