The Indian Air Force celebrated its 80th anniversary on October 8, 2012. An air display by various aircraft formed part of the Air Force Day Parade and investiture ceremony at Air Force Station Hindon. The air display showcased Para Motor and powered Hang Glider performance, followed by flag bearing sky divers of Akash Ganga Team dropping out of AN-32 aircraft.
The Parade had an impressive fly past of three Mi-17 V5 helicopters in Victory formation trooping the Air Force Ensign at a height of 40 metres and a speed of 80 kmph. A Chakra formation comprising three Mi-35 attack helicopters followed. After which came a Hercules formation consisting of one C-130 J flanked by two AN-32s.This was followed by a Spectrum formation comprising one C-130 J in the lead with two AVRO and two AN-32 aircraft in Echelon position on either side.
This was followed by three Jaguars in Vic formation closely followed by Victory formations of Bison (MiG-21), Baaz (MiG-29), Vajra (Mirage 2000) aircraft and SU-30 MKI aircraft. A lone Sukhoi aircraft executed a ‘Vertical Charlie’ manoeuvre.
Also, rolling off the runway of the Hindon airbase, was the De Havilland Tiger Moth of the IAF’s Vintage Aircraft Flight. Flown by Wing Commander H Kulshreshtha, a test pilot at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment. The aircraft made its first public appearance after 23 years.