SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
The Indian Navy is embarking on a significant endeavor to fund the development of cutting-edge Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) systems. These systems will be integrated into the proposed 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier, IAC-III, which will utilize a “catapult assisted take-off but arrested recovery” (CATOBAR) configuration.
While General Atomics, renowned for developing EMALS and AAG systems for the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered, 100,000-tonne supercarriers, has offered its customized systems to the Indian Navy, the substantial overhaul cost of approximately $1 billion has deterred the Navy from importing them. Instead, the Indian Navy has opted to take on the responsibility of funding the development of these critical systems within the country.
The indigenous development of EMALS and AAG systems will be a collaborative effort involving Indian state-owned Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), private sector companies, and academia. The Indian Navy plans to initiate feasibility studies with multiple partners to create a scale model that can serve as a technological demonstrator for the EMALS and AAG system. This scaled-down version will facilitate testing and research before progressing to the development of a full-scale land-based EMALS and AAG system. Once successfully developed and tested, these systems will be integrated into the IAC-III.
This strategic move not only reduces dependency on foreign technology but also strengthens India’s indigenous capabilities in naval technology and engineering. The development of EMALS and AAG systems is a significant step forward in enhancing the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities, providing it with advanced technology to support future naval aviation requirements.
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