The aviators and the flying machines of the Army Aviation Corps, displayed thrilling manoeuvers to commemorate the silver jubilee of Army Aviation.
It was a moment of pride as the mighty Dhruv, Lancer, Cheetah, and Chetak helicopters soared to the skies and dipped to play the roles of rescue, utility and combat missions to perfection. The aviators and the flying machines of the Army Aviation Corps, displayed thrilling manoeuvers to commemorate the silver jubilee of Army Aviation at a programme at their base at Combat Army Aviation Training School (CATS) in Nashik on Friday.
The programme to mark the 25 glorious years of the elite corps of the Indian Army was presided over by Chief of Army Staff, General VK Singh; Colonel Commandant of Army Aviation and GoC in C central Command, Lt General VK Ahluwalia; and Additional Director General of Army Aviation, Maj General PK Bharali.
The occasion also saw a gathering of the serving and veteran aviators of the core.
The demonstrations began with the Dhruv, Cheetah and Chetak flying in an arrowhead formation to welcome the guests. The paratroopers of the special forces of the 15 Independent Para Brigade were then paradropped from a height of 10,000 ft by a ALH Dhruv in a tactical battlefield area. Two armed Lancers then surged in for strafing of enemy locality and conducted a recce in low flying to provide information to the commander of the troops on ground.
The helicopters then inducted infantry troops, vehicle for mobility as well as two 81 mm mortars in the battle area, displaying the best of coordination in air and on ground. Having gained proper information about the enemy through the air recce, a troop of tanks and the mechanised infantry platoon supported by the artillery then launched the final assault. The helicopters then demonstrated their role in rescue of casualties and lifting of men from the battlefield area by slithering operations.
Gen VK Singh said, “Army Aviation Core has come a long way from a humble start to an equipped armed core in 25 years.” He presented silver jubilee trophies to squadrons displaying best performance. The army chief also released the ‘First Day Cover’ and inaugurated the ‘Sky Soldiers’ photo gallery’.
Gen Singh told the media that there are many plans for the growth of Army Aviation. “Procurement delays are not under army’s control.”
The Colonel Commandant of Army Aviation, Lt Gen VK Ahluvalia, said that the old fleet of the Cheetahs and Chetaks will be replaced by 2012-13 in a progressive manner.
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