In Pics | IAC-1, India's 1st indigenous aircraft carrier begins trials

India's first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) Vikrant, the largest and most complex warship to be built in the country, began its sea trials on August 4. The launch of the sea trials of the 40,000-tonne warship, built at a cost of around Rs 23,000 crore, has been described by the Navy as "historic" as it propelled India into a select group of countries having capabilities to build state-of-the-art aircraft carriers.

India's first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) Vikrant, the largest and most complex warship to be built in the country, began its sea trials on August 4. Its planned induction into the Indian Navy by August next year. Credit: Indian Navy

The launch of the sea trials of the 40,000-tonne warship, built at a cost of around Rs 23,000 crore, has been described by the Navy as

The warship, which will operate MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 helicopters, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, has over 2,300 compartments, designed for a crew of around 1700 people, including specialised cabins to accommodate women officers. Credit: Indian Navy

The IAC is 262 metres long, 62 metres wide and it has a height of 59 metres. Its construction began in 2009. Credit: Indian Navy

The aircraft carrier set off on its maiden sea trials, 50 years after its namesake played a major role in the 1971 war. Credit: Indian Navy

The ship has been designed with a very high degree of automation for machinery operation, ship navigation and survivability. Credit: Indian Navy

'Vikrant' has a top speed of around 28 knots and cruising speed of 18 knots with an endurance of about 7,500 nautical miles. Credit: Indian Navy