A WoI Report – By Kapil Chandni
November 25th, Bombay: Celebrating the Navy Week which commences from 1st December, the Navy is throwing open the Ex-INS Vikrant for general public to visit. For the first time, a glimpse of what is in store for the Vikrant as a Museum can be observed during this time.
Vikrant, erstwhile HMS Hercules has been lying at the Mumbai dockyard for years ever since it has been decommissioned. WoI Correspondent Kapil Chandni has visited the Vikrant and has observed that preparations have been made in full swing to convert it into a Museum.
There are Six aircraft on display on the Aircraft Carrier. Some of the aircraft are displayed in action diaromas, with Mannequins in flying suits and equipment.On display inside the Vikrant’s hangar is a Sea Hawk jet fighter , a Sea King Mk 42a and a Chetak. On display at the flight deck is another Sea Hawk fighter, along with a Breguet Alize and another Sea King Mk 42a.
The Alize [IN-209] on the flight deck is in immaculate condition, reportedly restored by the Navy along with Help from HAL, The arrester hook is displayed lodged onto one of the arrestor cables on the deck. While the Seahawk is from No.300 INAS and the Alize from No.310 INAS, the Sea King is from No.330 Harpoons. The Chetak [IN-464] on display on the flight deck lift is from No.321 Angels Squadron.
