A thrilling vertical manoeuvre by Hawk Trainer fighter jet of Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) among a host of other activities on Sunday enthralled thousands of people who attended the ‘Air Fest-2019’ to mark the 65th anniversary of Head Quarters Maintenance Command (HQMC) and 87th Indian Air Force Day at Parade Ground of Vayusena Nagar.

 

Union Minister for Road Transport and Shipping Nitin Gadkari graced the occasion as chief guest of the air show. Many other military as well as civil dignitaries were present to witness the jaw-dropping air show. The objective of the Air Fest was to showcase the might of Indian Air Force (IAF) with a view to instill a sense of patriotism and motivate the younger generation to join the IAF.

 

The event commenced with fanfare played by the No 5 Air Force Band and dropping of rose petals by an aero model signalling the arrival of Air Marshal RKS Shera, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal Aide-De-Camp, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, HQMC.

 

 

The show commenced with a formation of three Mi-17 V5 helicopters in formation followed by an Avro transport as flying low in front of the spectators. The Mi-17 V5 helicopters boast of high-tech machinery, avionics and armament to match the best in the world.

 

The Special Forces’ capability of the IAF was displayed through a thrilling demonstration of Para Jump from 8000 feet height by the daredevils of ‘Akashganga’ team which landed with precision on the designated landing ground. The leader carried the IAF ensign and three of the team members landed in the Tricolor formation. Slithering, a technique of quick insertion of troops into the combat area from the Mi-17 V5 helicopter by the Garud special forces of the IAF and capability of the Powered Hang Glider (PHG) was also demonstrated.

 

Aerial Ballet by the four aircraft Sarang Helicopter Formation Team and Surya Kiran Acrobatic Team (SKAT) display held the audience spellbound. Gp Capt Prashant Grover is the Commanding Officer and team leader of SKAT, while Wg Cdr U Mehta, Sqn Ldr A Singh, Wg Cdr G S Dhillon, Sqn Ldr S Kartik, Sqn Ldr N Singh, Wg Cdr Anoop Singh VM, Sqn Ldr M Mishra, Wg Cdr Ajay Dasarathi, Flt Lt Anjali Rai, Wg Cdr Nagendra, Sqn Ldr Syam Mohan, Flt Lt Sudarshan, Flt Lt Navneet, Wg Cdr A A Sathe, Wg Cdr A Yadav, Wg Cdr N Bhatt and Sqn Ldr T Singh are the other members of the SKAT.

 

Complex manoeuvres and close crossovers were performed with precision only possible through meticulous training and discipline. While SKAT and Sarang enthralled the audience with their manoeuvres in the air, a mesmerising performance by the Air Warrior Drill Team (AWDT) and synchronisation of movements between the men and their rifles, kept the Nagpurians at the edge of their seats culminated with a single SU-30 MKI flypast and vertical Charlie Manoeuvre.

 

After the Air Show, static display of aircraft and weapons was opened up to the audience. Publicity Stalls were also available to attend the queries from students and youth regarding career opportunities in the IAF. In spite of the holiday, a large number of people witnessed the event. Spectators included government dignitaries as well as students from various Educational Institutes across Nagpur.

 

Up in the Blue Sky: The mighty air warriors with their machines displayed their skills and power in the Nagpur sky to mark the 65th anniversary of HQMC and 87th Air Force Day on Sunday. Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team (SKAT), Sarang Helicopter Team, Akashganga skydivers, Garud commandos and Air Force Band participated in the Air Fest 2019. (Pics by Umesh Varma/ Moonlight)