A breathtaking display of thrilling manoeuvres by military aircraft and aerobatic teams left the audience spell-bound at the 11th edition of Aero India air show.
The Bengaluru skies over the Yelahanka airbase were dazzled with somersaults and stunts by metal birds with the daredevilry of world famous aerobatics teams in full flow.
Billed as Asia's premier air show, the biennial edition of International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition - Aero India 2017 was inaugurated by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.
Enthralling stunts were performed by helicopter display team "Sarang", Indian Air Force's "Surya Kiran" and 'SKYCATS- Scandinavian Air Show' aerobatics teams.
It was a special occasion for Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team (SKAT) as they marked their 500th public display since formation in 1996.
SKAT, with a fleet of brand new single engine, jet powered advanced Hawk aircraft and redefined manoeuvres was back after having skipped two editions of the Aero India.
Hawk aircraft are faster and more manoeuvrable than the Kiran aircraft SKAT used earlier.
Embraer 145 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft equipped with the first ever Active Electronic Scanning Array (AESA) radar, and LUH were displayed for the very first time at the Aero show.The air display began with Mi-17 helicopters trooping in the Indian tricolour, Indian Air Force and Aero India flags.
(With agency inputs)
1. Scandinavian Sky Cats
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Members of the Scandinavian Sky Cats team perform manoeuvres during an aerial display over the skies of Yelahanka Air Force Station on the inaugural day of the 11th edition of ''Aero India''
Image courtesy: AFP
2. Suryakirans
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Visitors watch the Suryakirans, aerobatic team of the Indian Air Force during an aerial display over the skies of Yelahanka Air Force Station on the inaugural day of the 11th edition of ''Aero India''
Image courtesy: AFP
3. Saab JAS 39 Gripen
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A Saab JAS 39 Gripen performs during an aerial display over Yelahanka Air Force Station on the inaugural day of the 11th edition of ''Aero India''
Image courtesy: AFP
4. Rudra Light Combat Helicopter
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A Rudra Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) of the Indian Air Force performs during an aerial display over the skies of Yelahanka Air Force Station on the inaugural day of the 11th edition of ''Aero India''
Image courtesy: AFP
5. Aero India
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(R-L) Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar, Indian Navy Chief Sunil Lanba, Indian Air Force Chief Birender Singh Dhanoa, and Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat pose during the inaugural day of the 11th edition of ''Aero India'', a biennial air show and aviation exhibition, in Bengaluru
Image courtesy: AFP
6. Mi17 V5
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Mi17 V5 helicopters of the Indian Air Force perform a fly past on the inaugural day of the 11th edition of ''Aero India'', a biennial air show and aviation exhibition, in Bengaluru
Image courtesy: AFP
7. Sarang
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Visitors watch Sarang helicopters of an aerobatic team of the Indian Air Force perform manoeuvres during an aerial display over the skies of Yelahanka Air Force Station on the inaugural day of the 11th edition of ''Aero India''
Image courtesy: AFP
8. Suryakiran
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Indian Air Force's aerobatic team "Suryakiran" performs during the inauguration of the 11th biennial edition of Aero India 2017 at Yelahanka Air base in Bengaluru on Tuesday
Image courtesy: PTI
9. Indian Air Force
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The Indian Air Force planes perform during the inauguration of Aero India show at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru
Image courtesy: Reuters
10. Skycat Wingwalkers
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Skycat Wingwalkers from the Scandinavian Airshow perform during the inauguration of Aero India show at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru
Image courtesy: Reuters
11. Sarang
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Indian Air Force's aerobatic team "Sarang" performs during the inauguration of the 11th biennial edition of AERO INDIA 2017 at Yelahanka Air base in Bengaluru on Tuesday
Image courtesy: PTI
