We examined India's "new" aircraft carrier, the INS Vikramaditya, in Weekend Warships #2 back in 2011. After many delays and complications, she's due to return to India later this year or early next year.
A Russian 'reality TV' program recently produced a half-hour documentary showing the Vikramaditya working up, including the operation of her new MiG-29K fighter aircraft. The type will also replace Russia's old Su-33 aircraft aboard its only aircraft carrier, Admiral Kuznetsov. I found the program interesting from both a maritime and an aviation point of view, so I hope my readers will too. It's in Russian, but with English subtitles. I recommend watching it in full-screen mode.
It's been a long, complex and frustrating journey to get INS Vikramaditya ready for service. Here's hoping the Indian Navy is satisfied by the final product.
Peter
I'd like to see a similar comparison to one of ours. I'd bet there would be a significant difference in all respects.
ReplyDeleteI recall a similar video put out by the Red Chinese to promote the fearsomeness of one of their carriers. They looked good until they all landed, and tucked their nice planes in to bed for the night, which suggested they only could fly during the daylight. Not so impressive.
I was thinking the same thing.
ReplyDeleteWe have worn out and scrapped CV's (and one CVN) that were as good as that.