Yelahanka, Bangalore India — Amidst the supersonic metal birds that are lined for the flying display during the upcoming air show, the India Air Force (IAF) will be showcasing its first aircraft – the Westland Wapiti.
On Saturday, the aircraft took to the skies over Yelahanka Air Force Station for a practice sortie of five minutes before touching ground. The aircraft is scheduled for both the air shows during the five-day event which will be inaugurated on Wednesday. Surprisingly, the aircraft, which is at least 80 years old, can perform the barrel roll maneuver even today.
The Wapiti is a British two-seater military single-engined biplane of the 1920s. It was designed and built by Westland Aircraft Works for the Royal Air Force service. On April 1, 1933, the first unit of the Indian Air Force was formed at Karachi with four Westland Wapiti aircraft. By the time the last of the Westland Wapitis stopped flying in 1943, close to 70 Wapitis were used in India by the IAF.
Mr Vivek R. Sinha, retired Additional Secretary (R&D), Ministry of Defence, says he would be delighted to see the Wapiti flying during the air show as the flight is the “foundation stone” for the Indian Air Force.
“Watching the Wapiti fly is like paying tribute to the metal bird, which actually laid the road for IAF’s journey into modern world. The induction of Wapitis in Indian Air Force (then known as Royal Indian Air Force) created flying opportunities for Indians. Five pilots were training in these aircraft, one of whom became the first Chief of Air Marshal of independent India, Mr S. Mukharji,” Mr Sinha adds.
Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian to travel in space, feels that for all the IAF members and pilots, it will be matter of honour to see Wapiti in action. “But we don’t respect our vintage and history, I don’t know how the public will react to the Wapiti, but, as an aviator, it is always a joy to see the aircraft which has rendered yeoman service to the Air Force,” Wg Cdr Sharma adds.