C130J to make its debut during Republic Day Parade

[Jason bourne]

The Indian Air Force will field 29 aircraft, including frontline fighters Sukhoi 30-MKI and MiG29 and the C130J Super Hercules for the first time in the flypast over Rajpath on Republic Day.

The highlight of the flypast will be the vertical Charlie manoeuvre by a lone Sukhoi aircraft that would mark the culmination of the Parade.

The flypast will be held in two phases — beginning with four MI17 IV helicopters going past the Saluting Base trailing the National Flag and the Army, Nay and Air Force flags, and showering petals on the assembly on either sides of Rajpath. Besides flying three of the latest tactical transport aircraft C130J inducted into service last year, the IAF will also present a tableau depicting its personnel from the Special Forces and its special operational capabilities.

The float will also show the Mi-17 V5 multi-purpose helicopter, intended to airlift special forces to combat area both by the day and night. These two platforms, the C130J and Mi-17 V5, cater to the need of joint operation with commandoes of the Army and Navy along with IAF's Garud and National Security Guard commandoes.

The other transport aircraft — one IL78, two AN-32s, two Dorniers — will fly in a Big Boy formation, while five Jaguar aircraft will swish past, as will an equal number of MiG-29 aircrafts in the Arrowhead formation. Prior to the grand finale of vertical Charlie, three Sukhoi-30 MKI aircrafts will fly in the Trishul formation and split upwards making a trident in the sky.

In view of the flypast at heights ranging from 60 metres to 500 m, the IAF has appealed to the citizens to keep the areas clean and avoid throwing eatables or garbage which attract birds, since they pose a safety hazard. It has requested them to alert the nearest IAF or police station in case they spot carcasses or dead animals in the open.

The Hindu : Cities / Delhi : C130J to make its debut during Republic Day Parade

 

[Abingdonboy]

The float will also show the Mi-17 V5 multi-purpose helicopter, intended to airlift special forces to combat area both by the day and night. These two platforms, the C130J and Mi-17 V5, cater to the need of joint operation with commandoes of the Army and Navy along with IAF's Garud and National Security Guard commandoes.

Interesting how much emphasis is now being put on SOFs in India, from a few years ago when they were largely ignored and misunderstood in Delhi to now when their capabilities are being enhanced daily.


A shame the new Mil-17 V5 won't actually be present during the parade, would be great to see the birds in IAF service for the first time (as pics of them still elude me) but I'm soon I'll get the chance soon enough.

 

[tvsram1992]

Mki in action