Aero India 2011 set to dazzle Bangalore

Tejas, Dhruv and Sarang to showcase their prowess

The biennial flagship aerospace show will see the big players in the world aviation sector getting down to the business of selling their wares to potential buyers. 

As the country’s Silicon City turns into Aviation Acropolis, Bangalore will have kept its tryst with the calendar event for the eighth time since the birth of the Aero India.

The Air Force Base will turn into a global aero-amphitheatre with some awe-inspiring and spectacular action by an array of aircraft to be savoured by the City’s avowed aviation buffs and general public.

One is expected to witness some of the most daring and dazzling display of aerobatics and never-to-be-missed ensemble of flying displays as the brave men in the cockpit take their magnificent machines through some precision manoeuvres leaving one and all spellbound.

For statistics, fighter jets, transport aircraft and choppers and aerospace systems will all vie for attention. With India’s very own Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Tejas- marking the line-up besides the ALH (Advance Light Hilicopter) Dhruvs and the Sarang team.

The fighters in the form of F-18/A Hornet, F-16, Gripen JAS 39, Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault’s Rafale, and an array of other aircraft, both civil and defence, will provide for a power-packed aerial extravaganza.  The eighth edition of the Aero India has attracted over 675 exhibitors, including 380 from 29 countries and 295 domestic firms. Defence Minister A K Antony will flag-off the air show while Minister of State for Defence Production M M Pallam Raju, service chiefs of Indian armed forces and military delegations from across the world will be in attendance.

Official delegations from 36 countries, including Britain, Germany, France, Russia and the US — are here in full force to promote their global aerospace majors for new collaborations, partnerships and joint ventures with Indian counterparts. The US tops the list with 250 members led by Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Andrew J. Shapiro. Germany with 35, Italy 10 besides Belgium, Britain, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Russia and the US have put up dedicated pavilions.