Indian Navy reveals the lenght of INS Vikrant LIFT ; F/A-18 becomes the only choice as Rafale-M can't fit the LIFT of Vikrant

Source : Indian Defence Updates (IDU)

INS Vikrant aircraft LIFT

Amid the speculations of the suitable fighter for carrier borne operations from the deck of INS Vikrant, the Indian Navy has finally revealed the exact length and width of the two large elevators of INS Vikrant that will carry aircraft from the upper deck to the lower deck for storage, maintenance and repairs.

INS Vikrant has two lifts that are 14 meters long and 10 meters wide which can accommodate the Mig-29K and Naval Tejas aircraft and it will be a close call for the F/A-18 as it is 9.93 meters wide with folded wings but it is near impossible to operate the Rafale Marine that has a wingspan of 10.90 meters.

The Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) will be 7.6 meters wide with folded wings configuration and will be easily accommodated on the lift of INS Vikrant.