IAF Dorniers, Along with Dakota Aircraft, to Honour 1971 Tangail Airdrop with Eco-Friendly Flypast

New Delhi: Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to perform historic 'Tangail formation' during Republic Day flypast, according to IAF officials, as a nod to both military history and environmental sustainability. This formation, renowned for its role in 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, will involve iconic Dakota vintage aircraft flanked by two relatively modern Dornier DO-228s. What makes this year's flypast even more noteworthy is use of a blended mixture of aviation turbine fuel and biofuel in Dornier aircraft.

“Old and new in Tangail formation”, said IAF in a post on X.

1971: Audacious Airdrop at Tangail

Tangail formation stands as a living tribute to historic airdrop executed on December 11, 1971, by 2nd Battalion of Parachute Regiment. This iconic military manoeuvre played an instrumental role in India's resounding triumph during Indo-Pakistani War, ultimately leing to surrender of Pakistani Army on December 16, 1971. Tangail airdrop, a pinnacle moment in military history, unfolded with precision and strategic brilliance.

On that historic day, a fleet of aircraft, comprising six AN-12s, 22 Dakotas, and 20 Packet aircraft, descended upon Tangail, approximately 85 km northwest of Dhaka. More than 750 highly trained personnel were parachuted into action, with primary objective of severing retreat path of Pakistan's 93 Infantry Brige and obstructing ir vance towards Dhaka.

Within a mere four hours, battalion accomplished capture of Poongli bridge, successfully repelling counter attacks launched by Pakistani Army. By December 12, ir strategic alliance with Maratha Light Infantry furr disrupted plans of 93 Brige, propelling 2nd Battalion to forefront as first Indian troops to enter Dhaka. triumphant execution of Tangail airdrop emerged as a pivotal factor in India's victory, underscoring significance of parachute deployments and meticulous planning in military operations. Republic Day celebrations, featuring a symbolic re-enactment of Tangail airdrop, stand as a profound homage to courage and success embodied in this daring mission.

An Eco-Friendly Homage

What sets this year's flypast apart is IAF's use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Dornier aircraft. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research's (CSIR) Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) has produced this SAF, which is a blend of 10% hydrotreated esters and fatty acids (HEFA)-based alternative fuel mixed with regular commercial jet A1 fuel. This initiative aligns with global goal of achieving net-zero aviation by 2050.

IIP, based in Dehrun, proposed use of SAF to IAF, promoting a shift towards less carbon-emitting sources of energy. This isn't first time IAF has embraced eco-friendly practices; in 2019, transport carrier AN-32 participated in flypast using HEFA fuel. IIP supplied IAF with HEFA-blended SAF in different batches from 2019 to 2022, with AN-32s and Dornier aircraft accumulating significant sortie hours on climate-friendly energy.

SAF to be Me commercial

Looking ahe, IIP aims to commercially produce SAF, with support from Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), which plans to set up a refinery plant dedicated to this eco-friendly fuel in Mangaluru. This initiative aligns with government's broer goal of phasing out commercial jet A1 fuel to combat air pollution. IIP is also seeking international certification for global sales, marking a significant step towards promoting sustainable aviation practices on a global scale.

In a parallel development, IIP signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus to support SAF production and commercialization, dressing decarbonization ambitions of Indian aerospace industry. This collaboration involves joint efforts in technical assessment, approvals, market access, and sustainability accreditation for SAF production.

move towards eco-friendly aviation is not unique to India, as military forces worldwide are exploring use of SAF for ir aircraft.