Helicopters, fighter jets survey Ba Dinh square

On the afternoon of 30/7, in preparation for the 80th National Day celebrations, helicopters and Su-30MK2 fighter jets of the Air Defense - Air Force conducted a survey flight over Hanoi, including Ba Dinh square.

1:12 p.m., the first helicopter surveys Ba Dinh square. Photo: Hoang Anh

The helicopter circled Ba Dinh square six times in about 20 minutes. Photo: Hoang Giang

1:45 p.m., the Su-30MK2 arrived, its roaring engine attracting the attention of many people. The fighter jet moved at high speed, circling over Tay Ho and Ngoc Khanh wards. Photo: Hoang Anh

In 15 minutes, the Su-30MK2 made five loops, performing aerobatics on the final loop. This is the first time a fighter jet has appeared over Ba Dinh square. Photo: Hoang Giang

Earlier that day at 9 a.m., at Hoa Lac Airport, 10 Mi-8, Mi-17, and Mi-171 helicopters were positioned to prepare for a 10-aircraft formation flight. After several days of practicing in smaller groups, today marked the first time the helicopter regiments trained together in a 10-aircraft formation.

Pilots conducted technical checks before takeoff. During the morning, the helicopter formations performed five training flights, passing over Hoa Lac Airport and the surrounding area.

The flight display will consist of four groups: three groups of three aircraft and one solo aircraft, flying in an arrow formation with the Party flag and the national flag over Ba Dinh square.

This is not the final plan for the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on 2/9 (A80), but the pilots and crew members have practiced diligently according to pre-determined plans.

This mission presented some challenges due to the many high-rise buildings in central Hanoi, requiring the unit to carefully plan flight paths and calculate precise data. The weather at the time of the celebration also presents potential challenges, so contingency plans have been prepared.

During the practice flights, the lead pilot will use hand signals to help maintain safe and accurate formation spacing.

The segmented training not only helps strengthen the individual skills of each pilot but also enhances the smooth coordination between flight crews, ensuring absolute safety during the performance.

Colonel Ta Mong Vu, Commander of the 916th Regiment, directly commanded the 10-aircraft formation from the observation tower. "After mobilizing Divisions 917, 370, 372, and Regiment 930, we are training formations of three and four aircraft, combining them into a seven-aircraft formation, and today, a 10-aircraft formation for the A80 celebration," he said.

Flying 10 aircraft is a large formation, spaced 100 m apart, so the teams must coordinate closely, maintain their positions and spacing, and be ready to handle any unexpected situations during flight, according to Colonel Vu.

Colonel Nguyen Truong Toan, Political Commissar of the 917th Regiment, waved after the successful completion of the 10-aircraft flight at Hoa Lac Airport.

The 917th Regiment mobilized six helicopters and four flight crews from Can Tho Airport to Hoa Lac to participate in the training for the celebration.