Bharat Rakshak:Indian Air Force

Top Banners before the flight!

Two Pilots of the Banners pose before a sortie on S573 - The Trainer

Taxying for a mission

The CO taxies for take of point in Hunter A484. This excellent view shows in clear detail the cannon ports, and the link collectors to the rear - nicknamed - "Sabrinas"

Retired Two seaters - S576 and S1389

S1389 is seen here from another angle, while another Hunter S576 is stowed just outside the Hardened Air Shelter.

Ready to go! - Pilots in the cockpit.

The Pilots strap up for their sortie in the two seater. Unlike the Sliding canopy of the Single Seater, the T.66 featured a Hinged canopy.

Preparing for Flight

Ground crew prepare the Hunter T-66D aircraft for a sortie.

One of the last two Twin Seaters.

The Target Tug Flight has two Hunter T.66Ds on its roll. One of which is S573 is seen here.

Lonesome two seater!

What happens to unwanted warbirds? They are forced to share their accomodation with others on the base who will waste no time to move in with thier personal effects!

Lightning Rested - A463

A463 is one of the retired Hunters at Kalaikunda - How this aircraft still sports the insignia of No.20 Lightning Squadron is a mystery.

Lightning Emblem on the aircraft

A Close up of the Lightnings Badge seen on A463. Also seen is one of the 30mm Aden Cannon Ports.

Hawker Hunter F56a A473

Hawker Hunter F56a A473 of the No.2 Target Tug Flight The Banners seen at Kalaikunda in 1998. A473 had already been withdrawn from service.

Hawker Hunter A473 from the rear

A473 seen once again here from the top. Note the missing panels on the spine of the aircraft

Former Lightning A464

A464 is one of the single seater Hunters operated by the TTF. The aircraft was with No.20 Squadron during the 1971 war but did not fly any sorties. It was used as a spares reserve.

First of the Many - BA312A

Kalaikunda was not entirely about Dumped and Non-Flying Hunters. There were atleast Eight of them flying prim and propah when Simon and Phil visited the airbase. Seen here is one of the flying examples BA-312A

Ex-Thunderbolt Hunter

Delivered to the IAF in 1967, A484 was one of the original aircraft of the Thunderbolt Aerobatic Team, before its final innings with the Banners

Boss Banner - the commanding officer in a Hunter.

The CO of the Banners, Wing Commander Mann gets ready for Take off in Hunter A484.