Mysore, Sept 24:
Surya Kirans’ team of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has set Mysore skies afire. The national tricolor was ostensibly posted on heavens when five HJT-16 Kiran Mk-2 aircraft spurted tricolor maneuvering against the blue sky. They were flights of fantasy for the onlookers.
Crossing each other at lighting speed, the Kirans’ trademark and world renowned vixen breaks, shock waves, tango and wadge formations have mesmerized the 40,000 crowd in the jam-packed Bannimantap Stadium during Dasara Air Show. They just flew off amongst the loudest cheers of the crowd, who had been waiting patiently to see them perform for the first time in Mysore.
As if that was not enough, IAF’s Sarang Acrobatic Team has performed etching patterns in the sky and was following by breathtaking Akash Ganga sky-diving by eight IAF personnel and three Donier aircraft performed the “Small Boy” formation in very close proximity.
Earlier, a Mi8 helicopter hovered above the stadium for a while and made a rapid descent. The soldiers slithered down the helicopter with the help of ropes and took positions as they do in real-life battle situations. IAF’s Chettak copter and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) flew at a close range and showered flowers over the stadium signing formal start of Air Show.
The deep penetration fighter jet, Jaguar, made a silent appearance in the distant horizon and as the crowd looked on with bated breath, it swooped low only to soar into the sky with a deafening noise whose rumblings was heard for quite some time.
Like an ice-cream after full banquet, India’s one and only Air Warriors Drill of IAF has enthralled the public with their “Drill to Thrill” formations. Exhibiting their rich coordination, synchronization and mental strength, a team of 28 IAF personnel elegantly used 5.5 km riffle as a toy in their hand.