Indian Navy gets combat management system for INS Vikrant

A combat management system developed by the private industry for India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier was handed over to the Indian Navy on Thursday.

The combat management system (CMS) for the indigenous aircraft carrier, also known as IAC-1 or Vikrant, was developed by Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division in collaboration with Weapon and Electronics System Engineering Establishment and MARS, Russia, according to a navy statement. It was handed over to the navy’s Chief of Materiel, Vice Admiral GS Pabby in Bengaluru. This was done after successful completion of all tests and trials.

A naval Combat Management System (CMS) is the computer system that connects a ship's sensors, weapons, data links and support measures to the staff performing the combat tasks. Some of the functions include sensor control, sensor data fusion, threat evaluation and weapons control.

“This is a major landmark on the navy’s thrust towards GoI's policy of 'Make in India' to encourage indigenous development and promoting private industry participation,” said the navy.

What is also important is that it is the first CMS developed by a private Industry for the navy. “Prior accepting, the system software and hardware were subjected to rigorous acceptance trials. The system successfully cleared all acceptance tests, endurance and full load trials,” said the navy.

Last year, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba had said that the IAC-1 is in its third and final phase of construction at Kochi. The sea trials for the ship are expected to commence mid-2020.

Reports claimed that the Vikrant is expected to be inducted into the navy by the end of next year. It would employ the STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) mechanism with a ski-jump and arrestor cables to launch and recover aircraft. It can operate 20 fighter jets and 10 other aircraft. The MiG-29K fighters that are in service with the navy would operate from its deck. The navy is also keen on a second indigenous aircraft carrier or IAC-2.

 economictimes