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Breathtaking airshow halts Bombay

The breathtaking solo aerobatics by the Sukhoi-30s, matched equally in excellence by the formation-flying of the Suryakirans, MIGs, helicopters, Dorniers and Jaguars, left an indelible mark in the minds of thousands of Bombayites who laced the Queen's Necklace (Marine Drive), bringing to a halt life and traffic from the southern tip of the city to Girgaum Chowpatty.

The freedom flypast, with over 50 aircraft belonging to the Indian Army, the Navy and the Air Force taking part in the commemoration of 50 years of Independence, had people, specially youth and children, agog with excitement. A sea of humanity filled the Marine Drive during the 40-minute display of air prowess.

The flypast began with four MI-8 helicopters in formation, carrying the national flag and the Air Force ensign, followed by three Army Chetak helicopters, three naval Seaking helicopters displaying their respective ensigns.

The helicopters were followed by the bigboys formation comprising one Il-76, two AN-32s and two Dorniers. Three Sukhoi-30s and four MIG-29s did a diamond formation while six Jaguars and MIG-21 and MIG-27s did a shockwave formation, sending waves of pride and patriotism among those who watched.

Yet another show of skill and precision-flying was the mock attack and the dog-fight between the striking MIG-27 with two Sukhoi-30s acting as escorts and two MIG-29s as the combat air patrol. Delighted audience watched the glossy red Suryakirans performing aerobatic formations.

The finale to the grand event was the individual aerobatics of the Sukhoi-30s involving loops, vertical lifts, turns and spins. While one Sukhoi-30 let out flares meant to counter missiles, the other flipped in salute displaying the tricolour, drawing gasps of appreciation and salutes from the spectators.

A seaman finally performed a mock search and rescue operation waving to the crowds who returned his greeting with full gusto.

The Indian Air Force birds were an awesome spectacle, thundering, screeching and booming the skies on the western sea front, laying to rest doubts, if any, of the alertness of the armed forces.

Even as the afternoon sun blazed, the skies were adorned with the brilliance of the flares let out by the aircraft. The scintillating aerobatic skills of the pilots comprising loops, turns and flips captivated the onlookers.

For the first time since 1959, Bombayites witnessed 15 different types of aircraft -- varying from lightweight helicopters to the heavy transport and fighter aircraft including the latest air superiority fighter Sukhoi-30.

Addressing the gathering, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal S K Sareen said such shows provide a forum for an insight into what exactly goes on behind those barricaded 'high security zones'.

He said the IAF is modernising the MIG-21 in a phased manner, for which Rs 12 billion have been earmarked with the modernisation of MIG-27 and MIG-29s on the anvil.

UNI

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