Rafale, Saras among birds set to dazzle the skies as Aero India starts tomorrow

BENGALURU: Airbus, which has been facing issues with its neo engine for the A330 passenger plane, is showcasing the aircraft to woo local airlines in India, while homegrown Saras multi-role passenger plane and Rafale, the fighter the IAF will take delivery of, will demonstrate its prowess at the Aero India show that begins on February 20.

The 12th edition of the international aerospace and defence exhibition will feature a total of 61 aircraft and 373 exhibitors. On Monday, 24 aircraft held displays as part of a dress rehearsal ahead of the event at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in front of enthusiastic spectators. While aerobatics teams like Surya Kiran and Sarang got the cheers and whistles with their stunts and manoeuvres, the deafening roars of engines of fighter aircraft like Sukhoi 30-MkI awed the spectators.

The multi-purpose civilian aircraft Saras, revived after a crash that killed two engineers and a pilot in May 2009, will fly in the event.


The UK-based aerobatic team Yakovlevs, or Yaks, the indigenous aerobatic teams of Surya Kiran (SKAT), with the British made Hawk advanced jet trainer and the Sarang team, named after the national bird, will demonstrate on Dhruv advanced light helicopter.

Speaking after their performance, one of the pilots from the Sarang team, Neha Kulkarni, encouraged more women to take up careers in the Indian Air Force. Another pilot Pinju Thomas said the team will perform 12 manoeuvres during 16 minutes and would execute some variations of the conventional moves.