SARANG HELICOPTER DISPLAY TEAM
‘Sarang’ Helicopter Display Team has evolved from the ALH Evaluation Flight (AEF) which was formed in 2003 at Bengaluru to evaluate the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) prior to its induction into operation service. Advance Light Helicopter (ALH), also known as ‘Dhruv’ or the Pole Star is an all-weather, multi-mission capable helicopter. In June 2004 the Fight was converted into 151 Helicopter Unit, and the fledgling Team was rechristened ‘Sarang’ which in Sanskrit means Peacock and symbolizes the National Bird.
Apart from displays at 11 International venues, the team has performed at various venues in India. Since its inception, the Team has been regularly carrying out displays for the Aero India Air show at Bengaluru, Air Force Day Celebrations at Palam/Hindon, the Paramilitary Forces and other sister services. The Team has also performed at Public awareness campaigns and significant occasions on the request of various civilian agencies. Displays have also been carried out for the Presidential Fleet Review, Fire Power Demonstration at Pokhran, the World Military Games and the Commonwealth Youth Games, to name a few. In the process the Sarang Display Team has toured the length and breadth of the country, from Srinagar to Trivandrum and Jamnagar to Pasighat.
Amongst various Op roles, the team has participated in several operations towards Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.
While it is natural to expect daring manoeuvres and precise formation keeping by fixed wing aircraft, it is notably difficult to do the same in helicopters, owing to the unstable nature of rotary flight and the large unwieldy rotors. This makes the Sarang Display Team so special and unique.
Every year a large number of pilots from the Indian Air Force volunteer to be part of this elite Unit. Of these, only a chosen few clear the rigorous selection trials and get an opportunity to be a part of the Team.
The Nation Defence Academy is proud to have Sarang Helicopter display team on the prestigious occasion of the Passing Out Parade of 130th course. It is an, endeavour to motivate the youth of the nation to consider a career in the illustrious armed forces as these cadets have.
