Air Force & Aircraft — Set 15
Defence GK · वायु सेना और विमान · Questions 141–150 of 160
The IAF's Chief of Air Staff in 2024 is:
Correct Answer: A. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh became the Chief of Air Staff of the Indian Air Force in September 2024, succeeding Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari. The Chief of Air Staff is the head of the Indian Air Force and a member of the Chiefs of Staff Committee.
The IAF's IRST (Infra-Red Search and Track) system is integrated into which aircraft?
Correct Answer: A. Su-30 MKI
The IRST (Infra-Red Search and Track) passive detection system is integrated into the Su-30 MKI. It allows the aircraft to detect and track enemy aircraft using their heat signatures without emitting radar signals. This passive capability gives the Su-30 MKI a significant tactical advantage in beyond-visual-range engagements.
The IAF's No. 101 Squadron 'Falcons' was the second squadron to induct which aircraft?
Correct Answer: A. Rafale
No. 101 Squadron 'Falcons of Chamb and Akhnoor' was the second IAF squadron to induct the Rafale aircraft. The squadron is based at Hasimara Air Force Station in West Bengal and was formally activated in 2022. Its full name references the historical operations the squadron participated in.
The IAF conducted Operation Maitri in 2015 to provide relief in:
Correct Answer: A. Nepal earthquake
Operation Maitri was conducted by India, including the IAF, to provide humanitarian assistance to Nepal following the devastating earthquake of April 25, 2015. The IAF flew numerous sorties transporting relief material and personnel. It was one of the largest IAF humanitarian operations in the neighbourhood.
The IAF's helicopter aerobatic team Sarang means:
Correct Answer: A. Peacock
Sarang means 'peacock' in Sanskrit. The Sarang helicopter aerobatic display team was named to reflect the graceful and colourful display that a peacock presents, much like the precision formation flying of the team. The team uses the indigenously built ALH Dhruv helicopter.
Air Force Station Ambala is strategically important because:
Correct Answer: A. It is near the Pakistan border and hosts Rafale jets
Air Force Station Ambala in Haryana is strategically important because of its proximity to the Pakistan border, making it a first-response base in any conflict. It houses the IAF's first Rafale squadron (No. 17 Squadron 'Golden Arrows'). Ambala has been a premier IAF base since before independence.
IAF's Tejas Mk1 has how many hardpoints for carrying weapons?
Correct Answer: A. 8
The Tejas Mk1 has 8 hardpoints for carrying weapons and external fuel tanks. This gives it a reasonable weapons load despite being a light combat aircraft. The Tejas can carry a variety of weapons including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground weapons, and external fuel tanks for extended range.
The IAF's first indigenously designed aircraft was the:
Correct Answer: A. HF-24 Marut
The HF-24 Marut was India's first indigenously designed and built fighter aircraft. It was designed by a team led by German aircraft designer Kurt Tank at HAL in Bengaluru. The Marut flew in 1961 and served the IAF until 1990. It participated in the 1971 war on ground attack missions.
The IAF's No. 18 Squadron 'Flying Bullets' operates which aircraft?
Correct Answer: A. Su-30 MKI
No. 18 Squadron 'Flying Bullets' is one of the IAF's Su-30 MKI squadrons. The Su-30 MKI squadrons are distributed across multiple air bases in India. The 'Flying Bullets' nickname reflects the speed and striking power of the Su-30 MKI, which is one of the most powerful fighters in the IAF fleet.
What is the range of the Rafale fighter aircraft on internal fuel?
Correct Answer: A. 1800 km
The Rafale fighter aircraft has a combat radius of about 1,800 km on internal fuel in clean configuration. With external fuel tanks, its range extends to approximately 3,700 km. With aerial refuelling, its range is essentially unlimited, making it a highly flexible long-range strike platform.