Sentinels soar into the skies

FLY UP in the sky. And then make a dive. You would know why birds sing.

That's what this group of daredevil skydivers from Akashganga, meaning the `milky way', the pride of Indian Air Force, claim they know. Up there in the heights, whether they get lessons on singing from the birds or not, they sure have an encounter with life.

Sunday at the Tambaram Air Force Station was Akashganga's day. Witnessed by hundreds of spectators on the parade ground, a group of 13 paratroopers dived from a height of 6,000 feet and landed near the smoke torch signal, a few yards away from the bemused onlookers. The exercise was a part of an air display organised by the Tambaram Station where the skills of the flying instructors undergoing training there, were put to the test.

Being the first air demonstration in more than five years as claimed by the Station officers, the turnout was impressive. Among the engrossed spectators were a good number of children.

The first in the line-up of events was the take off of AN 32 aircraft carrying the Akashganga team to the heights. Then, the squadron of HPT 32 aircraft flew past in a Alpha formation, symbolising air power.

Chetak, the indigenously prepared helicopter, demonstrated a winching operation for rescue of people from distress spots. Similar operations were carried out for casualty evacuation in the Himalayas, the Northeast and places in Rajasthan. Soon after this, the HPT squadron again flew past in a Tango formation, which symbolised the significance of training.

By then, the spectators, especially the children, were excited expecting more and more visual treats from the lion hearted men of the Indian Air Force. The huge Mi 8 helicopter then flew in. Down came the rope, and quickly followed a platoon of commandos expert at the slithering operation. After a few feet of crawling, the commandos, with a war cry, charged towards the spectators. That was all part of the exercise.

While the group leader of the commandos greeted the Station Commander, Group Captain V.K.Yajurvedi, the HPTs yet again flew past in a diamond formation, meaning a cut above the rest, before dispersing into an individual formation. Each then followed the group leader Wing Commander P.S.Sandhu in a queue for the landing.

Finally, the highlight of the show. High up in the sunny skies was a colourful spot. It was the canopy parachutes of the team leader of Akashganga, Wing Commander A.K.Varshneya. After a brief session of aerobatics, he landed on the turf, a little away from the bull's-eye though.

Soon after, the sky was filled with canopies. The team members then gradually descended, in a variety of formations.

Well, it does take more than mere curiosity, to achieve such a feat. Skill, courage and concentration and, of course, some amount of luck, said Wg.Cmdr.Varshneya, a veteran in the field who has more than 1,500 skydives to his credit.

A static display of aircraft and armoury adjacent the parade ground drew many young spectators, especially school children.

By Saptarshi Bhattacharya

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Features
Previous : A unique ritual
Next     : King of the golden hour