Aero India

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Aero India is a biennial air show held in Bangalore, India at the Yelahanka Air Force Base. The first show was held in 1996. It is organised by the Defence Ministry of India in association with the Defence Research and Development Organisation, the Indian Air Force, the Department of Space, India and the Union civil aviation ministry.

It is one of the largest air shows in South Asia. The show includes both air displays and static exhibitions of various aircraft of the Indian Air Force, along with displays from vendors, suppliers and production organisations.

Glimpses of Aero India 2003

[edit] The 4th edition, 2003

176 companies from 22 countries participated in the 4th edition of the event from February 5 to 9, 2003 in Yelahanka at the outskirts of Bangalore. It was inaugurated by the then Defence Minister of India(seen in first thumb of photograph), George Fernandes. About 50 delegations from the United States, Europe, Russia, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Africa visited Bangalore for the event. The French delegation was led by the Prime Minister of France, Jean-Pierre Raffarin.

[edit] The 5th edition, 2005

The 5th Aero India 2005, the beiennial air-show-cum-defence exhibitions, was held at the Yelahanka Air Force Base in Bangalore from February 09-13, 2005. The Aero India 2005 attracted record 380 exhibitors from the world's leading industries in the field of civil and military aviation, aerospace and airfield upgrade. The show included both air displays as well as static exhibitions of military and civil aircraft. A total of 80 aircraft including Fighter jets, Light Combat Aircraft, Advanced Light Helicopters, Intermediate Jet Trainers (AJTs), Maritime Surveillance Aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) displayed their flying skills and capability during the Aero India 2005 show. The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy also displayed their various aircraft. There were 32 official military delegations and over 250,000 people enjoyed the Aero India 2005 show, which is considered Asia's premier air show.

The major attractions of Aero India 2005 were certainly the leading fighter, advanced jet trainers and unmanned aerial vehicles from Russia, US, France, Britain, Israeli and India who took part in the flying as well as static displays at the show. The visitors enjoyed the spectacular flying performances and static exhibitions of the Russian MiG-29K,Su-30MKI and Il-78 tanker; the American F-15 E, C-130J Super Hercules and P-3C Orion aircraft; the French vintage Mirage 2000E and Falcon 2000; the British Hawk 100, Jaguar and Sea Harriers, and the Indian Dhruv (Advanced Light Helicopter) and Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT). The colorful aerobatics performance by Sarang- the Indian Air Force's Advanced Light Helicopters, made everyone spell bound during the inaugural function. There were magnificent views of Il-78 tanker and Mirage 2000 aircraft performing mid-air refueling and fighter trainers making beautiful formation in the clear blue sky .

Other major attractions in Aero India 2005 were the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The Israel's Orbiter and SkyLite mini UAV impressed their visitors with beautiful look and features. The lightweight Orbiter just weighs 4.5 kg features an advanced data link system transmitting all the data and video in real time. The SkyLite mini is capable of making vertical flights from the canister, and can be launched even from narrow alleys.

The U.S. maritime surveillance aircraft P-3C Orion and C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft attracted the attention of visitors with their beautiful designs and large size. The P-3C Orion is generally used in anti-submarine and anti-surface ship warfare, over-water and over-land surveillance missions, and network-centric warfare missions. The U.S. Hawkeye 2000, known for its airborne early warning and battle management command and control system, were another attractions in the Aero India 2005 show.

The Aero India 2005 also proved good for passenger aircraft manufacturers, as number of inquiries, especially for the smaller and low-cost aircraft were made during the show. Visitors also had a chance to get a glimpse of advanced missile systems, avionics suites, radars, and simulators.