Sevmash has successfully tested retainers of Indian carrier

Sevmash shipyard (Severodvinsk) which performs modernization of Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya has successfully completed second stage of takeoff retaining device tests.

The tests were held with the use of MiG-29K mock aircraft, reported Interfax referring to a source in Sevmash.

"Generally, two-stage tests of three retainers have been finished; those mechanisms are used for retaining aircrafts at takeoff position while acceleration", explained the source having specified that the first stage had been held at the manufacturing plant, and the second – directly at Sevmash shipyard where the 12-ton mock aircraft was delivered in summer.

"By estimate of Indian and Russian experts, the tests have been performed successfully. In prospect, the mock aircraft will be needed for mooring trials of the ship's air-technical facilities", added the interviewee.

As it was previously reported, the contract for overhaul and modernization of Admiral Gorshkov was tied between Russia and India in 2004, eight years after the ship was decommissioned from Russian Navy. The agreement provided appropriation of $974 mln for repairs and upgrade, and $530 mln for delivery of 16 fighters MiG-29K and ASW helicopters Ka-31 and Ka-27. The carrier was supposed to join Indian Navy late 2008. However, having paid about $458 mln, India suspended further contractual payments since Jan 2007.

In March 2010 the parties agreed to increase cost of repair and modernization of the aircraft carrier up to $2.33 bln. It is planned to deliver the ship to India by Dec 2012. In accordance with new contract, India will purchase 29 Russian deck-based fighters MiG-29K for $1.46 bln to be based on the carrier. This contract supplemented previously signed agreement for procurement of 16 MiG-29K.

MiG-29K is a 4++ generation multirole fighter. It is capable to accelerate up to 2,200 kph and perform flights at the ranges of 1,500 km.

Deck-based fighters MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB are designed for air defenses of task forces, gaining air dominance, defeating sea/land surface targets by guided precision weapons day and night in any weather conditions.