Obviously, the Indian Navy's existing aircraft carrier "Vikramaditya" and the future version of the "Vikrant" aircraft carrier still in the water are all ski-jump takeoffs. This demonstration mainly proves that the F/A-18 can ski-jump off from an aircraft carrier and has short-range take-off capabilities, which means it can be exported for use on India's supporting aircraft carriers.
In the past, the F/A-18 ejected and took off like this, and it looked very powerful.
Ejection takeoff
Although no pictures were released for this test, similar tests by the US Navy had been conducted as early as the 1980s. At that time, a ski jump deck was built on land (the deck angle is adjustable within 6 degrees -12 degrees). The test aircraft include F-14A "Tomcat" fighter jet, F/A-18A "Hornet" fighter jet, T-2C trainer aircraft, as well as E-2 and S-3, etc. After testing, it was confirmed that the jump take-off and take-off at a large angle are The sliding distance has a significant shortening effect. The picture below is a test photo from that year. It is undeniable that a fighter with strong thrust also has an advantage when taking off in a ski jump.
F/A-18A "Hornet" fighter jet
Of course, there is always news about the weapons and equipment of the Indian armed forces. Regardless of whether it is true or false, whether it is possible or not, it becomes entertainment news anyway. However, this time it seems to be somewhat real. Domestic analysts in India also disclosed the test on social media, and Boeing later confirmed the demonstration project.
A Boeing spokesman said that Boeing and the U.S. Navy have tested the F/A-18 fighter jet at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station to prove that it can meet the requirements of the Indian Navy. This is not just a simple flight. Boeing has conducted extensive analysis on the compatibility of the aircraft with the Indian aircraft carrier, as well as more than 150 flight simulation tests. Combined with similar tests in the 1980s, the F/A-18 fighter jet is fully capable of taking off from the ski jump deck. Details will not be made public until all tests are completed.
F/A-18 fighter jet
Although India is always exciting in terms of defense arms cooperation and transactions, one thing is undeniable, the demand for the new carrier-based aircraft has always existed. Since 2016, the Indian Navy has apparently been dissatisfied with the MiG -19K fighter jets and has been seeking to purchase 57 new models as replacements.
The domestically produced LCA "Tejas" fighter jet was originally the most ideal choice and was in line with the "Made in India" plan advocated by Indian Prime Minister Modi . However, the development progress was overdue and the performance always failed to meet actual needs. Although it has now been tested on ships, the naval generals do not dare to take action when it comes to use. Who knows whether the equipment will be a blessing or a curse.
The Tejas fighter jets were put on the ship
When domestic production failed, it began to turn to foreign countries. In 2016, the United States designated India as a "major defense partner" and planned to upgrade US-India defense trade and technology sharing to one level. Reaching the same level as allies or partners, this is why India has purchased the P-8I, CH-47, AH-64 and other models in recent years.
However, in terms of carrier-based aircraft, India has been constantly swinging between multiple models from many countries. As a traditional supplier, the MiG-29K provided by Russia is definitely most suitable for aircraft carriers manufactured with the same technology, but the Indians have begun to seek diversified procurement. In addition, the French " Rafale " fighter jet, the Swedish "Griffin" fighter jet, and the American F/A-18 "Super Hornet" are also in the pipeline. Although the land-based version of the "Rafale" has arrived, it seems that India is more Eager to get the "Super Hornet" with ski-jump capability on board the ship.
Indian Rafale fighter jets
In fact, India has been expanding its aircraft carrier fleet in recent years, and there is a very real need to support more carrier-based aircraft, but Indians are arrogant.In the context of "Made in India", it has even begun to prohibit the purchase of a large number of foreign weapons, which means that purchasing weapons from abroad must involve some technology transfer. For the United States, in an era when fourth-generation stealth fighter jets are flying all over the sky. It is still acceptable to provide India with customized authorized versions including F-16I and F/A-18I. After all, old aircraft are sold new and getting a good price will be of great help to the economy currently suffering from the epidemic. It is also the best choice when short of money. Efficient choice.
F-21 fighter jet (F-16I) renderings
For India, the introduction of new carrier-based aircraft can also acquire technology, which can play a greater role in the construction of its own national defense industry in the future. However, based on the lessons learned from the previous FGFA project between Russia and India (printed version of the T-50 fighter jet), Russia is required to fully hand over technology (including "source code"), which Russia will definitely not agree to. I don’t know if India is too anxious. It only thinks about the benefits but doesn’t think about how much it has (including technology introduction and digestion, logistics support for multiple countries and multiple models). It really wants to take advantage of the tiger’s mouth.
FGFA project
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