The Russian aircraft is used to douse forest fires and in rescue operations

The number of aircraft participating at the eagerly awaited Aero India is increasing day by day. The number now stands at 52, about 20 short of the total number of aircraft participated the 2017 edition

Among the aircraft which have confirmed their participation, the Beriev BE-200 amphibious aircraft is expected to turn heads. The BE-200 is of Russian origin and can be used for fighting forest fires, search and rescue operations, besides doubling up a passenger aircraft and an air ambulance. However it is primarily used for fighting forest fires using fire extinguishing fluids.

During the five-day air show, to be held at the Air Force Station Yelahanka between February 23 and 24, the BE-200 will be part of the flying display.

In other international air shows, it has enthralled the crowd with its water-drop demonstrations.

After taking off, the twin engine aircraft BE-200, after performing a series of exercises, releases water midway using the fire extinguishant fluids, much to delight of the visitors.

According to Beriev, this is the primary task of the aircraft as it can be used for extinguishing fires. The BE-200 is also expected to catch the attention of airlines and policy makers as it can double up as a passenger aircraft. With the government keen on utilising seaplanes that can be operated from coastal as well as terrestrial water bodies under the Regional Connectivity Scheme or the UDAAN scheme the BE-200 is expected to catch its attention.

Among other aircraft which will be participating in the air show is the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas which will have the largest presence with nine aircraft. The LCAs will be on both flying and static display, followed by the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).

The aerobatic teams include the Indian Air Forces (IAF) Surya Kiran and the Sarang teams. Among the foreign helicopters and military aircraft which will be on static display are the Airbus H135 and Airbus H145 the Airbus A400M, C295 and the ANTONOV 132D. Two Rafales will also be part of the flying display.