‘Sarang’ team bids adieu to Yelahanka Air Force Station
They will be replaced by Mi-8, medium sized assault helicopter
The pride of the Air Force Station in Yelahanka, the 151 Helicopter Unit, also known as ‘Sarang,’ the colourful helicopter display team of the Indian Air Force (IAF), has bid goodbye to its home base for the past four years.
This was announced by Air Commodore Sagar Bharati, Air Officer Commanding of the Air Force Station, here on Friday. The team from Sarang displayed its final flypast in a dazzling rehearsal here. The unit comprising the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) or the ‘Dhruv’, a multi-role, multi-mission helicopter powered by two Turbomeca TM 333-2B2 engines was moved to the Yelahanka air base in April 2005 and accorded the status of a full fledged helicopter unit. “The Sarang team will move to the Sulur Air Force Station in Coimbatore. The decision is a routine operational requirement of the IAF. The unit will be replaced by a Mi-8 helicopter squadron,” said Air Cmde Bharati.
Recalling the team’s association with Yelahanka Air Base and the City, Wing Commander Ravuri Sheetal, Commanding Officer of the Sarang team said the 151 helicopter unit will leave behind lot of good memories.
“It was a pleasure to be in Yelahanka, our home from 2005 and participate in the Aero India display. We will continue to capture the hearts of audiences. Those interested in the Sarang display can place a request to the Air Headquarters,” he said.
The Sarang (Peacock in Sanskrit) is symbolic to the IAF as it is the national bird of India. The display team comprises four Dhruv’s, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and comprises 13 pilots, 2 technical officers and 1 commentator. It has earned accolades at air-shows the world over, for its breathtaking aerobatics display and is also a regular participant in the bi-annual Aero India show at Yelahanka. The Sarang team will now head for New Delhi to participate in Air Force day celebration on October 8, and then fly-in to its new home at Sulur Air Base.
