The Hindu Business Line : Kerala: Daredevil aviators to do an encore today

DAREDEVIL aviators from the Indian Air Force (IAF), who captivated Onam revellers massed along the Sankumughom beachfront here on Saturday, will return to perform an encore on Monday.

The Sarang and Surya Kiran aerobatics teams roared down the beach-length corridor in several heart-stopping manoeuvres earlier on Saturday. Comprising three Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs), the liveried Sarang machines flew in to each other at great speeds, often leading many to wonder if they would not cross each other's path.

This is exactly what they managed not to do as they executed several `criss-cross' turns in the air in spectacular fashion. A `reverse takeoff' by the team leader at 10.30 a.m. had set the agenda for the stuntmen of the two teams, which had flown in here from Bangalore over the past few days.

Once they were done with the `criss-crosses', the Sarangs exited, setting the stage for the famed Surya Kirans to take charge. Incorporating a fleet of nine aircraft, the largest ever to fly the State's airspace, they went on to sear patterns flying at speeds ranging from 200 kmph to 600 kmph.

At times, the aircraft made thundering low runs that seemed to skim the surface of the waters. The Kiran Mark-II jets left out a multi-coloured trail in their wake.

Flying into the `arena' in a diamond formation, the Surya Kirans toggled with ease to a `delta' and went on to roll themselves over from high up in the skies. Then the crowds watched in awe as the steel birds rolled to a stop - only to fall in line and perform an `arrow' formation the next minute.

The shift from one formation to the other was as smooth and flowing as their gleaming contours. There were the Cupid's Arrow and the Heart Sign also to look forward to. This signature manoeuvre of the team had the aircraft dispersing in different directions as if shrapnel from a bomb going off.

Before departing, the team leader ordered a tango (T-shaped) formation in a special treat for the residents of Thiruvananthapuram. A `star burst' manoeuvre followed, in which he flew low with two mates riding on wings. The team did a `vixen break' before landing.

Also on show, although at separate venues, were the skills of the `Air Devil' sky diving team and the `Air Warriors Symphony Orchestra'.

More Stories on : Airlines | Events | Kerala

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Kerala: Daredevil aviators to do an encore today

Royalty to Tuticorin Port Trust — A cost item for PSA-SICAL

Storm over ship-breaking proposal at Kakinada

The Frankenstein of port-state control

The potential of inland waterways

Submarine rescue system

Motor detariffing process — Insurers flay `piecemeal approach'

Trade with Myanmar: Better road links needed