We saw an SUV heading towards the air base as we were on our way, and the SUV driver was too enthusiastic that morning. He seemed to drive his SUV beating all others on the road. I couldn't do anything but smile, since it was obvious that all aviation enthusiasts would be more impressed with a jet flying low at breath taking speeds. I know a lot of people really love cars that have enormous engines and accelerate fast,but you know what, I like something with a little more power !
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| Sukhoi Su-30 MKI of the IAF |
Traffic is not a new issue in Bangalore. We managed to reach there on time though and were greeted by dust covered skies and the Sukhoi-30 doing a majestic aerobatic display.However, we decided to head towards the business stalls. MOdels, there were lots of models. Sukhoi had their new Pak 50 model on display. So was BAE Hawk, LCA, Sukhoi 30 and most of the USAF jets and bombers. I still don't understand why the major aviation manufacturers do not sell any of their merchandise at the air shows. My eyes were on the models and my ears were on the roaring sounds of those jet engines out there doing manoeuvres.
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| B-2 Bomber of the USAF |
Luckily met a PCB manufacturer who had designed a 28 layer PCB for the SUkhoi-30 MKI ! Imagine a 28 layer circuit board !
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| 28 layer PCB of the Sukhoi-Su-30 MKI |
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| Tiger Moth |
Afternoon was all for the air display. Army was the first with their paratroopers hanging down a rope. Tiger moth was the first aircraft though. Loved the sound of the old engine. As tiger moth flew, the mighty Sukhoi was taxiing for the runway !!
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| Sukhoi Su-30 Taxiing for a display |
The acceleration of the aircraft is amazing. It covered more than a thousand feet on the ground in a matter of 2 seconds and the pilots took off right in front of us as he banked left to show the blue lit after-burners amd climbed into the skies and circled the runway and came around for another pass. He then pulled up, for a vertical climb, did a big 360 loop and levelled himself, made a 360 degree yaw, and performed a controlled fall. Seeing the Su-30MKI in action with its thrust-verctor control is more thrilling than describing them through words.
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| Sukhoi- Su-30 MKI - Isn't that a beauty? |
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| Rudra |
HAL Rudra was next. The aerobatics by the helicopter was quite good. The red Bull team was amazing as they always are.The French Rafale was eager to display all of its mighty power. I guess it was because the Indian Air Force selected Rafale through the MMRCA deal. The pilot was too enthusiastic to do all manouveres and really pushed the aircraft. It was a really good display.Our LCA was not behind either. The aircraft is getting better as time passes by. It was certainly more impressive than it was in the Aero India 2011.
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| Red Bull team with their amazing display |
Though the IAF has a squadron of Mirage-2000, MIG-29,many IL-76 heavy lift aircrafts,An-32, i cannot fathom why the air force is reluctant to display them at the airshow.
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| Rafale getting ready for a vertical climb |
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| Italian AWACS |
In the end, though i loved watching all the planes flying under the scorching sun making us dehydrate, it was generally disappointing since no one at the air show was eager to display their aircrafts to the audience as MMRCA deal was done. I guess it's all about money everywhere!!
