American F/A-18 Super Hornet carrier-based fighters, participating in the Indian tender for the supply of aircraft for the air wing of the latest aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, demonstrated the ability to take off from the deck with increased load. According to Boeing, American fighters showed results, even exceeding the requirements of the Indian military.
reportedly, tests took place from late May to June at the Indian Navy test site at Hansa Air Base in Goa, which imitates the deck of the Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. Test reports have already been received by the Indian Ministry of Defense, decision will be made within a month. As part of the test, the fighters took off with two AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles., which exceeds the requirements of the Indian Navy for new carrier-based fighters.
As previously reported, what is the main requirement for a new carrier-based fighter – takeoff when fully loaded with fuel and weapons, including precision-guided bombs and nuclear-powered systems. The winner will receive a contract for 24-26 aircraft for the new aircraft carrier, In total, India plans to order 57 deck-based fighters, some of which should replace the old Soviet MiG-29K / KUB.
Recall, that the French Rafale-M and the American F / A-18E Super Hornet reached the final of the Indian tender for the supply of fighters for the new aircraft carrier, Russian MiG-29K / KUB did not go further, although it was their Indian Navy that was considered as the basis of the INS Vikran air wing, reported on preliminary negotiations on the purchase 14 MiG-29K/KUB.
The INS Vikrant Wing will include 26 fighters and 10 helicopters. What fighters – American or French, will receive the ship, will be known soon.
