Biju Babu’s Dakota at Aero India 2019
The 12th edition of Aero India was held at Yelanka of Bengaluru. Former Chief Minister Biju Pattnaik’s Dakota aircraft dazzled in the show. The air show at Bengaluru is Asia’s biggest air show held on 20 February 2019.
The air event is five-day long and began with vintage Dakota aircraft, followed by formations of Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv and Light Utility Helicopter, DO-228, Hawk and HTT40 aircraft.
The metal birds flew in the skies of India’s IT capital with stunts after paying the tribute to the Surya Kiran aircraft pilot killed in a mishap during rehearsal on Tuesday. The military aircraft Rafale stole the show.
In the same manner, the Indian Air Force’s Sarang team enthralled the audience with a daredevil performance.
Besides, the thrilling show by MIG 21, Saras PT1, Embraer along with Sukhoi, Boeing P8I, LCA Tejas, HTT40, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, LUH, F-16 Fighting Falcon, Airbus 330 and B-52 Stratofortress bomber showcased Country’s strength.
The LCA also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who had named it as Tejas, with breathtaking maneuvers.
Around 47 aircraft will participate in the Aero India show this year. The airshow will conclude on Feb 24.
Dakota, which was part of the IAF had remained abandoned for years. It was closely associated with Odisha and its late Chief Minister Biju Patnaik. The aircraft was flown by Patnaik to rescue Indonesian freedom fighters.
Every Odia will be proud to know that, The legendary Biju Patnaik, who was known for his daredevilry act as a pilot, had formed the Kalinga Airline in 1947. The airline had 15 Dakota planes parked in its headquarters Kolkata. The aircraft was chiefly used by the army for transport of jawans deployed in Kashmir. Kalinga Airline’s DC-3s were also used to drop supplies at the north-eastern area of the country and providing services to the army personnel in the north-east area of the country.
Patnaik came to limelight after he rescued former Indonesian Vice President Muhammad Hatta and Prime Minister Sutan Sjahrir from their enemies on July 22, 1947. He was credited with making the landing at Srinagar on Oct 27 in the year.
Later, the Indonesia government acknowledged Patnaik’s contribution by honoring him with ‘Bhumi Putra’ title for his chivalry.
