Sarang helicopter team is back with a bang

Spectacular, colourful and vibrantly agile, the Sarang helicopter display team of the Indian Air Force will be back with a bang at Aero-India 2015. Await the copters enthrall the crowd with their “Inverted wine glass” formation, the diamond formation, their signature “Sarang split” manoeuvre and much more.

Once done with their opening formation, the helicopters -- modified Dhruvs, to be precise -- will change over to a “Line Astern” formation. This helps viewers get a close look at all the aircraft. Then comes the “Star Turn,” a manoeuvre unique to helicopters. Expect everyone to applaud in collective euphoria as the helicopters perform the “Crossover Break”and “Arrow” stunts.

Over the years, the Sarang team has performed at a number of airshows, including the Singapore airshow in 2004, the Farnborough airshow in 2008 and at the IAF anniversary show held at the Hindon Air Force base.

But tragedy struck in February 2007, when a Dhruv crashed at the Yelahanka Air Force station. The helicopter was on a rehearsal flight before the airshow opening. The accident killed a co-pilot and critically injured the pilot, who died later.

The Sarang team comprises of 14 pilots, five engineering officers and 132 technicians. As a top pilot from the team explains, for barely 12 minutes of aerobatic display, the preparations and practice start almost four hours in advance. This, he attributes to the critical focus on the safety of the aircraft and the men.

Dhruv’s capability to fly backwards has immensely helped the Sarang team to improvise its stunt formations. As a pilot puts it, it is tough to reverse a ordinary helicopter than a car since there are no rear-view mirrors!  It was at the Yelahanka IAF Station that the Sarang team was formed in October 2003.

Initially, the team flew only three Advanced Light Helicopters, Dhruvs, subsequently adding a fourth aircraft. Since the stunts required multiple skill sets and vast experience, the pilots were chosen from frontline squadrons. They came mainly from the squadrons that flew the HAL Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. Although the Sarang team mainly takes part in displays, it has also participated in huminatrian missions such as flood relief operations.