Bengaluru: Aircraft enthusiasts were in for a treat as some of the most modern aircraft from across the globe enthralled them on Day 1 of Aero India 2017, which kicked off at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
Mi-17s opened the flypast, followed by Light Utility Helicopters which were escorted by Cheetah helicopters. Dhruv and Rudra versions of the Advanced Light Helicopter made an appearance too. The Sarang team of the IAF performed breathtaking aerobatics at the end of the inaugural session.
Lockheed Martin brought its single-engine F-16 and Saab showed off the Gripen. France's Rafale, which India recently acquired, displayed its might. As the soon as the IAF’s favourite machines Su-30MKI’s thundered in, there was a collective roar from the visitors.
The aircraft that stole the show though was Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s light combat aircraft Tejas. IAF's basic Pilatus trainer and the Hawk Advanced jet trainer showed off their moves.
Flying the Hawk AJTs were IAF's Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team who returned with a bang after a six year hiatus and performed brilliant maneouvres.
