IAF's 'Sarang' to show its colours during Berlin air show

New Delhi, May 24 (UNI) The Indian Air Force's (IAF) helicopter aerobatics display team 'Sarang' will display its skills at the Berlin Air Show beginning tuesday.

The 'Sarang' team of 14 officers and 32 airmen, led by the Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Shashank Misra, is slated to perform at the ILA 2008 (Air show) being held in Berlin from May 27 to June 1.

Later, the team would participate in various displays in Britain, starting with the Biggin Hill Air Show at Biggin Hill, an airfield just south of London, on June 7 and 8.

This would be followed by displays at the Waddington Air Show on July 5 and 6 and the Fairford Royal International Air Tattoo on July 12 and 13, which is being held to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the British Royal Air Force.

The team's tour will culminate with display during the Farnborough International Air Show from July 14 to 20.

The ''Sarang'' team had initially formulated and executed a three -helicopter display profile with little experience in the field of display, in a very short span of time.

The first public display of the team was during the Asian Aerospace at Singapore in 2004. It was appreciated by people across the globe and the team earned rave reviews from the international media.

Since then, the team has graduated to a four helicopter team and has participated in numerous displays in India and abroad. It was also adjudged as one amongst the ten best display teams in the world after its performance at the AI Ain Aerobatic Show at UAE in January, 2005.

The 'Sarang' Helicopter Display Team was formed in March, 2002, with the aim of showcasing the professionalism of the IAF and the giant leap by the Indian aviation industry.

The name 'Sarang,' Hindi word for peacock was chosen for the team, as the bird was one of the most enchanting creatures and epitomised beauty and grace which was also the hallmark of the team's display.

The team's ''Dhruv'' Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) have been painted in bright colours with a peacock form imposed on it.

UNI NAB SKB HT1650