Show marks new beginning for aviation

Show marks new beginning for aviation
The Times of India

Bangalore: Armed with the success of previous aero shows, Aero-India 2005 will mark a new beginning in the country’s defence aviation. Apart from being businesslike, it will be on par with the Dubai and Singapore air shows.

India has projected a requirement of 125 fighter aircraft for the Air Force. With a market also likely to open for over 10,000 components - in each of these fighter aircraft, small players are also looking for a piece of this pie through Aero India.

And, for a country that is now being looked at for joint ventures in defence aviation, Aero India has grown phenomenally. Already, 140 Indian companies have confirmed their participation against 74 in 2003.

And, compared to 176 foreign companies participating in 2003, this year, 210 will participate.

Over 20 aircrafts from abroad will be part of the flying display. And, there are about 15 Indian aircrafts; the three variants of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), different variants of Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH), Intermediate Jet Trainers (IJTs), the modified Chetak helicopters now called Chetan and the Saras.

In addition, two private Indian aviation companies, Bangalore-based Indus Aviation and Coonoor based Zephyr will display small aircrafts.
IAF Chief Engineering officer group Captain J.P. Yadav said Surya Kirans would fly this time too. “Special liquid oxygen supplies have been ensured for the fighter aircraft. Indian Oil Corporation will provide the fuel needed.”

Says Aero India 2005 joint director of exhibitions, Squadron Leader R.K. Dhingra: “This time, about 10,800 square metres has already been booked against 8,500 square metres in 2003. The show has exceeded our expectations.”

While the US is showcasing five aircraft; KC 135, two F15-Es, Herculus C-130 and maritime surveillance aircraft P3 Orion, the United Kingdom is bringing the Hawks.

The other participating countries include Belgium, Chile, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Czech Republic, France, Georgia, Greece, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, Mauritius, Netherlands, Romania, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Poland, Thailand and Ukraine.

Transnational companies like Airbus, ATR, Eruocopter and EADS and over 30 delegations will also participate.

Air Officer Commanding of Yelahanka Air Force Station Air Commodore S.P.Singh told reporters that elaborate arrangements for maintenance and security had been organised for the show.

“Over 40,000 people are likely to come daily”, he added. Sarang helicopter, he said, would also be part of the air display.
Chief security officer for the show, Wing Commander P.M.Vithalkar, said the venue would be checked by the bomb and dog squad before and after the show everyday. “Surveillance cameras have also been placed at all gates and exhibition halls will be put up to monitor the movement of people”, he added.

The public will not be allowed to take photographs, bring knives, pets, bags, and other prohibited items.