Be a ‘lion’ in air & not a ‘Lamb’, Arjan Singh told a young pilot!

By https://twitter.com/writetake

Bengaluru: Air Vice Marshal Ajit Lamba (Retd), the veteran Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot -- revered as a legend and mentor to many current-day aviators -- says late Arjan Singh Marshal of IAF was the kind of a person who charmed all those who came across him.

In an interview to Mathrubhumi on Monday, the 81-year-old ace pilot said the MAF was very fond of him as well.

“I tend to think that the MAF was very fond of me. But I am sure that there are many others, both senior and junior to me in the Service who may be carrying similar expressions. This itself speaks volumes for the late Arjan Singh. He was the kind of person who charmed all those who came across him,” says AVM Lamba (Retd).

Recalling his first encounter with the departed soul, AVM Lamba (Retd) says the duo met when the MAF visited their No 7 Squadron as the then Chief of Air Staff during the 1965 Indo-Pak War.

Read the full report i Mathrubhumi, here: http://bit.ly/2h9ZyBG

Bangalore calling: First images from Yelahanka AF base, ahead of Aero India

 These are possibly (?) first pictures flying out of Yelahanka's Air Force base, ahead of Aero India. The organizers and the media managers of the show, are not permitting journalists in yet. Newspapers and national TV channels are shooting from the periphery walls of Yelahanka AF base. Above photos, right from the middle.

IAF gears up to make Aero India better, safer

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: Preparations for the 9^th edition of International Exhibition on Aerospace, Defence and Civil Aviation (Aero India 2013) have entered the last phase at the Indian Air Force (IAF) base in Yelahanka, Bangalore. In an interview to Express, Air Marshal Rajinder Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, IAF, said that with barely three weeks left for the show, over 500 air warriors are ready to make the show bigger and better. “More than 27 countries are participating in the show. In addition, official delegations from 78 countries are expected during the 5-day show, starting on February 6. Our preparations began in September 2012 and the activity levels are at its peak now,” Rajinder Singh said.

Air Marshal Rajinder Singh

The show-stoppers include the Global 6000; Pilatus PC-7 (IAF's new Basic Trainer Aircraft), the C-130J and the Mi-17 V5 chopper. “The Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft, Chinook and AW-101 helicopters are also participating in the show. This time we have a space pavilion and we are expecting the footfalls to increase , “ he said.

The Air Marshal said that based on his past experience of handling the show, the IAF has refined every SOP (Standard Operating Procedure), including disaster management, fire and aerospace safety. “The co-ordination meetings with stakeholders have been held to further streamline procedures and professional conduct of the show,” he said.

He said the IAF would also be showcasing the rapid strides made not only in modernisation of its combat fleet, but its transition from the antique bi-plane -- Tiger Moth (the first trainer aircraft) -- to the ultramodern Pilatus PC-7 Mk II.

Bird menace: With safety being the top priority for IAF, Rajinder Singh said that all out efforts have been made to contain bird activity, creating a conducive flying environment. “The Karnataka government has taken steps to contain catfish farming in the areas surrounding Yelahanka. We will also undertake bird reconnaissance sorties and have regular inputs from the Ornithology Cell, that studies bird habitats on airfields and surrounding areas to further reduce the bird menace,” he said.

Security: He said the anti-hijack, anti-terror and mass casualty evacuation are already place. “The security grid will be bolstered with Special Forces. Personnel from the NDRF, CISF, RAF and Karnataka government are closely associated with the plans. Various SOPs will be tested for their efficacy prior to show,” Rajinder Singh said.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

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.

And, the show begins today...

 Photos MoD/Planefinder

Super Sunday @ Aero India 2011:Welcome to Garden City; your world this week!

 Photos: Rahul Devnath & The Planefinder.

(Tarmak007 is releasing video(s) of Team Tejas and their activities shot by the blogger with a nano-HD device. You will also seem some backroom boys, hangar activities and interviews with Test pilots. This video is dedicated to all Tejas fans and Tarmak007 members across the globe.)