“India’s First Homegrown Aircraft Carrier Set to Soar with GE’s LM2500 Engines”
The Indian Navy’s latest aircraft carrier, the Vikrant, has been officially commissioned today, equipped with four LM2500 engines that deliver an impressive 88 MW, allowing it to reach a maximum velocity of 28 knots. The induction of the Vikrant into the Indian Navy’s armada marks a notable achievement for the Government’s “Make In India” endeavor, as 76% of its components are domestically produced, positioning India among a select few nations with indigenous aircraft carriers (IAC). Following the commissioning of the Vikrant, the Indian Navy now operates 18 GE Marine engines, with more units under fabrication to bolster the ongoing Project 17A shipbuilding.
The IAC initiative commenced in 2007, and upon selection, GE Marine declared that the LM2500 marine gas turbines would power the vessel, being produced by Indian collaborator Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The 262-meter-long carrier boasts 14 levels, can house a crew of 1,700, and is suited to operate 30 aircraft.
The Vikrant underwent four extensive phases of sea trials assessing key equipment and systems from August 2021 to July 2022. “On this historic occasion for the Indian Navy, as they unveil their first indigenous aircraft carrier, GE Marine takes pride in being the force behind its propulsion. We remain dedicated to advancing India’s indigenous military initiatives through our enduring partnerships in the country,” stated GE’s Kris Shepherd, Vice President & General Manager, GE Marine.
For over three decades, GE has collaborated with HAL, which is responsible for assembling, inspecting, and testing all LM2500 gas turbines produced for the Indian Navy. The LM2500 gas turbine kits were fabricated at GE’s Evendale, Ohio, facility and assembled and evaluated by HAL’s Industrial & Marine Gas Turbine Division in Bangalore, India. HAL is recognized as one of the leading global aerospace firms engaged in the production and maintenance of aircraft, helicopters, avionics, and aerospace defense solutions.
With GE’s market-leading gas turbine technology, the Indian Navy and 39 other marine forces worldwide benefit from comprehensive support, whether on land or at sea, as well as interoperability advantages with allied vessels. GE has supplied gas turbines for 633 naval ships globally and represents 95% of the operational propulsion gas turbines within the United States Navy fleet. With the LM2500’s exemplary operational history of readiness for combat, alongside its maintenance simplicity and international support, the LM2500 remains the preferred gas turbine for naval forces around the world.
