India floats first locally made aircraft carrier

KOCHI, India, June 12 (UPI) -- India's first indigenous aircraft carrier has been floated out of its building drydock for equipment fitting prior to sea trials in 2017.

The floating of the INS Vikrant took place on Wednesday at the Cochin Shipyard.

"Almost 90 per cent of works below the fourth deck, all underwater works, is over," The Hindu newspaper quoted a shipyard official. "Major equipment have gone in. Cabling, piping, electrical works, heat and ventilation works will take place now.

"Delivery of systems and components for the aviation complex designed by the Russian Nevoske design bureau is expected anytime now."

The floating out of the Vikrant was the second for the ship. The completed hull of the ship had been floated out of her dry dock in 2011 but outfitting was then delayed when the main reduction gearing for the powertrain was found to be non-compliant with specifications. A new gear had to be built and installed.

The ship is expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy in late 2018.