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IN PICS: IAF displays its might with Rafale, Apache, Tejas, and others during the annual Air Force Day airshowhttps://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/iaf-displays-its-might-with-rafale-apache-tejas-and-others-during-the-annual-air-force-day-airshow/slidelist/78549506.cms2020-10-08T15:26:12+05:30

IN PICS: IAF displays its might with Rafale, Apache, Tejas, and others during the annual Air Force Day airshow

Prabhjote GillOct 8, 2020, 15:26 IST

The first squadron kicks off the Air Force Day 2020 parade, saluting RKS Bhadauria as they march past the Air Chief Marshal.

The indigenously produced attack helicopter, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Rudra, was seen flying overhead. Rudra is capable of a wide range of missions, including reconnaissance, troop transport, anti-tank warfare, and close air support.

After the Air Force Day 2020 parade, Chinook kicked off the air show. It is capable of carrying 11 tons. To display that capability one was seen carrying a 20-foot sea container and the other, a light fleet gun.

Next, the Mi-35 and four Apache choppers entered the air space in the Eklavya formation led by group captain Rajshekhar Reddy.

The C-130J aircraft were seen in the Hercules formation. These aircraft have contributed to critical COVID-19 related missions in India as well as in the Maldives.

IAF integrated the C-130J aircraft into its fleet for Special Ops, HADR missions & air maintenance roles.

In a group formation, the C-17 aircraft was seen leading with MiG-29 and two Su-30 KI on its flank as it soared above the air base.

The C-17 is a high-wing, 4-engine, T-tailed military-transport aircraft. Nicknamed the Globemaster’, it is capable of carrying large equipment, supplies & troops both by day & night.

Rafale finally makes its entrance in the Vijay formation flanked by two SEPECAT Jaguars and two Mirage 2000s.

The IAF’s ‘Bison’ was seen in the Bahadur formation, leading with two MiG-29’s and 2 Su-30KI’s on its flank. The ‘Bison’ or MiG-21 is a supersonic air combat interceptor known for its agility and swift response.

The Rafale is a twin engine fighter aircraft powered by two M88-2 engines.

The first batch of Rafale fighter jets were inducted into the IAF at the Ambala Air Base on September 10.

The Rafale fighter jet flew in an ‘88’ pattern to mark the 88th anniversary of India’s might in the sky in honour of Air Force Day 2020.

The maneuver also highlighted Rafale’s turning advantage, which is critical for the fighter to outrun its adversaries on the battlefield.

The Rafale also blasted into the sky to perform the ‘Vertical Charlie’.

As Rafale vacates the air space, Su-30MKI enters the skies with a loop, tumble and yore.

Not to be left behind, the Su-30MKI also performs a ‘Vertical Charlie’.

Next, India’s own Tejas fighter jet takes off to show its own set of maneuvers.

Tejas is a Light Combat aircraft (LCA) manufactured by India’s own Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

It is an indigenously developed, single-engine, fourth-generation, high-agility, multirole, supersonic light combat aircraft.

Part of India’s ‘transformer’ package, Tejas finally makes its landing.

But not everything is new and shiny. The vintage Dakota DC-3 aircraft was seen flying alongside two younger HAL-built Dornier Do 228 planes.

India’s oldest vintage aircraft dubbed the Tiger Moth also streamed the skies.

Tiger Moth is a single engine, twin seater, fabric covered British biplane designed in the 1930s.

In World War 2 this aircraft operated in other capabilities including maritime surveillance and defensive anti-invasion preparations.

Tiger Moth’s pilots were seen waving to the audience as they flew above the air base..

The air show was wrapped up by HAL’s Sarang helicopter display team.

The display team included India’s first woman display captain, team squadron leader Neha Kulkarni who was the co-pilot on Sarang 2.

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