
INS Viraat (R22) is a Centaur-class aircraft carrier currently in service with the Indian Navy.HMS Hermes was sold to India in 1984.Refitted, the ship was commissioned into the Indian Navy as the Viraat in May 1987. In September 1993, the engine room of Viraat flooded, temporarily putting the vessel out of service for several months. By 1995, the vessel was back in service and had a new search radar.Between July 1999 and April 2001, INS Viraat completed another life-extension refit which is expected to extend her serviceability till 2020. This refit upgraded propulsion systems, added a package of sensors to sound emergency alerts, and introduced modern communication systems. In addition, long-range surveillance radar, weapon systems, and new hangar with fire curtains was installed. The lift system was revamped to reduce reaction time in the event of an attack and a new flood alarm system was installed. In early June 2001 Viraat returned to service after nearly two years of refit. The vessel also took part in the International Fleet Review in Mumbai in February 2001. Wing commander Ashoka Padmanabhan flew the Tigermoth-B970 past its deck anchored at 1.5 nautical km from the Gateway of India. The vessel had to be towed back to dry dock for another refit in mid-2003 and returned to service only in November 2004, during which the vessel was fitted with the Barak SAM. Refitted again from July 1999 to December 2000, Viraat returned to the fleet in June 2001 and is planned to <b>...</b>
Virat
Indian Navy
Air Craft Carrier
Aircraft Carrier
Indian
Navy
Blue Water
helicopter
jet
flying
force
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