India requires 26 state-of-the-art multi-role fighter jets for the flying component of the new nationally built aircraft carrier "Vikrant" (Project 71) - but these jets should be able to ski-jump! The carrier is designed for STOBAR, i.e. equipped with a 14° ramp for "short take off and arrested recovery". The preferred aircraft types Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet (USA) and Dassault Rafale M (France) are not designed for this and must first demonstrate this capability before contract negotiations can take place. The Rafale has already passed this milestone.
Ski-Jump launch pad at the naval airbase "Hansa" in Goa/India. Photo: Boeing
Proof of function in Goa
Boeing has now followed suit and demonstrated on the ski-jump runway at the West Indian Naval Air Station "Hansa" at Goa International Airport what has already been tried out eight times in the USA (NAS Patuxent River): Take-off and landing procedures with different loading conditions for air, sea and land operations.
Arrested recovery of an F/A-18E in Goa/India, 2022. photo. Boeing
Boeing ahead again
This puts Boeing back in the lead in this business, even though India maintains very close defence relations with France, and not just in submarine construction. The American Super Hornet Block III, on the other hand, offers a link to the USA, which operates this aircraft worldwide and has a strategic interest in tying one of the most populous nations more closely to itself.
Video sequence of an F/A-18E ski-jump take-off:
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