Aerobatic team 'Sarang' gives dazzling display at Air Show

Bangalore, Aug 7 (UNI) The indegenously built ALH borne Indian Air Force aerobatics team 'Sarang' returned home after touring Europe, where they gave a dazzling display at the Berlin and Farnborough Air Shows attracting rave reviews.

In its 65-day tour, the longest helicopter display detachment by an IAF, Sarang team members also showcased their breathtaking display at different places in England.

Briefing reporters on the tour Wing Commander Shashank Mishra, Commanding Officer(CO), 151 Helicopter Unit based in the city, said during the Berlin show held between July 14 to 20, the team was adjudged the 'Best Looking Close Formation Team'.

''My team undertook 25 displays in Germany and England, flew 115 hours in 181 sorties during the detachment. Our purpose was to showcase India's global presence in aerospace.

''We were the only foursome helicopter display team in the world and this was the first IAF team that performed for the first time in Europe,'' he said.

A Bangalore-based team comprising 14 officers and 32 airmen with five 'Dhruv' helicopters set course for Germany on May 20. The equipment weighing 38 tonnes was air lifted by a chartered AN-124 aircraft to Berlin in semi knocked down condition.

At Berlin Air Show which began on May 27, the displays by Sarang was appreciated by Defence Minister A K Antony, who was present, and German Chancellor Mrs Angela Merkel. It also received rave comments by the media and the large audience which came to witness the Air Show, he said.

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