Indian Aircraft Carrier Plods On, Floats

December 30, 2011 by Shiv Aroor LIVEFIST

The Hindu reports today that the hull of India's first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) was floated out of its dry-dock at an unannounced ceremony. The facility, it appears, was required for urgent commercial work at the shipyard. The actual launch is expected to take place a year from now. Timelines have already slipped significantly in what is by far India's most ambitious shipbuilding effort yet. Previously intended for commissioning in 2013, the INS Vikrant (as it will be christened, after India's first carrier) is likely to enter service only in 2015.