Lift are important because they might want faster deployment with twin helicopter at a time .The RFI sure specifies some interesting things:
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Those are some huge-a$$ lifts they want. Bigger than what are on the Vikrant carrier! (which I think are ~18.5m wide, dunno length for sure).
Also mentioned in the RFI is that the Lifts & Hangar deck must be able to handle aircraft of up to 24 tons weight. That's the weight of a loaded V22 Osprey prepped for VTOL ops (short-take off config can carry more). Plus the Lift size is tremendous, can handle a Chinook (22.6 ton MTOW) without needing to remove its rotors (which can't be folded), like they do on the HMS Queen Elizabeth.
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Either way, this RFI certainly makes it seem like they have plans for operating much bigger helicopters than even the upcoming IMRH medium-lift (13-ton) helo:
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The secondary lift (22x10m) seems tailored for a folded-up V22, which is pretty long (19m) but not very wide (~5m):
The competing designs for this RFI sure cannot be any off-the-shelf model, will require SIGNIFICANT modification. The lifts on the Juan Carlos for instance are only 17x11m (primary) and 13x11 (secondary; aft).
In the end I won't be surprised if the end result would look like a downsized America/Wasp-class style of flight deck/lift arrangement:
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Another important detail is this:
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The flight deck should be able to operate helicopters with 40-ton MTOW! That's in CH-53K King Stallion territory!
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I doubt whether Indian Navy would be buying these though - its likely this specific requirement was created keeping possibility of cross-decking operations with USN/USMC in mind (where American helos could land/operate from our ships in an emergency).
Last but not least:
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SAMs are to be expected for self-defence purposes but the sizeable SSM requirement is interesting. I'm guessing they could intend to put 16 x Nirbhay LACMs on these ships and give them an ability to directly support amphibious landing parties either pre- or post-landing by softening up land targets. The US Navy was/is exploring a similar concept with their San Antonio-class amphibious ships, not sure of any update on that though:
Navy, Marine Corps Considering Adding VLS to San Antonio Amphibs
The Navy and the Marine Corps are studying installing a vertical launch system in its San Antonio class of amphibious warships, officials told USNI News.news.usni.org
@Gautam @Lonewolf @Raptor @Cabatli_53 @Test7 @LegionnairE @Kartal1 @Anmdt
Tagging everyone because this could be a program worth watching, I'm thinking the designs that could emerge as potential competitors would be very interesting to see.
Ssm etc are all added keeping in mind the theater command .
Think of it , we have to go to a contested territory with naval defense in place , so first lacm will clear that for the amphibious team to go , faster deployment of helicopter and deck operation as the maintenance should be done faster for asset of army too for quick redeployment . Like chinook .
Also vlsrsam will be required if they get attacked by coastal defense missile .
This is a quite detailed and thought after design , also consideration is not only for osprey but for the futuristic heli that will come in future .