IAF's air show enthralls Chennaiites at Marina beach

Chennai, Apr 22 (UNI) It was a sea of humanity as thousands of people congregated at the Marina Beach here today to witness the air show organised by the Indian Air Force (IAF) as part of its Platinum jubilee celebrations.

There was never a dull moment right through the two-hour show that kept the sky-gazing public spell bound.

The spectacular display of precision flying by Suryakiran Formation Aerobatic Team (SKAT), Jaguar and Sarang Helicopter Aerobatic team enthralled the public.

The show was kicked off with a fly past by HPT-32 piston-engine aircraft and followed by a deep penetration strike manoeuvre by the Jaguar belonging to the IAF base in Bangalore.

According to the airforce officials, the aircraft took off from Bangalore to Chennai and returned to the Bangalore base without landing.

Apart from this, the SKAT, led by Wing Commander Sandeep Bansal, delighted the public with nine-aircraft formation.

The fleet took to high speed, ascending and descending at speeds ranging from 200 to 600 kmph.

The SKAT, flying with the indigenous basic jet trainer, Kiran MK-II, also was deft in creating the 'Cupid's Arrow' and 'Heart Sign' and kept the spectators amazed with their 'inverted run.' The Air Warrior Drill Team performed skills on the beach while a MI-8 chopper took off with Akash Ganga Skydiving team.

Falling from about an height of 7,500 ft, the team performed synchoronised diving as it made a perfect touch down.

Adding colour to the show, the Air Warrior Symphony Orchestra presented an awesome concert in the evening.

Meanwhile, the city police had made an elaborate arrangements to ensure that visitors for the show were not put to any inconvenience.

City Police Commissioner Letika Saran said about 1500 police personnel were deployed and one dozen watch towers were erected for security.

UNI