Spectacular air show by Army, Air Force in Dasara festivities

Mysore, Oct 17 (UNI) The Indian Air Force and Army personnel today enthralled a large gathering of tourists and locals with their flying machines in the spectacular air show, organised as part of the Mysore Dasara festivities at the Bannimantap stadium here today.

The show began with 'Adarsh', remote controlled models of Cessna aircraft, carrying a banner 'Welcome to Mysore Dasara-2007'. MIG and Bell 22 helicopters were also demonstrated.

However, much bigger excitement was in store as deep penetration Jaguar fighter came in next, holding the spectators in awe as it swooped low only to soar up in the sky again with a shattering noise.

An MI8 helicopter hovered above the stadium for a while and made a rapid descent. Soldiers slid down the helicopter with the help of rope and took positions as they do in real battle situations.

The transport and communication aircraft AN-32 and two Dornier aircraft performed the 'small boy' formation at an altitude of 400 ft.

All these aircraft took off from Yelahanka air base near Bangalore.

The large crowd was, however, disappointed as the much awaited Akash Ganga, the 14-member paratroopers team, could not make it to the city this year due to their assignment at the World Military Games, being held in Hyderbad.

This was the fourth consecutive year that the air show was organised during Dasara.

UNI