MP Naveen Jindal flies the French Rafael at Aero India show

Bangalore, Feb 11 (PTI) An aviation enthusiast, Lok SabhaMP Naveen Jindal today took to the skies as he co-pilotedDassault''s Rafael fighter aircraft on the third day of theAero India 2011 show here.

Jindal, wearing a beige overall, took off on an over 40minute sortie in the Rafael, one of the six bidders competingfor IAF''s 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) deal.

The Executive Vice-Chairman and Managing Director ofJindal Steel and Power Limited, on touching ground, describedit as an "amazing experience".

"It was like a rocket taking off. The thrust you feel isamazing," he said.

Jindal said he did not experience any difficulty ordiscomfort even during the manoeuvres as he has been on afighter aircraft before.

Tata Group Chairman, Ratan Tata flew Boeing''s SuperHornet F-18 yesterday during the show while US Ambassador toIndia Timothy Roemer flew US Lockheed Martin''s F-16 the firstday.

Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor is also expected to take tothe skies tomorrow as part of a promotional campaign for hisforthcoming film ''Mausam''.