In an effort to commence flight operations from the indigenously-designed and built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, the maiden landing of MH-60R helicopter was undertaken on Tuesday, Navy officials said here on Wednesday.
“In another milestone for the Indian Navy, MH60R helicopter undertakes maiden landing on the indigenously designed and constructed aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. A major boost to the Indian Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare and Fleet Support capability,” a Navy statement said.
The helicopter landing took place days after the aircraft carrier witnessed night landing of MG-29 K fighter jets last week.
Giving details of the landing in pitch dark conditions considered to be demanding, officials had said this landing was indicative of Navy’s impetus towards ‘aatmanirbharta’. This challenging night landing trial also demonstrates the resolve, skill and professionalism of the Vikrant crew and the naval pilots, they added.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Navy for undertaking a successful night landing and said, “This remarkable achievement is a testimony to the skills, perseverance and professionalism of the Vikrant crew and Naval pilots. Kudos to them.”
Landing fighter jets on a normal runway is different compared to landing on a flight deck of an aircraft carrier due to the shorter length of the deck.