IMAGES: The dazzling acrobats of air enthrall Bengaluru

Image: The Flying Bulls
Vicky Nanjappa in Bengaluru

The world-renowned Flying Bulls dazzled at Aero India 2011, the country's largest air show at the Yelahanka Air Force in Bengaluru.

Following a stunning debut for the Aerobatic quartet in India, the Flying Bulls, the Czech Republic-based aerobatic team will continue to enthrall audiences with their breathtaking performances at the air show.

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IMAGES: The dazzling acrobats of air enthrall Bengaluru

Image: Flying Bulls

Jiri Saller, longest serving member of the Flying Bulls aerobatics team said, "We are really excited to be in India and part of the Aero India 2011. The reception has been fantastic and we will ensure we perform to our maximum limit over the next couple of days. I now can't wait to perform our Mirror Flight maneuver again."

IMAGES: The dazzling acrobats of air enthrall Bengaluru

The Flying Bulls team, which has performed at various aviation and motorsport events and contests worldwide, were a delight to watch.

The Flying Bulls team consists of four pilots -- three men and one woman -- and they perform formation aerobatics. Often called "acrobats of the air", the four pilots merged to form a perfect unit during their aerobatic displays.

IMAGES: The dazzling acrobats of air enthrall Bengaluru

Image: Ratan Tata co-piloted US aerospace major Boeing's F-18, the Super Hornet at the air show

Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata took to the skies as he co-piloted US aerospace major Boeing's F-18, the Super Hornet, at the eighth edition of premier airshow, Aero India 2011.

An aviation enthusiast, Tata, who has also flown aircraft at earlier air shows, was in the air for around 45 minutes before the aircraft landed. "I am excited", he said and described the F-18 "as a great aircraft".

HAL's modernisation push

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will be developing 1,500 helicopters of various tonnes in the next decade, HAL finance director D Shivamurti told reporters on Thursday. He said that of the 1,500 choppers developed by the Bengaluru-headquartered public sector undertaking, 100 would be Advanced Light Helicopters, 300 would be Light Utility Helicopters and the remaining would be multi-role helicopters of the 10-12 tonne class.

HAL will be investing about Rs 20,000 crore over the next 10 years to modernise and expand its capacity to execute orders valued at Rs 1,00,000 crore. He said that they were awaiting the government's approval to go public and raise funds.

IMAGES: The dazzling acrobats of air enthrall Bengaluru

Image: A Eurofighter in action

The Intermediate Jet Trainer will be given the Initial Operational Clearance by June enabling the Indian Air Force to test the aircraft. The IJT will replace the HJT-16 Kiran in its role as a stage II trainer in the air force.

The IJT has been facing several problems in the past. In 2007, the canopy of the aircraft flew open during take off causing serious damage to the aircraft. In 2009, the second prototype of the aircraft landed on its belly causing structural damage to the undercarriage and belly of the aircraft.

Shivamurthi said that previous problems have been overcome and that the first batch of five aircraft is under production. HAL has an order book of 159 aircraft from the air force. Two prototypes of the IJT are currently on display at the ongoing Aero India.

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