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ACIG Exclusives
Chapter 1 : Hips of Yelahanka |
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| AFS Yelahanka is home to the 112 Helicopter Unit (HU) called 'The Thoroughbreds' which continues to operate the Mil Mi-8 in numbers despite announcements regarding the retirement of the type. The latter news, spells out the requirement to capture as many photos of the Mi-8 type before the entire fleet embraces warbird'dom. 112 HU is primarily a training and the only Mi-8 conversion unit, undertaking a 22 week training course for pilots who have completed their ab-initio training on the HAL Chetak (Alouette-III) at the Helicopter Training School (HTS) in Hakimpet. Another notable Mi-8 detachment is the No.121 Helicopter Flight (Z-2361, Z-2346, Z-2354, the first two equipped with Bendix King RDR-1400 Radar) based at the Tsunami hit island region of Car Nicobar, which flew rescue sorties within minutes of the disaster that destroyed their entire base. | |
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An Mi-8 (Z-2391) of the 112 HU, arriving in the early hours of 9th Feb. The low-viz gray with the dark blue streak across the tail-boom, represents the standard scheme of the type, before which a number of interesting jungle camouflage schemes among others, were worn. |
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A closer look at the same machine which flew quite often during all days of the event. Note the CMDS. Although the choppers of this unit have primarily training and transport roles, they can be quickly equipped with NAR UB-16 rocket launchers for the combat role. |
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Z-2391 lands in the distance. Although not apparent, the Mi-8 represents a disappearing breed, being replaced by the Mi-17-IV variant. But despite the early decision to retire them due to expiry of airframe life, large numbers are still being actively flown, as is the case with some other types like the MiG-25R and the MiG-23BN, which continue to be deployed for important roles. |
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A VIP-configured Mi-8 (Z-2837) from the "Pegasus" Air HQ Communication Squadron, based at Palam AFS, arrives prior to the display at the inauguration on 2/9/05, ferrying important members from New Delhi. The same squadron also operates the Mi-8S variant, distinguished by rectangular windows. |
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Z-2837 secures a landing spot next to the primary ATC complex on the right and disembarks it's crew. |
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Another Mi-8 (Z-2382) takes off from the far end of the runway and gracefully flies off. The type has the local name 'Pratap', in IAF service. |
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As always, a flypast of three Mi-8s (Z-2382, Z-2389 and Z-1374) of 112 HU, bearing the Indian national, IAF and Aero India flags, officially kick off the event. First acquired in 1971, Mi-8s along with Mi-17s form the bulk of the IAF's helicopter fleet. |
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Closer look at the lead Mi-8 (Z-2382) carrying the Indian tricolor and the trailing (Z-1374), which flies the flag of Aero India 2005. This specific fly past during the inauguration, has been common to all Aero-India shows. |
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Z-2391 makes it's second appearance on the second day of the show. During the 80s, Indian Naval Aviators also flew the Mi-8, as a part of ongoing IAF-IN exchange programmes. |
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The same helicopter parks next to the VIP-transport Mi-8 (Z-2837) which had already arrived earlier. These are really An-32 and Hs-748 parking areas, marked for the purpose. |
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After a while, Z-2837 takes off and leaves. Important officials and members from the Government and IAF will also be ferried in through other transport aircraft including Hs-748Ms and Il-76MDs. |
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Z-2931 follows. |
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Yet another Mi-8 (Z-2161) conducting flying ops, sometime during the middle of the day. |
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Mi-8 Z-2389 prepares for take off behind the blurring heat of the runway, at sometime around 16:00 hrs, during the concluding parts of the day. On board are members of the IAF's 'Akash Ganga' sky diving team, who form a significant part of any airshow or major event around the country, almost always jumping from the Mi-8. |
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Z-2389 takes off with the aft clamshell cabin bay door clearly open. The machine will loiter for some time at high altitude, before deploying it's load of sky divers over the base, the drop zone identified with a marking flare. |
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