INS Vikrant, the indigenous aircraft carrier, and INAS339, nicknamed ‘Falcons’, the Kamov31 Air Early Warning (AEW) helicopter squadron, together validated night flying capability of ship as Kamov 31 helicopters carried out maiden night deck operations on 28 March 2023. Night operations are crucial for ship to achieve full combat potential. A team of from INAS 339 and a test pilot from Naval Flight Test Squadron undertook task, proving shipborne lighting aids and aviation systems used to guide aircraft to deck. With this, Kamov 31 becomes fully integrated with ship and has capability to operate onboard by day and night. More importantly, flight envelope cleared for helicopter will enable next level of flight trials and development of newer and more modern aviation systems on ship.
