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Feb 2007

Tata to fly F-16 fighter jet; military top brass for Lockheed
by Suman Sharma

     Bangalore: The United States Ambassador to India David Mulford has said that it is a matter of pride for Americans to fly the Chairman of the TATA Group, Ratan Tata, in the American F-16 fighter jet here on February 8 at the five-day sixth Aero India Show beginning February 7-11. The 69-year-old trained aircraft and helicopter pilot will be flown in the Lockheed Martin manufactured multi-role combat aircraft by a trained US pilot in a comparatively 'less strenuous sortie'. Speaking to the media here today, Mulford said, "It makes us feel great. He is physically fit. He will not be given the controls to handle. He will be flown as a guest in the twin-seater jet." Colonel Jeff Paulk, the US air attachi to India said that TATA was the highest dignitary to be flown at the present Aero India Show. Mulford also disclosed that there would be some military top brass also from New Delhi who will be flown. Refusing to divulge details, he added that they would all be three-star generals. Colonel Paulk also added that Tata's flight was made less strenuous keeping his age in mind and less difficult manouvres would be tried by the pilot. The speed would be kept comfortable. The event, one of the largest international exhibitions organised in the country is being jointly organised by the department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Farnborough International Limited (FIL), making it 45 percent international participation and domestic private industry participation 40 percent. Companies from over 30 countries will display their wares. Close to a 100 aircraft are expected to participate with around 40 in the international category, and 60 commercial aircraft.
-Feb 6, 2007