Sarang helicopter display team mesmerize people during NDA passing out parade

Pune – ‘But for the rotors, we would have been closer’, the team states it proudly being the only four helicopter military aerobatic team in the world. As the rotors churn and the beautifully colored Advanced Light Helicopters take-off to paint the skies, the team ensures plenty breathtaking moments for the viewers. Low and slow, yet crisp and agile, this Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) manufactured indigenous helicopter and the team have been drawing attention internationally as well as at home.

‘Sarang” Helicopter Display Team has evolved from the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Evaluation Flight, which was formed at Bengaluru in 2003, to evaluate the indigenous helicopter ‘Dhruv’, prior to its induction into operational service. The evaluation paved way for the formation of an aerobatic display team with an aim to showcase the professionalism of Indian Air Force and the milestones achieved by the Indian Aviation Industry. In June 2004, the Flight was converted into 151 Helicopter Unit and the fledgling team was rechristened ‘Sarang’, which is the Sanskrit name for ‘Peacock’, the National bird of India. The synchronized aerial ballet of four brightly painted metal birds draws comparisons with the graceful dance of a Peacock. The Unit moved to Yelahanka and subsequently to Sulur, near Coimbatore in 2009, where it has been based since.

As “Brand Ambassadors of the Indian Air Force”, the Team was tasked with the onerous responsibility to build upon and showcase its display flying capabilities. The Team set the ball rolling with its maiden public display at the Asian Aerospace Air show in Singapore in Feb 04. Having won rave reviews from the Asian Aerospace fraternity, the Team performed at Chile in Jun 04. Sarang Display Team was adjudged the “Third Best Team” among all international participants, in United Arab Emirates during its
performance at ‘Al Ain’ Grand Prix. More laurels followed, with the Team being adjudged the ‘Best Looking Close Formation Aerobatic Team’ in the Indo-German Air show at Berlin in May 08. The Team has also participated in the Air shows at Waddington, Biggin Hill and RAF Linton-on- Ouse in the United Kingdom, followed by a display at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, on the occasion of the ninetieth anniversary of RAF. Other international displays include the renowned Farnborough Air show in 2008 and recently the Bahrain International Air show held at Al Sakhir Air Base in Jan 2016. Apart from displays at International venues, Sarangs have been regularly touring the length and breadth of the country. The Team has featured regularly at Aero India Air show in Bengaluru, apart from performing on ceremonial occasions such as Air Force Day celebrations in Hindan, Graduation Parades at Air
Force Academy Dundigal, Fire Power Demonstration in Pokharan amongst various other displays. Displays have also been flown during Presidential Fleet Review, Navy Day, World Military Games, Commonwealth Youth games and ceremonial occasions
concerning our sister services. As part of IAF’s public awareness campaign, the Team aims to motivate the youth of the country to take up a challenging and fulfilling career in the Indian Armed Forces and towards this it has conducted displays at Public venues.

Vibrant Gujarat campaign in 2006, Display at Marine Drive Mumbai in 2008, Passighat in Arunachal in 2014 and Biju Patnaik Centenary celebrations in Bhubaneshwar in 2016 to name few.

The beautifully painted Sarang helicopters may look deceiving however, they rapidly transform into mean machines, ready to serve the nation as and when the need arises. Apart from the primary role of Display Flying, the Unit serves as an instrument to
project our national power. The Unit has also participated in several operations towards Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). The professionalism of the Team towards undertaking any mission was displayed, when in June 2013 the pilots, the
technicians and the machines switched roles overnight from aerobatic display to ‘saving lives and were at the forefront of rescue operations Uttarakhand. The Unit has also been involved in providing succor to the people affected by floods in Chennai, Dindigul,
Tirupathi and Nellore.

While it is natural to expect daring manoeuvres and precise formation by fixed wing aircraft, it is notably difficult to do the same in helicopters owing to the unstable nature of rotary wing. Thus one would find only a handful of helicopter display teams across the globe. Display flying involves walking the thin line between bravery and foolhardiness. While maneuvering in close proximity to three other rotors, there is no room for error. Moreover to demand the very best out of this beautiful machine and coax her to give that extra bit in display flying, the Team needs the best of its pilots.

Therefore only those pilots, who are selected after a rigorous selection process, make the cut from a large number of volunteers. The skills and temperament required for display flying is acquired and honed through rigorous training. Confidence in one’s own
flying ability, faith in team members, and absolute trustworthy machine are essential.

The hidden heroes behind the beautiful displays are the technicians working on the aircraft. Without their enthusiasm and zeal to work towards getting the machines ready on time and upto the standards required, the success of the team would not be possible. Also, the support staff, with their ‘never say no’ attitude steadfastly contribute to efficient functioning of the team.

The Team endeavors to evolve continuously and the display profile being flown by the Team has been an integral part of this growth. The Team flies a four helicopter display profile which involves the following manoeuvres:-

(a) Entry in wineglass formation

(b) India or Line Astern formation

(c) Diamond formation

(d) Synchronized Stall Turn/ Dolphin’s Leap (Signature Manoeuvre of the Team)

(e) Cross Over Break

(f) Double Arrow Cross

(g) Level Mesh

(h) Level Cross

(i) Pair Manoeuvres

(j) Heart

(k) Sarang Split

The Team is proud to be performing at the Passing out Parade of 132 nd course NDA. With 05 of the 08 pilots occupying the cockpit for the display this time being Graduates of the National Defence Academy, it indeed is a nostalgic moment for the team.

It is the Endeavour of the Team to live up to the Unit motto “Inspire through Excellence” and motivate the youth of the nation to join Indian Air Force.