In a significant milestone for the Indian Navy, the indigenously-built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant witnessed a historic moment as a MiG-29K fighter jet successfully executed a night landing, commonly referred to as a “night trap.” This feat is considered an extraordinary accomplishment for naval aviators due to the added complexities and challenges posed by nighttime operations.
The Indian Navy proudly shared a video of the maiden night landing on Twitter, emphasizing its significance in promoting self-reliance and highlighting the country’s commitment towards indigenous defense capabilities. The footage showcased the all-weather MiG-29K fighter jet expertly descending onto the flight deck of INS Vikrant amidst pitch darkness.
Congratulating the Navy for this remarkable achievement, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh praised the crew of INS Vikrant and the Naval pilots for their exceptional skills, perseverance, and professionalism. He described the successful night landing as a testament to their dedication and expertise, expressing his heartfelt appreciation.
Landing a fighter jet on an aircraft carrier’s flight deck presents unique challenges compared to conventional runway landings due to the carrier’s shorter deck length. To ensure a safe landing, the pilot lowers the tailhook of the jet, aiming to catch one of the arresting wires stretched across the deck. These wires have the capability to rapidly decelerate the aircraft from speeds as high as 250 km/hr to a complete stop.
The complexity is further compounded during night operations, commonly known as “night traps.” Naval aviators must account for the carrier’s movement, typically at a speed of 40-50 km/hr, and ensure their jets maintain the correct speed relative to the carrier. This delicate balance demands exceptional skill and precision from the pilots.
The MiG-29K, an integral part of INS Vikrant’s fighter fleet, is a supersonic aircraft renowned for its capabilities. With a top speed of Mach 2 (twice the speed of sound) and the ability to handle up to 8G forces (eight times the force of gravity), the MiG-29K is a formidable asset. It can reach altitudes exceeding 65,000 feet, making it a versatile fighter for various mission requirements.
Prior to the successful night landing of the MiG-29K, the naval variant of the indigenously-built LCA Tejas also accomplished a remarkable feat by landing on INS Vikrant during sea trials. The LCA Tejas, the first fixed-wing aircraft to achieve this feat on the flight deck of Vikrant, showcased the strides made in India’s defense manufacturing capabilities.
INS Vikrant, weighing 45,000 tonnes, was commissioned in September of last year, representing a major milestone in India’s naval defense capabilities. Constructed at a cost of ₹20,000 crore, it serves as a symbol of the nation’s commitment to bolstering its naval power and enhancing its self-reliance in defense production.
The successful night landing of the MiG-29K on INS Vikrant marks a historic achievement for the Indian Navy and a significant step towards strengthening India’s naval aviation capabilities. This accomplishment underlines the dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment of the Indian Navy to safeguard the nation’s maritime interests while promoting indigenous defense production.
