Tales Spin
Learning from nature
Researchers have it that birds fly in a distinctive V-formation to arrange themselves in ‘aerodynamically optimum positions’ while precisely timing the flapping of their wings. This helps each bird take advantage of ‘good air’ (upwash) thrown up by the wings of the flier in front while avoiding detrimental ‘bad air’ (downwash).
Seen above are the ‘Russian Knights’ formation aerobatic team flying Su-27s (inset : migratory birds head away from Russia to warmer climes during winters).
UFO over Heathrow
The terrified pilot of an airliner reported a near miss in which a rugby ball-shaped UFO passed with a short distance from his aircraft while flying near Heathrow Airport, London. The captain spotted the object travelling rapidly, apparently heading directly towards him, was certain the object was going to crash into his aircraft - and ducked in terror ! Subsequent investigation has been unable to establish any earthly identity for the mysterious craft, which left the aircrew with no time to take evasive action. But, all ended well as the IFO (his A320) airliner landed safely thereafter.
Panagarh Redux
A small town in West Bengal, 150km from Calcutta, Panagarh is in the news, with the Indian Army’s new XVII Corps to be located here along with a new tactical airlift squadron at the expanded and modernised airfield. Built during World War II, Panagarh was used by the USAAF’s 10th Air Force and Maintenance Depot for B-24 Liberator heavy bombers of the 7th Bombardment Group.
So, soon enough Super Hercules of the IAF will operate from Panagarh but one hopes that the numerous wartime relics, priceless in history, are not bulldozed into oblivion !
Monkey Business - I
Two little monkeys launching into space One fell off and bumped his face Rouhani called Obama, And Obama said No more monkeys launching into space
News : Iran has successfully sent a monkey into space for a second time, part of its ambitious programme aimed at manned space flight launch of the rocket dubbed ‘Pajohesh’, or Research in Farsi, which was Iran’s first use of liquid fuel. This reached a height of 120 kilometers (72 miles). The monkey, named ‘Fargam’ or Auspicious, which was strapped snugly into a seat, parachuted safely to earth after the capsule detached from the rocket in a mission that lasted 15 minutes.
Monkey Business - II
Perhaps exhausted after their 8,000km voyage from freezing northern Russia to balmy southern India, a large number of Russian sailors and technicians accompanying the new aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya went out on a spree in Karwar, shedding their inhibitions (and clothes) as they went skinny swimming along the beach.
The police had to intervene and convinced the Russians that ‘this’ was not allowed on the beaches in Karnataka. The Russians left soon after that. But perhaps the Indian Navy should have oriented them on Swadeshi dos and don’ts.
Charmed !
Air India are going in for a makeover of sorts. The airline’s airhostesses could soon sport kurtis, churidars and trousers as the national carrier plans a more contemporary look for its cabin crew in a competitive market that has seen its Maharaja charm wearing off. AI plans to offer a choice between sari and churidar kurti on the domestic routes to its airhostesses and kurti and trousers on the international sector. As of now, on international routes cabin crew have had the option of wearing churidar kurti.
Passengers will be charmed !