By IANS
Waddington : The two-day Royal Air Force (RAF) Waddington International Air Show is an annual pilgrimage of military aircraft, and this time around no one could take the sheen and glory away from the formidable Sukhoi-30 MKIs the Indian Air Force (IAF) fielded.
And, as if maintaining a studied silence, an IL-78 MKI tanker of the IAF stood majestically, towering over all the other aircraft at the static display of the show held over the weekend.
Thus, it was little wonder the IAF won the best static display trophy.
"The honour is a matter of pride, considering this is our maiden participation at an International Air Show abroad," said Group Captain Girish Saini, the leader of the IAF contingent that is here for its first joint drill with the RAF in Britain that began Monday.
There were nearly 100 aircraft of various types at the static display. An estimated 40,000 visitors were present when the Su-30s took to the skies.
The visitors just could not have enough of the Su-30s and the IL-78. Aircrews and aviation enthusiasts were seen persuading IAF personnel to part with their squadron and aircraft badges as keepsakes, and most willingly obliged.
"Clearly, the IAF is winning hearts all the way," Saini commented.
Two F-16 pilots from Norway were seen interacting with the Su-30s' aircrew.
"Wish you could come to Norway. They (the Su-30s) are big and intimidating! Never seen them before," remarked one of them.
On learning of the Aero-India shows held at Bangalore, the other said: "It would be really nice if we were invited to participate. Maybe the IAF could provide us mid-air refuel support".
This statement just about summed up the camaraderie at the venue.
The RAF Waddington International Air Show that began in 1995 has grown to be one of the largest military air shows in the world and one of the largest events of its type in Britain. The show is famed for its spectacular flying displays and exhibits.
This year, a special "Drumhead Service" was also held to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Falkland war. Baroness Margaret Thatcher was among the important dignitaries who were present at the ceremony.