Three Su-30s plus Mi-35 copters to be on display in R-Day Parade

For the first time, the IAF will put on display Mi-35 assault helicopters and the multi-purpose Mi-17 choppers at this year’s Republic Day Parade, which will also showcase “Trishul” manoeuvre by three Su-30 aircraft as part of the fly-past.

An IAF spokesman today said a total of 25 aircraft flying at heights varying from 60 metres to 300 metres above the ground level would take part in the fly-past.

The spokesman appealed to the people to ensure a safe fly-past by not
throwing eatable and garbage in the open. Also, if any carcass was found in the open, the nearest Air Force/Police station could be informed, he said.

The 12-tonne class Mi-35 helicopter, designed by Russia, was inducted into the IAF in 1984. It extensively participated in the IPKF operations in Sri Lanka and established a creditable reputation.

The Mi-17-IV helicopter is capable of delivering with precise accuracy, to disable any enemy stronghold. The IAF has 40 such helicopters from Russia last year. It can deliver 80 x 80 mm rockets with fierce accuracy, which can destroy enemy bunkers, radars, convoys and bridgeholds.

The parade would begin with four Mi-8 helicopters flying in an inverted formation at a height of 60 metres and a speed of 90 km per hour, carrying the national and three services flags. The two wingmen would shower flower petals over the spectators.

At the tail end of the parade would be the remaining part of the flypast, starting with a formation of three attack helicopters in the VIC formation with a height of 300 metres and speed of 210 kmph.

This will be fllowed by a “Big Boy” formation comprising, one IL-76, two An-32s and two Dornier aircraft flying at a height of 300 metres above the ground level and speed of 330 kmph.

The fighter aircraft fly-past would be led by 10 Jaguars, deep penetration strike aircraft in two arrowheads at a height of 300 metres and a speed of 780 kmph. This will be followed by three Su-30 aircraft in VIC formation at a height of 300 metres and speed of 780 kmph. As the three Su-30 aircraft tower over the spectators, the wingmen will carry out outward and upward split and the leader will carry out a three and a half turn vertical Charlie.

Source: The Hindu (January 16th, 2003)
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Steve ~ Touchdown-News