A breathtaking air display by the Sarang helicopter team and Akash Ganga skydiving team of the Indian Air Force (IAF) kept spectators spellbound here on Saturday.
The amazing manoeuvres and scintillating performance of both the teams stole the hearts of spectators who came in large numbers .
The display organised by the Air Force Station, Thanjavur, otherwise known as Southern Strikers, as part of its silver jubilee celebrations, began with the lining of four indigenously produced by Advanced Light Helicopters by the Bengaluru-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
The Sarang team lit up the sky with heart-breaking aerobatic acts showcasing the prowess and professionalism of the Indian Air Force.
The crisscross and crossovers performed by the helicopters that had demonstrated the IAF prowess in countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai and others brought the spectators to the edge of their seats.
It was followed by a display by the Akash Ganga skydiving team. The experienced members of the team, some of whom have been showcasing their skydiving skills for several years, did not fail to enthral the spectators.
The team of 12 paratroopers consisting of some of the finest parachutists of the IAF jumped from an An-32 aircraft and unfurled the parachutes displaying the tricolour .
Amid spontaneous applause from the energetic crowed that included N. Subbaiyan, Collector, Sanjay Kumar, Deputy Inspector-General, Thanjavur range, and S. Sundarrajan, director, National Institute of Technology-Tiruchi, the team members landed safely in the designated area despite strong wind.
The sound of applause took a few minutes to die down when the personnel led by Group Captain A.S. Abhyankar of Sarang helicopter display team and Wing Commander Gajanam Yadav of Akash Ganga skydiving team were introduced to the crowd.
While congratulating the team members for the spectacular show, Group Captain RV Shinde, Station Commander, Air Force Station, Thanjavur, said that the show had once again proved the might of the IAF.
