AFS Yelahanka (Bengaluru): The Indian Air Force (IAF) expects around 5.5 lakh visitors for the upcoming Aero India 2019 set to begin at this base from February 20 to 24.
In an informal interaction with the media at the base, Air Cmde Ravuri Sheetal, AOC, AFS Yelahanka said that his team of air warriors are confident that this year’s show will stand out for its magnificence and might.
As reported by Onmanorama earlier, preparations are in full swing at the base with close to 900 contract workers sweating it out 24x7 to ensure that the ‘Plane Carnival’ will have a smooth take-off and landing.
As on January 31, a total of 50 aircraft have confirmed their participation at the show for both flying and static display put-together.
The show-stealer for Aero India 2019 is likely to be Rafale from Dassault Aviation, which has put two platforms on flying display and another one for static display duty.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is certain to do a ‘carpet bombing’ this time, with a whole list of flying machines listed. HAL's latest product from the rotary wing – the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) – will be debuting at the show.
Other regulars from HAL hangars, like the Tejas, Dhruv, Rudra, Light Combat Helicopter and the Basic Trainer Aircraft HTT-40 all will be in full force at the show.
Flying Daggers too will be debuting at the show with Tejas, after the formation of No 45 Squadron in July 2016.
“This is not the final list and we will have more additions in the coming days. IAF’s aerobatic teams both Sarangs (flying Dhruvs) and Suryakirans (flying Hawks),” Air Cmde Sheetal said.
Saras PT1-N from National Aerospace Laboratory, which has been resurrected last year, is also scheduled to fly at the show.
The Drone Olympics, which is being held for the first time, has already become a huge draw among youngsters.
Owing to the overwhelming response for the drone contest and taking into account requests from participants, the organisers on Thursday have extended the weight limit for hybrid category to 20 kilograms in the surveillance category.
For the benefit of visitors, first time a ticket counter will be opened at the venue.
“However, we request to the public not to wait till the last moment owing to the heavy rush. Instead, we would like the visitors to book their tickets online,” Air Cmde Sheetal said.
The tickets for Air Display Viewing Area is fixed at Rs 600, while it is priced at Rs 2,750 for the exhibition area.
Plane Trivia: The Light Combat Aircraft made its first international appearance at the 2001 Aero India. It made a flypast during one of the show days, post-inaugural. Interestingly this flight was barely a month after its maiden flight on January 4, 2001.
