C-130J transport aircraft, woman sky divers at IAF show

Hindon (Ghaziabad): The C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft and an all-woman sky-diving team today were the main attractions at the annual Air Force Day parade here. However,missing in action was the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team, which has been grounded for the time being to provide training to IAF`s rookie pilots in absence of basic trainer aircraft.

Making its debut, the six-member woman sky-diving team jumped from an An-32 aircraft at a height of 8000 ft and touched down the tarmac to a thundering applause from the audience. The team, led by Wing Commander Asha Jyothirmai, left the spectators spellbound as it went through a series of mid-air formations before touching down. The team members have undergone a two-year gruelling training in India and the US.

The C-130J made its debut in two formations over its home base in the fly past with a set of two Avros, Dorniers and An-32s each. The IAF has placed orders for six C-130Js, five of which have already been based here. A total of 35 aircraft including the Su-30 MKI, Jaguar, Mirage-2000 and the MiG 21 Bisons along with Mi-17 choppers took part in the aerial show.