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ACIG Exclusives
Chapter 2 : The Show begins |
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| As always, the inauguration of the event would involve unique one-time flybys from and formations of the larger and more exotic types of the IAF. This included a Tu-142M, Mi-8s (Chapter 1), a composite Su-30-Kiran-Dhruv formation and an inflight-refuelling formation, the latter being the only new addition this year. These were followed by regular flight displays from other aircraft. The number of aircraft involved with flying were themselves, a very limited quantity when compared to the overall number on static display. This contrasts sharply to previous years when many more aircraft on the lineup did actually take part in flying. These included historic displays by the modified HAL-748 testbed aircraft, the ' Hack' (H-2176) in 2001 and 2003, which could, very regrettably, not make it to the show this time around. A six Jaguar arrowhead formation and a 'Small boy' formation, often seen before, have not been covered here. An interesting fact to note is that pre-show practice flybys were performed by other aircraft and not the ones actually involved in the main flyby on the show/inauguration day. For example, the An-32, K-3071 performed the actual small boy formation flyby on the show day while practice sessions were carried out by K-2668. | |
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A company owned 'experimental' Bell 407 N407SE (53589) put up an impressive flying display. The type achieved a landing at a pressure altitude of 22,180 feet but this is still well below the world record setting 23,220 feet achieved by the HAL Cheetal. The Bell 407 was the only American aircraft that made an appearance in 2003. |
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Bell hopes to sell the type to the Indian Army, who have a high altitude Light Observation Helicopter (LOH) requirement, to replace the currently operated HAL Cheetah. HAL's own LOH programme was shelved, the mockup rotting somewhere in the HAL Helicopter Division campus. The HAL LOH mockup is likely to end up as firewood unless saved through some external initiative. 'Pawan Hans', the state-owned helicopter charter service, recently signed a contract for a single Bell 407. |
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One of the newer additions was the unqiue IFR combination of an Il-78MKI Tanker (RK-3452) and Mirage-2000H (KF-115 and KF-125) fighters. These were the only two Mirages that took to the air during the entire show. |
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The Il-78 from the No.78 'Battle cry' Mid-Air Refueling Squadron (MARS), bears the label 'MKI' because it has once again, been customized with Indian, Israeli and French equipment. MTOW has also been increased to 210 tons. Like all transport aircraft in IAF service, the Il-78MKI also uses HAL's X-band weather radar. |
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Flight Refueling Ltd, display a useful cutaway of their 700 Series IFR pod. Fuel flow rates are up to 3,000 lb/min. Do not confuse this one with the pod on the Il-78MKI, which is of Israeli origin. |
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When the Navy had announced the participation of the Tu-142M MRASW, one would have been truly ecstatic. A static display of the aircraft turned out too good to be true, and the aircraft from INAS 312, merely performed a single flyby. If it were on static display, the type would have occupied a large amount of space, being the largest aircraft in the country. |
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This machine (IN-313) had flown in directly from it's base, INS Rajali, at Arakonnam in the state of Tamil Nadu. A close up of the nose reveals a blister previously 'seen' only on IN-315 and IN-317. Some units were known to have received selective upgradation but the fleet-wide upgrade status remains unclear. At the time of writing, the first Il-38SD still has'nt arrived. |
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A composite formation of Su-30MKIs, Kirans (U775 and U677) and a single naval variant of the Dhruv. When you are'nt quite getting on lens, the image you expected, you realize that the formation is missing two Mirage-2000s which featured as a part, last time. This is highly disappointing as the formation, being a high altitude one, is no where near as good as it could have been. |
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Ultra slow speed regimes should be no problem for the Su-30MKI (although the airbrake is deployed) but it would have been more impressive if the Mirage-2000s were involved as they should have been. The Kirans are from the IAF's ASTE, based at HAL Airport in Bangalore city while the Dhruv is from HAL's Helicopter Division. |
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BAe's Hawk 100 demonstrator (ZJ100) won the award for the best presented aircraft at the Paris airshow last year, and the reason why, is quite apparent. The aircraft has always been a consistent visitor to Aero India and in 2007, the representative machine will be an IAF Hawk Mk.132 instead. |
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The Hawk demonstrator is being flown by BAe Test Pilot, Gordon McClymont. On the 8th of Feb, the IAF's Air Cheif, S P Tyagi, an ex-Jaguar pilot, flew the aircraft for an half-hour sortie, along with the test pilot. |
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The LIF standard full-glass cockpit layout of this updated Hawk 100 variant, will also feature in the Hawk Mk.132. The engine has an MTBO of 4000 hrs. |
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ZJ100 makes it's way to the runway. In 2003, the Hawk 100 appeared merely as a promotional mockup for the static display but had performed in the years before. |
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The Hawk patiently awaits its' turn. Having sealed the deal with the IAF seems to have effectively ended the participation of other AJT types, in the event. Hence the lack of Aero L-159Bs, MiG-ATs or Yak-130s in any form. |
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The Hawk puts on an impressive show of loops and rolls, carried out at relatively good speed. This one has always been one of the crowd's favorites. The Indian Navy may also acquire a small number of Hawks. |
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