Singapore: In a dazzling display of aerobatics prowess, the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) renowned Sarang Helicopter Display Team has landed at the Paya Lebar Air Base in Singapore, gearing up to participate in the prestigious Singapore Air Show 2024. A team of 71 personnel, accompanied by five Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) known as ‘Dhruv,’ arrived at the base, making a grand entrance with the induction carried out by the IAF’s C-17 Globemaster III heavy lift transport aircraft.
The biennial Singapore Air Show, scheduled to commence on February 20, 2024, and concluding on February 24, 2024, is a global aviation extravaganza featuring various aerial displays from participants around the world.
The Sarang Helicopter Display Team, formed in 2003, is no stranger to international stages. Their inaugural global performance was in 2004 at the Asian Aerospace Show in Singapore. Originally a three-helicopter formation, the Sarang team has evolved into a thrilling five-helicopter display unit, having mesmerized audiences with over 1200 displays at more than 385 venues worldwide.
The star of the show, the ‘Dhruv’ helicopter, designed and conceived by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is an all-weather, multi-mission capable aircraft. Equipped with rigid, hinge-less rotors, the Dhruv helicopter is highly maneuverable, making it suitable for military roles. The variant flown by the Sarang team is the ALH MK-I, with other variants including ALH Mk-II, ALH MK-IlI, and the latest armed version, ALH MK IV.
As the Sarang Helicopter Display Team prepares to mesmerize spectators at the Singapore Air Show 2024, their participation underscores the IAF’s commitment to showcasing India’s aviation capabilities and fostering international collaborations in the realm of aerial displays and technology. The team’s presence is a testament to the remarkable journey and global acclaim earned by the Sarang Helicopter Display Team over the years.