The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Air show set to return to Chennai

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Apr 17, 2007
ePaper

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Air show set to return to Chennai

Staff Reporter

Aerobatics, para jumping, drills by officers, airmen on the cards

TAMBARAM : After more than three years, the Indian Air Force air show returns to Chennai.

On April 22, the residents of Chennai will get a chance to see a breathtaking display of skills, aerobatics, para jumping and drills by officers and warriors of the IAF as part of its efforts to draw talented youth into its fold.

The air show will be organised first in Tambaram — an important base for the IAF in the Southern Command. The events would commence with a performance by the IAF Symphony Orchestra on the evening of April 20. The next day from 8.55 a.m. dare devil display by various squadrons of IAF will form part of the events. In the morning, squadrons of Deepak, Dornier and other aircrafts would make their presence felt, before `Saarang,' the Helicopter team of IAF takes over.

After a display by Saarang, it will be the turn of members of the `Suryakiran' team to display their prowess. They would be followed by the `Akaash Ganga' team that will demonstrate its parajumping abilities, culminating in a spectacular display of ground display skills of the Air Warriors.

The rifle drill of the Air Warriors team is reported to be among the best in the world, known for its precision, timing and discipline.

At Marina beach, various events including the air show and the concert would be organised on April 22 from 4.45 p.m., according to senior officials of the Indian Air Force.

Residents of Tambaram and officers of IAF do not remember the last occasion when such an event was held. But it was on September 6, 2003, that the residents of Chennai were treated with a high quality display of skills by parajumpers and pilots of the most advanced aircraft in possession of IAF, including SU-30s. With the induct of officers and recruits into the various non-officer categories from South India, particularly Tamil Nadu dipping every year, IAF had decided to stage air shows at regular intervals.

According to an official release, the concept of these events is to showcase the varied might, strength and diverse capabilities of the IAF with an aim to motivate the youngsters join the force.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Tamil Nadu

News Update

Stories in this Section