PAUL DERBY
The Indian air force Sarang helicopter display team is appearing outside India for the first time this week, showcasing the capabilities of the indigenously manufactured advanced light helicopter (ALH).
The ALH, more commonly known as the Dhruv, will appear in the flying display in a three-aircraft formation, allowing show-goers a close-up glimpse of India's newest addition to the helicopter community.
The team is named Sarang, which in Sanskrit means peacock - the national bird of India - and the three two-man crews will be aiming to mirror the grace of the peacock here at Changi.
Squadron
"We are still increasing the number of aircraft in the squadron and we are learning as a team," says Wing Cmdr Hari Nair, who along with Flt Lt Nikhil Naidu makes up the lead crew on the team.
He will be joined in the display by Sarang 2 crew, comprising Sqn Ldr PK Prasad and Sqn Ldr Umesh Patkar, and Sarang 3 crew - Sqn Ldr S Misra and Flt Lt Shailendra Pandey.
Says Nair: "A Dhruv did fly at the Paris airshow last year, but it was not under air force command. This is the first time for us outside India and everything is going well so far this week. We're looking forward to it."
The Indian air force is in the process of acquiring the Dhruv, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL). The aircraft is in the 5.5t class, and has both civil and military variants. Its key military missions include logistics support, reconnaissance, medevac and training.
Source: Flight Daily News