REPUBLIC DAY NOT SANS FLYPAST

From Jal Khambata

NEW DELHI: The Government on Friday decided to restore some more colour to
the Republic Day Parade here by including the flypast by the Indian Air
Force instead of dropping it alltogether as initially proposed.

The flypast, however, will be limited to four MI-8 helicopters and three
SU-30 aircraft, an official announcement said, pointing out that reduction
in the number of aircraft for the ceremony "has been necessitated due to
operational commitments."

The Indian Army contingents and guns that used to be highlight of the show
of strength of the Indian armed power have already been withdrawn from the
parade for the first time in view of the heavy deployment on the borders of
Pakistan.

The flypast will be conducted in two phases, one at the beginning of the
parade, comprising helicopters and second at the end of the parade,
comprising fighter aircraft.

The first formation consisting of four Mi-8 helicopters in an inverted wine
glass formation will flypast as the parade commander arrives abeam the
saluting dais. The Second phase would be at the end of parade where three
SU-30's will fly in a Vic formation.

The first formation of four Mi-8 helicopters will flypast carrying the
national flag and the ensigns of the Army, Navy and the Air Force. The two
wingmen will show flower petals over the audience, flying at a height of 200
ft and speed of 90 km/hr. The fighter aircraft flypast of three SU-30's will
be at a height of 1000 ft and speed of 780 km/hr. END