Indian Air Force
Event Information
Establishment of the Indian Air Force
When?
Saturday, Oct 8, 1932, 12:00 AM
Where?
Madras, India
Early history of the IAF
The Indian Air Force was officially established on 8 October 1932. Its first flight took place on April 1 1933. It began 6 RAF-trained officers and 19 Havai Sepoys (literally, air soldiers). The aircraft inventory comprised of four Westland Wapiti II A army co-operation biplanes at Drigh Road. Four-and-a-half years later, "A" Flight was for the first time from Miranshah, in North Waziristan, to support Indian Army operations against Bhittani tribesmen. Meanwhile, in April 1936, a "B" Flight had also been formed flying the same vintage Wapiti. But, it was not until June 1938 that a "C" Flight was started bringing the total count to 16 officers and 662 pilots by the time World War II broke out.
Did you know...
"Touching the Sky With Glory"
Westland Wapiti IIA during first flight
Two Wapitis made the first flight of the IAF. This shot was taken from the number one aircraft of the number two.
Lineup on the ramp
This shot was taken on the ramp of No. 1 base in Madras of the "A" Flight.
IAF Roundel
The Roundel of an air force is placed on the aircraft's body so it can be visualy recognized in the sky.
Event Information
Operation: Red Flag
The Indian Air Force participated in Operation Red Flag in 2008 at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada with eight Su-30s, two IL-78 tankers an IL-76 aircraft & 247 Air Warriors. Operation Red Flag is a International air exercise designed to improve the dog-fighting and flight skills of all participants world wide. Using state of the art technology the USAF monitors over 32 countries flying over 500 aircraft fly more than 20,000 sorties, while training more than 5,000 aircrews and 14,000 support and maintenance personnel. A key element of Red Flag operations is the Red Flag Measurement and Debriefing System. RFMDS is a computer hardware and software network which provides real-time monitoring, post-mission reconstruction of maneuvers and tactics, participant pairings and integration of range targets and simulated threats. The exercises take place in a controlled area about half the size of Switzerland. The area is known as the Nellis Range complex and it is located northwest of Las Vegas where it is legal to fly above supersonic speeds and drop live ammunition. There is also a area that the pilots call the "petting zoo" where they can explore enemy tanks, missile launchers and other ground targets that they may encounter.
When?
Saturday, Aug 9, 2008, 06:00 AM
Where?
Nellis AFB, NV
Su-30
IAF Su-30 practices a simulated emergency landing at Red Flag.
Red Flag Ramp
IAF Su-30s on the ramp at Nellis AFB in Nevada.
Aerial refueling
Three Su-30s practicing Aerial refueling from one of the IAF's two IL-78 tankers that participated in Red Flag.
Did you know...
Surya Kiran, the IAF's Air Demonstration Squadron, means "Sun Rays"