Spectacular air show by IAF

Ahmedabad, Nov 10: The skyline of the city was today dotted with riot of colours as Air Warriors of Indian Air Force (IAF) executed dizzying manoeuvres at an Air show held as part of IAF's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

South-Western Air command's Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Air Marshal P K Mehra said the three-day show aims to bring IAF closer to the youth and enhance awareness about the Force in the State.

He said there was vast scope for the youth in the IAF as there are so many sections in the force. ''We have directed our publicity cell here to share information about IAF and to make the youth aware of several recruitment procedures,'' he said.

A recruitment rally of the IAF will take place for the aspiring candidates of Gujarat, and the Union Territories of Daman, Diu and Dadra Nagar Haveli at the Sardar Patel Stadium from November 14 to 19.

Hundreds of school children from the city witnessed the grand display of valour and precision by the frontline fighters.

They gleefully cheered when two Chetak helicoptors air-dropped rose petals as a welcome gesture.

Later, there was 'trooping of Colours' by three Mi-17 twin-engine helicopters, as they carried the national tricolour and the IAF flag. It was followed by three Avro transport aircraft from Vadodara.

Two Mig-27 swing-wing fighter jets made a 'photo run' over the viewing public and took a picture through their inbuilt cameras.

These world-class aerobatics were displayed by nearly 65 aircraft from the IAF inventory, including the Mig-21s, Mig-23s, Mig-27s, Mig-29s, Jaguars, Su-30 MKIs, Avros, Chetaks, Mi-8s and Mi-17 helicopters.

An aerial-ballet of 'Sarang' performed by the helicopter quartet in 'Dhruv', the indigenously built Advanced Light Helicopter, left many in the audience spell-bound. This was for the first time that Sarang was displayed in Gujarat, defence spokesman wing Cdr T K Singha said.

'Akash Ganga', the IAF skydiving team demonstrated the essence of adventure of the air warriors as they para jumped. The nine-aircraft 'Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team' (SKAT) will put up its magical patterns tomorrow. There was also a display of 'Air Warriors Drill Show', a special synchronized display of exemplary fitness and extraordinary zeal while on parade, introduced recently for public demonstration by the IAF.

Sukhoi-30 MKI, the latest acquisition of the IAF, demonstrated 'buddy refuelling', the unique capability of one Su-30 MKI to refuel in mid-air yet another Su-30 MKI. This was followed up by a three Su-30 MKI VIC formation fly past. The show-stealer, however, was the single Su-30 MKI performing solo aerobatics.

There was also a demonstration of a 'mock combat' involving Mig-23 MFs, Jaguars and Su-30 MKIs.

The Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters also demonstrated the special operations they perform, including 'strike', 'slithering', dropping of specialized equipment and vehicles during a simulated covert operation under the protective umbrella of a 'combat air patrol' provided by two Mig-29s.

The show also included a 'static display', featuring an array of IAF aircraft-fighter, transport and helicopters apart from display of weapon platforms, ammunitions, defence sensors, missiles, radars and publicity stalls.

The 'Air Warriors Symphony Orchestra', will, for the first time in the State, perform their soulful renditions and compositions on November 12 and 13.

''Most of the aircraft were flying from Pune airbase and will be going back there,'' an IAF spokesperson said.

Domestic civilian airliners had to reschedule their flights in view of IAF flying exercises. Jet Airways rescheduled its Mumbai-Ahmedabad-Mumbai daylight flight for today and tomorrow.

UNI