INDIA. Mumbai: An air show was conducted as part of ongoing celebrations commemorating ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ (75 years of India’s independence), at the Dal lake in Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir by the Indian Air Force (IAF) station, on Sunday
The air show organized nearly after 14 years, in collaboration with J&K Govt, was witnessed by a large number of spectators from the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre.
The spectators witnessed the performances by Su-30 MKI, Chinook, Paramotor gliders along with “Suryakiran” and “Akashganga” teams, the IAF tweeted.
IAF took to the skies for an aerial display over Dal Lake with a live performance by the IAF Band on the ground.
Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha was the chief guest at this event. Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief HQ Western Air Command Air Marshal BR Krishna, was the senior-most IAF Officer and the Chief host.
The air display was specially tailored for the young audience. The show commenced with the paramotor and para hang glider displays, followed by the MiG 21 Bisons flying by in a triangular III Aircraft formation. IAF skydiving team Akashganga enthralled the audience jumping from a Mi 17 helicopter over the iconic Dal Lake. This was followed by the Su 30 MKI showcasing its manoeuvrability with a Low-Level Aerobatic Display.
The star attraction of the event was the ‘Suryakiran Aerobatic Display Team’ or SKAT, also known as ‘Ambassadors of IAF’. The team has the distinction of being one amongst few nine aircraft formation teams in the world. Flying the highly versatile Hawks manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), SKAT set hearts racing with their synchronized aerial ballet in the sky. Manoeuvers by Chinook heavy-lift helicopter culminated the air show. The Symphony orchestra of IAF added glitter to the event.
With the event, coined as ‘Give Wings to Your Dreams’ Air Show, IAF aimed at enthusing and inspiring the youth, whilst reiterating its commitment towards nation-building.
A photo exhibition at the venue highlighted the history of IAF, while interactive quizzes were organized at the venue to promote awareness of career opportunities in IAF.
One of the biggest takeaways from the event was its outreach. The show witnessed a footfall of 10000 people including 5000 students from local schools, Defence PRO Colonel Emron Musavi said in a statement.
HAL Forays into Civil Aviation
In another development, the Union Government’s public sector undertaking the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) last week signed a lease agreement with Alliance Air Aviation Limited (AAAL) for the supply of two Civil Do-228 aircraft for regional operations in Arunachal Pradesh.
The agreement was signed by AAAL as part of India’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS). It was signed by HAL’s General Manager, Transport Aircraft Division, Apurba Roy, General Manager, Transport Aircraft Division, Kanpur, HAL, and AAAL’s Head of Engineering, Arun Kumar Bansal.
The HAL Do- 228 is a versatile aircraft well-suited for operations in the North East and has the capabilities of short take-off and landing, ability to land, and take-off from semi-prepared runways. This development opens a new vista in civil aviation for HAL. The Company is keen to increase its footprint in regional civil aviation by engaging more numbers of HAL Do-228 by Air Operators of the country.
Speaking on the occasion, the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said it was a big day for the state given the geographical challenges in the vast state, the connectivity will now be easier. Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Bamang Felix, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, and Arunachal Pradesh Civil Aviation Secretary Swapnil Nayak attended the event virtually through a video conference.
Union Civil Aviation Secretary Pradeep Singh Kharola, HAL CMD R Madhavan, Union Civil Aviation Joint Secretary Usha Padhee, and senior officials from HAL, DGCA, and Airport Authority of India (AAI) also joined the conference.
HAL’s Transport Aircraft Division, Kanpur has been in the business of transport and trainer aircraft for defence customers. The Division has ventured into the manufacturing of Hindustan-228 aircraft. The Hindustan-228 is a 19-seat multirole utility aircraft built for various applications such as VIP transport, passenger transport, air ambulance, flight inspection roles, cloud seeding, and recreational activities like para jumping, aerial surveillance, photography, and cargo applications.
