Take a Virtual Tour of INS Vikramaditya: India’s naval strength has grown significantly over the past decade, and one name that always stands out is INS Vikramaditya, the pride of the Indian Navy. Many defence enthusiasts, students, and citizens dream of seeing this powerful aircraft carrier up close. While visiting it physically is not possible for the general public, you can still explore it through a virtual tour. In this detailed guide, we take you on a digital journey inside INS Vikramaditya, helping you understand its structure, design, operations, and life onboard.
Introduction: Why INS Vikramaditya Is Special
INS Vikramaditya is one of the most important assets of the Indian Navy. Commissioned in 2013, it is a modified Kiev-class aircraft carrier purchased from Russia and rebuilt to meet India’s naval requirements. With a length of 284 meters and a full-load displacement of 44,500 tonnes, INS Vikramaditya is a floating city that carries fighter jets, helicopters, sensors, weapons, and a large crew.
A virtual tour gives us a rare opportunity to see what life is like on this massive warship and how it operates at sea.
1. Entering the Ship: First Look at the Deck
Your virtual journey begins on the flight deck, the most exciting part of INS Vikramaditya. This huge runway-like area is where fighter jets take off and land. The deck is built using special heat-resistant materials to withstand the flames and pressure created during aircraft operations.
- You can see the ski-jump ramp, an upward-curved surface that helps fighter jets like MiG-29K take off quickly.
- Markings and yellow lines guide aircraft movement on the deck.
- Look around and observe the arrestor wires, used to stop incoming aircraft during landing.
The size of the deck itself explains why aircraft carriers are considered floating airbases.
2. Aircraft Hangar: The Heart of Air Operations
Moving below the flight deck, the virtual tour takes you to the aircraft hangar. This massive enclosed space houses fighter jets, helicopters, spare parts, and maintenance equipment. The hangar is designed to store:
- MiG-29K multi-role fighters
- Kamov helicopters
- Seaking and ALH helicopters for transport and rescue operations
Huge elevators lift aircraft from the hangar to the flight deck within seconds. The virtual view shows how technicians and engineers work round-the-clock to keep aircraft ready for missions.
3. The Bridge: Command and Navigation Centre
One of the most important areas you see during the virtual tour is the Bridge, the control room from where the ship is navigated. This is the place where the Captain and officers command the aircraft carrier.
The Bridge includes:
- Navigation consoles
- Radar screens
- Communication systems
- Steering controls
From large windows, you get a stunning view of the ocean and the ship’s front section. The Bridge shows how technology and skilled manpower together ensure safe navigation.
4. Combat Information Centre (CIC)
The CIC is the brain of INS Vikramaditya. Although not all details are shown publicly for security reasons, a virtual glimpse highlights:
- Multi-screen displays
- Sonar and radar monitoring systems
- Weapon control consoles
- Tactical communication systems
This is where officers track aircraft, ships, and submarines around the carrier. Every mission is planned and monitored from here.
5. Crew Accommodation: Life Onboard
INS Vikramaditya carries over 1,600 crew members, including officers, sailors, pilots, technicians, doctors, and specialists. The virtual tour shows:
- Sleeping quarters
- Dining areas (called galleys)
- Recreational rooms
- Medical facilities
Living on an aircraft carrier feels like living in a small city. The tour highlights how the crew manages daily routines even during long sea missions.
6. Engineering and Machinery Rooms
A major part of the virtual tour focuses on the lower decks, where the engineering systems are located. INS Vikramaditya uses powerful steam turbines that can push the ship at speeds over 30 knots (around 55 km/h).
You can virtually see:
- Engine control rooms
- Power systems
- Water purification units
- Fire safety equipment
| Take a Virtual Tour of INS Vikramaditya | View |
Conclusion: A Powerful Glimpse Into India’s Naval Strength
Taking a virtual tour of INS Vikramaditya is the easiest way to explore one of the strongest symbols of India’s maritime power. From fighter jets and high-tech weaponry to crew life and advanced engineering systems, every part of the ship reflects strength, technology, and discipline.
This virtual experience is perfect for students, defence aspirants, and anyone who wants to understand how modern aircraft carriers function. INS Vikramaditya is more than a warship—it is a moving fortress that protects India’s oceans and ensures national security.