Aerobatic Team Sarang Returns After 65-day Overseas Tour  

Pics: Daijiworld Media Networl
 
Bangalore, Aug 8: The Indian Air Force aerobatics team 'Sarang' flying the indigenously built-ALH-Dhruv- has returned home after touring Europe, where they gave displays at the Berlin and Farnborough Air Shows.

During its 65-day tour, Sarang team members also showcased their displays at different locations in England, IAF officials said.

Briefing reporters at the Yelahanka Air Force Station here, Wing Commander Shashank Mishra, Commanding Officer (CO), 151 Helicopter Unit based here, said during the Berlin Show held between July 14 to 20, the team was adjudged the 'Best Looking Close Formation Team'.

"My team undertook 25 displays in Germany and England, flew 115 hours in 181 sorties during the detachment. Our purpose was to showcase India's global presence in aerospace", he said. "We were the only foursome helicopter display team in the world and this was the first IAF team that performed for the first time in Europe".

The Bangalore-based Sarang team comprising 14 officers and 32 airmen with five 'Dhruv' helicopters set course for Germany on May 20. The equipment weighing 38 tonnes was airlifted by a chartered AN-124 aircraft to Berlin in 'semi-knocked down condition.'

At the Berlin Air Show which began on May 27, the displays by Sarang was appreciated by Defence Minister A K Antony, who was present, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. It also received rave comments by the media and the large audience which came to witness the Air Show, he said.