The motto of the Viraat in Sanskrit is Jayema Sam Yudhi Sprdhah, an translation will be “I completely defeat those who dare fight me.”
She was laid down at Vickers-Armstrong, United Kingdom June 1944, launched 16 February 1953 as HMS Hermes, part of the light fleet aircraft carrier Centaur-class (sister ships Albion, Centaur, Bulwark, Elephant, Monmouth, Arrogant and the & Polyphemus) and completed November 1959 after being laid up since 1957. Commissioned 18 November 1959 and finally paid off 12 April 1984 and stricken 1 July 1985 by the Royal Navy. She was sold to India 19 April 1986, but before she was transferred she underwent a major refit at Devonport. Unofficially taken in service by the Indian Navy 12 May 1987, formally commissioned 15 February 1989. Since she served with the Indian Navy she underwent several mayor refittings, for instance in July 1999-April 2001 and for the last time in August 2008-November 2009. It is expected that she will be decommissioned in 2019.
Dimensions 226.5 m/743’x 48.78 m/160’0”x 8.8 m/29’ and a displacement og 23.900 tons standard and 28.700 tons full load. Two Parsons geared steam turbines arranged with four boilers delivering 76.000 shp making a speed of 28 knots possible. With a speed of 14 knots she got a range of 6.500 miles. Her crew consisted of 2.100 men maximum, divided by 1.207 sailors and 143 men belonging tot the ‘air department’. Is able to carry maximum 30 aircraft, in the practice 28 including Sea Harriers Mk.51 and Mk.52 (especially for this aircraft fitted out with a 12° ski jump) and the Westland Sea King Mk.42.
