Trapped and Launched !
The developmental LCA (Navy) Mk.I (NP-2, tail number 3002) achieved an important milestone on 11 January 2020 with the successful arrested landing on deck of the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. The aircraft was flown by the CTP, Commodore JA Maolankar of the NFTC who later carried out the maiden ski ramp take-off from the carrier the next day, 12 January 2020.
As a Technology Demonstrator, the LCA (Navy) has been repeatedly tested during extensive trials at the Shore Base Test Facility (SBTF) at INAS Hansa, Dabolim in Goa (see main article ‘Full Thrust Ahead’). With completion of the critical deck landing tests, these indigenously-developed niche technologies, specific to deck based fighter operations, have been proven and will contribute towards development of a twin-engined LCA (Navy) Mk.II, which is planned for 2026 (see article : Ahoy ! Looking at the LCA (Navy) Mk.II).
“The landmark events of I1-12 January 2020 demonstrate the professional commitment and synergy between various agencies including ADA, HAL, CEMILAC and the Indian Navy in harnessing the potential of our scientists, engineers and naval flight testing community in meeting expectations of the nation”, stated a DRDO spokesman.
‘Mother ship’ INS Vikramaditya seen from the LCA (Navy)
In sequence (clockwise) Seconds before touch down; View from the bridge; Tail hook about to trap; Trapped!; Taxiing on VKD’s deck
NP-2 on ski-jump ramp
Airborne!
Heading back to INAS Hansa
Commodore Jaideep Maolankar, Group Director (FTO) & Chief Test Pilot, National Flight Test Centre (NFTC) with Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)
Photo credits : Debadatta Maharana