Indian aviation fans should check out the 'Gripen Top Gun'
web site. The site gives enthusiasts the opportunity to take quizzes on Facebook
about the Saab JAS 39 Gripen IN. Those who perform well stand to win Gripen mementos
such as models, other collectables, tickets to Aero India, and simulator
flights.
Finally, one lucky simulator pilot will get to ride in the Gripen during Aero India. Cool.
www.gripentopgun.com
Aviation fans everywhere await the cool displays
at the upcoming Aero India show (9-13 February), but
The aerial component of the planned parade will include
Jaguars, Mig-29s, Su-30MKIs, helicopters, and transport planes. A vertical
climb by an Su-30MKI will mark the parade's end.
Since birds are everywhere in Delhi, particularly pigeons,
hawks, and even parakeets, the Indian Air Force has made a special appeal to
Delhi residents: "In view of the flypast at heights varying from 60 to 500
metres and the associated flight safety concerns posed by birds, the IAF
appeals to all citizens of Delhi and its neighbourhood to keep their areas
clean and avoid throwing eatables, garbage, dead animals, or carcasses in the
open in all the days leading up to 26 January."
Interestingly, all the planes listed for the flypast have
two engines. Notably absent from the list are the single-engined Mig-21 and HAL Tejas,
which recently won its IOC.
This made me think of something a former IAF officer told me
during a long, rambling discussion about the medium multi-role combat aircraft
competition.
"Nobody has told me a thing, but I really think they'll go
for a twin-engined aircraft," said he. "There are a lot of birds flying around
If he's right, this is bad news for the F-16IN and Saab
Gripen IN.
Then there is another interesting photo showing remarkable asymmetry between J-20's thrust nozzles. This photo also highlights again how big this aircraft is.
Without a doubt the J-20 will be among the year's top ten aviation stories, and probably has a good shot at the number one spot. 
For those of you who bemoan the loss of classic airliners liveries, here is one you no longer have to miss.
Preparations had been taking place all morning: chairs set out for VIPs, tea served, and extra tight security around the airfield perimeter. A quick check revealed that in Chinese astrological terms today is good day for big things: signing contracts, moving house, commencing renovations, and launching super fighters.
The photos and ecstatic postings convinced me: I'm a believer.
"Viva to my motherland!" was one Twitter post that struck me. "It is a glorious day for our country!" said another.
Glorious day possibly, but fascinating day certainly.
The manner in which this news first
appeared (grainy, amateur photos) and the timing (
Whatever 
Been glued to Twitter and Chinese web sites all afternoon for news of the J-20's first flight.
Now, however, I'm getting tweets that the VIPs who assembled
for a function at the
There are two possible reasons for the easy access the world is getting to the J-20. Either A) the country is trying to be more open, or B) they are trying to send a message.
Bleachers have gone up at
Given the Chengdu J-20 cat is out of the bag, thanks to avgeeks with camera phones, perhaps the official announcement comes today. Or, dare we say, a first flight? Reports say the plane is out of the hanger and warming up. High-speed taxis appear to have taken place all week.
During my recent visit to
Though all the jets fly fast and look cool (well, pretty much all fighter planes look cool) many of the planes, particularly the Migs, are in their sunset years. The Jaguars, however, are being upgraded. Surprisingly absent in the video are the IAF's Mirage 2000s, which performed well in the Kargil war of the late nineties and which are also undergoing upgrading.
One can't help wondering what future aircraft such exercises will feature. The MMRCA will appear, as will the Tejas. Eventually the shadowy medium combat aircraft (MCA) will make its appearance, as well as the Indian version of the PAK FA.
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