Aeroshow draws huge crowd

Bangalore, Feb 12 (PTI) Roaring metal birds and theirintricate manoeuvres were the cynosure of all eyes at the AeroIndia show here which was opened for public viewing today.

The crowd was eager to have a first hand experience offlying displays from top-notch aerobatic teams like ''SuryaKiran'', ''Sarang'' and ''Red Bull''.

The breathtaking flying sorties drew thunderous applausefrom the gathering.

According to preliminary estimates from authorities, thefourth-day of the Aero Show today attracted at least 50,000people and the numbers could swell on the last day tomorrow.

The visitors were vying for a vantage spot to witness thetake-offs and pilots manoeuvring the jets.

The crowd was treated to a dazzling display from mediummulti-role combat aircraft team of Lockheed Martin''s F-16,Boeings Super Hornet F/A-18, Gripen of Saab and Rafale ofFrench Dassault and Thphoon of Eurofighter.

It was an additional attraction for some visitors whenIndian cricket captain M S Dhoni was sighted at the venue.

Dhoni, whose aspirations to fly F-16 fighter aircraftcould not be realised as he had not undergone requisitetraining to fly, however, watched the air display.