Huge crowd outside airbase to watch flying display

Bangalore, Feb 7 (UNI) If the Yelahanka Airbase of the Indian Air Force was swarming with activity due to the bigger than ever Aero India 2007 show which began today, the scene was no less on the National Highway to Hyderabad, abutting the base.

Hundreds of people, lesser privileged to witness the scintillating display of various types of aircraft inside the airbase, took up vantage positions on either side of the highway to have a better glimpse of the airpower of the country, besides those from the US, Sweden and Russia, braving the scorching sun.

Even as the Surya Kiran team's aerobatic display left them spellbound, the roaring F-16 and the F-18 from the US, the Gripen, The Sukhoi MKI of IAF mesmerised them as they craned their necks to have a comfortable view of these magnificent machines with an awesome performance. The F-16, which gave a fitting finale to the fighters show, was the most attractive display with its speed and agility.

Not to be outdone, the Intermediate Jet Trainer, the indigenouly developed by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, too had its bit of aerobatics, while the LCA participated in the flypast. The Sarang team, reduced to three due to the crash of one of the indigenously built Dhruv helicopter on February 2, put up a brave display, exhibiting its design soundness. The helicopter crashed just few days after it had received flight certification.

To feed these hungry onlookers, a number of instant dhabas emerged close to the venue. Also visible were mobile advertisement vans to draw the attention of the viewers.

UNI