By IDI, January 13

 

Three of latest acquisition of Indian Air Force will make their debut in the republic day parade this year. The US made attack choppers Apache and transport helicopter Chinook will participate in the fly past where as the French fighter jet Rafale will be showcased as part of IAF’s tableau, an official said.

The 'Chinook' formation will comprise of three helicopters in 'vic' formation. This will be Followed by the “Apache' formation comprising of five aircraft flying in 'arrowhead' formation.

During the Republic Day 2020 flypast 41 aircraft of the Indian Air Force and four helicopters of the Indian Army's aviation arm would enthrall the audience at the central vista. The aircraft type includes 16 fighters, 10 transport aircraft and 19 helicopters.

In addition to choppers, IAF would fly Su-30MKI, Netra, C-17, Jaguar and MiG-29 UPG.

The end of the parade will be marked by a single SU-30 MKI aircraft Flanker of the IAF, carrying out the signature 'vertical charlie' in front of the dais. All aircraft will fly-in from the Rashtrapati Bhawan side and exit towards the India Gate at heights between 60 metres to 300 metres above ground level, official informed.

The Tableau

The Indian Air Force will participate in RD Parade with ceremonial Marching Contingent, Air Force Band Contingent, IAF Tableau and the mesmerising Fly Past. The IAF Marching Contingent will consist of 04 officers and 144 Air warriors marching in Box formation of 12 x 12.

The Tableau showcasing the theme of 'Indian Air Force: The Cutting Edge' will be fabricated on a 50 ft long platform.

The IAF Tableau will showcase scaled down models of five systems namely recent addition to its inventory the Rafale aircraft, the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft and Light Combat Helicopter, Surface to Air Guided Weapon Aakash Missile system and the Astra Missiles.