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INS Viraat (Sanskrit:विराट) (R22) is a Centaur-class aircraft carrier currently in service with the Indian Navy. The name Viraat means "giant".

Contents 1 History 2 Structure 3 Air Group 4 Radar 5 Sonar 6 Combat Data Systems 7 Self Defense Armament 8 Countermeasures 9 See also 10 External links

INS Viraat was originally commissioned in the Royal Navy as HMS Hermes on 18 November 1959. During her career as Hermes, she served as the flagship of the Royal Navy's task force in the Falkland Islands campaign. She would serve the Royal Navy another three years until she was stricken from active duty in 1985.

The Indian Navy purchased the vessel in April 1986 and gave it an extensive refit at Devonport Dockyard to allow for continued operability into the next decade. New fire control equipment, navigation radars, improved NBC protection, and deck landing aids were installed in this refit. Boilers were converted to operate on distillate fuel. 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 2010. This refit upgraded propulsion systems, added a package of sensors to sound emergency alerts, and introduced modern communication system. 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. 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.

In 2004, India bought the aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov from Russia for US$1.5 billion; it is expected to enter service in 2008 as INS Vikramaditya.However INS Viraat would be repleaced by 2011-2012 by a new Vikrant class carrier.

Viraat is fitted with a 12° ski jump to operate the Sea Harrier, a reinforced flight deck, 1.2 inches of armour over magazines and machinery spaces. The magazine capacity includes 80+ lightweight torpedoes. The vessel retains commando transport capability, for around 750 troops and carries four LCVP landing craft aft.

• Fleet Defense - Sea Harrier FRS Mk.51 (Capacity for 30)
• Airborne Early Warning - Kamov Ka-31 Helix-B
• ASW/ASV - Sea King Mk.42B and Kamov Ka-28 Helix-A
• Commando Assault and Vertical Replenishment - Sea King Mk.42C

• Air Search - One Bharat/Signaal RAWL 02 radar at C/D-band frequency
• Air/Surface Search - One RAWS 08 radar at E-band frequency
• Navigation - Two Bharat Rashmi radars at I-band frequency
• Fire Control - EL/M-2221 STGR radar
• Tacan - FT 13-S/M

One Graseby Type 184M hull-mounted sonar, with active search & attack capability from 6-9 kHz

Italian Elmar communication suites have been fitted. CAAIS action data automation; Link 10. Has SATCOM systems on-board.

• 2 x 40mm Bofors guns
• 16 x Barak SAM VL cells

A Bharat Ajanta ESM is used for intercept purposes. Two Knebworth Corvus chaff launchers are used as decoys.

• List of aircraft carriers

• Indian Navy
• INS Viraat at Bharat Rakshak