On Day 1 of Aero India, all eyes were on Rafale fighter jet
Bengaluru's skies dazzled with somersaults and stunts by metal birds on the breathtaking display of manoeuvres by military aircraft on Wednesday, the first day of Aero India, 2019.
The mighty Rafale jet
Political row hit Rafale jet was the centre of attraction on the first day of Asia's premier air show at Yelahanka air base in Bengaluru.
The might of the Rafale jet was in full flow as it roared into the skies on Wednesday.
The aircraft flew at low speed to pay tribute to Wing Commander Sahil Gandhi who died in a mid-air collision between two aircraft of IAF's aerobatics team 'Surya Kiran" during rehearsal on Tuesday.
(Photograph:Twitter)
Rafale in the Aero India show since 2011
Three Rafale jets were landed in Bengaluru for Aero India- two for flying and one on static display.
Rafale had been participating in Aero India shows since 2011.
India has signed an Inter-Government Agreement with France to purchase 36 Rafales-- to form two squadrons.
(Photograph:PTI)
Aero India 2019-inaugurated by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
The biennial edition of International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition - Aero India 2019 was inaugurated by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the presence of Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy. (Image tweeted by @DrSubhashMoS)
(Photograph:Twitter)
The show displayed manoeuvres by military aircraft and the aerobatic team.
The show displayed manoeuvres by military aircraft and the aerobatic team. (Image tweeted by @SpokespersonMoD)
(Photograph:Twitter)
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Jaguar-Tejas-Sukhoi 30
The Jaguar, Tejas and Sukhoi 30 aircraft flew in the 'missing man' (aerial salute) formation in honour of Wg Cdr Sahil Gandhi, who was one of the most experienced pilots of Suryakiran display team. (Image tweeted by @SpokespersonMoD)
(Photograph:Twitter)
Vintage Dakota aircraft
The air display began with vintage Dakota aircraft, followed by formations of Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv and Light Utility Helicopter, DO-228, Hawk and HTT40 aircraft. (Image tweeted by @SpokespersonMoD)
(Photograph:Twitter)
Sarang aerobatics
Enthralling stunts were performed by Sarang aerobatics teams with daredevil crosses and spins, that has been the mainstay of Aero India for many editions.
(Photograph:Twitter)
HAL's Helicopter
On static display among other things at the air show are HAL's Light Utility Helicopter(PT-1), Light Combat Helicopter (TD-2), Advanced Light Helicopter (Rudra) and ALH MICU (Medical Intensive CareUnit). (Image tweeted by @HALHQBLR)
(Photograph:Twitter)
Thrilling manoeuvres at the Aero India 2019
The event saw the flypast and thrilling manoeuvres by MIG 21, Sarang team, Saras PT1, Embraer along with Sukhoi, Boeing P8I, LCA Tejas, HTT40, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, LUH, F-16 Fighting Falcon, Airbus 330 and the mighty B-52 Stratofortress bomber, among others. (Image tweeted by @SpokespersonMoD)