The first time I flew in a Sea King was on 6 May 2006 when I flew from the deck of Indian frigate INS Brahmaputra onto aircraft carrier INS Viraat in an Mk.42C variant of chopper. This week, I got to fly in the American version, the Sikorsky UH-3H, pictured above, operated off the INS Jalashwa's deck by the INAS 350 squadron. These are the copters that got the government a lambasting in a recent audit report [PDF], which said the platforms were bought even though they were on extended time. Beauties, nevertheless -- here's to safe flight by the men who have to fly them.
Photos by Shiv Aroor / On Board INS Jalashwa (L41)
Labels: Aircraft And Helicopters, LiveFist Exclusive, Navy, Photographs, Warships And Submarines