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MUST READ FACTS: Aircraft carrier INS Viraat turns 25
The sole aircraft carrier of the country, INS Viraat has completed 25 years of its active service with the Indian Navy.
The British warship -- earlier known as HMS Hermes -- was acquired by the Indian Navy on May 12, 1987 after completing 28 years under the Union Jack and having participated in the Falklands campaign of the Royal Navy in 1982.
The ship underwent last major modernisation and life enhancement refit in 2008-09, which gave it a life extension of a few more years.
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MUST READ FACTS: Aircraft carrier INS Viraat turns 25
Born in November 1959 as HMS Hermes, INS Viraat is one of the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the history of naval operations anywhere in the world.
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MUST READ FACTS: Aircraft carrier INS Viraat turns 25
In the last 25 years, INS Viraat has done over 40,000 hours of steaming and traversed over 5,00,000 nautical miles across the proverbial seven seas. The ship has undertaken over 20,000 hours of flying from its deck.
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MUST READ FACTS: Aircraft carrier INS Viraat turns 25
INS Viraat has the rare distinction of being commanded by three officers who rose up to become the chiefs of Indian Navy.
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MUST READ FACTS: Aircraft carrier INS Viraat turns 25
The current air group of the Viraat consists of 12 to 18 Sea Harrier V/STOL fighters and seven or a eight Sea King or Kamov 'Hormone' ASW helicopters. In emergencies, the Viraat can operate up to 30 Harriers.
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MUST READ FACTS: Aircraft carrier INS Viraat turns 25
When commissioned in 1987, her envisaged life was 10 years. All major refits of Viraat have been undertaken by the Cochin Shipyard Limited. The extension of the ship's life far beyond initial expectations is stands as a testimony to the high levels of workmanship and dedication of the yard staff at Cochin Shipyard.