Tarmac to Tarmak007! The flypast commentry live

The Suryakirans were the first to take off and take posotion to join the party later. The arrival of flypast started with the smallboy formation by AN-32 in the lead and 2 Dorniors by the side. The next was HAL's 2 Intermediate Jet Trainers one painmted in orange and in grey. The next 5-plane Jags were the next which was one sight to watch. 

The most-awaited moment was the 5-Tejas aircraft lead by Air Cmdr Rohit Verma of NFTC at 10.43 am. Then came three Su-30 MKs displaying the Thrishul formation.

Ecveryone raised their hands when the 9-member Suriyakiran team scribbled IAF in skies using the tri-colour smoke. There was excitement all-around and even some were seen struggling look 90 degrees up owing to stiff-neck! A.R. Rahman's Vande Mataram was played out in the background. The Suriyakiran's started with the Delta formation flying with the Tricolor trailing from behind. Next was the Barrel role done at 550 kmph. Then was the 9-aircrfat Bomb-burst -- Sasrang's signature manouvere. Grp  Capt Suneet Krishnan then came with a Tejas to perform some stunning aeorbatic display. Then Sarangs...Then the Unni-Hari combo entered with the LCH presenting some mesmerising moments.

More updates soon...

Live from tarmac! Aero India 2011 begins, next one from Feb 6-10.

The 8th edition of the Aero India began at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bangalore on Feb 9. India's Secretary Defense Production started the proceedings with his welcome speech and highlighted the finer points of India's new\updated defence production and procurement policies. His speech hovered around collaboration and joint ventures clearly signalling the way things could shape in future.
Karnataka chief minister B.S. Yedurappa was the next in line to hit the podium. He spoke about the kind of technology that has come to Karnataka -- thanks to various aerospace and defense projects being undertaken in this part of the world. He said the Aero India 2011 would help the industrial growth in Karnataka. He also spoke about the kind of friendly investment opportunities available in Karnataka and offered full support of the government for various aerospace activities.
In his inaugural address, India's Defense Minister A.K. Antony said how Aero India had grown bigger over the years and how the world started to take the show seriously. He said India can be a very responsible power in the region, even while going for hi-tech defence toys. "A strong industrial base needs to be set in promote the aerospace and defence sector and asked for more private, public partnerships," Antpony said. He wanted the world leaders to come to India and join hands by forming long-term partnerships. He said Aero India 2011 will make India a leading aerospace power with the kind of exhibits and technologies available here.
Antony also announced that the next Aero India will be held from Feb 6 to 10 in 2013, in Bangalore.
That's all for now folks! The fly-past commentry next post.
Photos soon.