The Afghan Air Force’s (AAF) Mi-17 transport helicopter crew has completed operational flight task using night vision goggles (NVGs) for the first time in Afghanistan.

During the task, the AAF airmen used a blacked-out Mi-17 helicopter to perform basic manoeuvres such as take-offs, landings, and tactical flight and in-air emergency procedures.

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The task will help the AAF’s Presidential Airlift Squadron to use the cover of darkness to help conceal presidential movements.

The initial cadre of the Afghan NVGs crew will consist of four pilots and two flight engineers.

Initial training was carried out at Fort Bliss, Texas, in 2007.

NVG training for the Afghan life-support technicians will consist of an intensive two-week course at Bagram Air Base, taught by the CAPTF air crew flight equipment advisors.

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