Air Force & Aircraft — Set 5
Defence GK · वायु सेना और विमान · Questions 41–50 of 160
The IAF's Gwalior Air Force Station is famous for housing which aircraft?
Correct Answer: A. Mirage 2000
Gwalior Air Force Station in Madhya Pradesh is famous for housing the Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft. It is home to No. 1 Squadron 'Tigers' and No. 7 Squadron 'Battle Axes'. During the Kargil War, Mirage 2000s from Gwalior were extensively used to strike enemy positions.
Which IAF pilot shot down a Pakistani F-16 aircraft during the aerial engagement after Balakot airstrikes in 2019?
Correct Answer: A. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman shot down a Pakistani F-16 aircraft using an R-73 missile during the aerial engagement following the Balakot airstrikes in February 2019. His aircraft was hit and he ejected over Pakistani territory. He was returned to India after about 60 hours in Pakistan's custody.
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was awarded which gallantry decoration for his bravery in 2019?
Correct Answer: A. Vir Chakra
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was awarded the Vir Chakra, India's third highest wartime gallantry award, for his bravery during the aerial engagement in February 2019. He was also later promoted to Group Captain. His distinctive handlebar moustache became iconic across India after the incident.
The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile can be air-launched from which IAF aircraft?
Correct Answer: A. Su-30 MKI
The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile can be integrated with IAF aircraft, particularly the Su-30 MKI. The air-launched version of BrahMos was successfully tested by the IAF in 2017. It is a joint venture between India's DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyenia with a range over 300 km.
Which IAF station in Ladakh is considered the world's highest altitude airstrip?
Correct Answer: A. Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO)
Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) airstrip in Ladakh is considered the world's highest altitude airfield, situated at approximately 5,065 metres above sea level. The IAF has been operating C-130J Super Hercules aircraft from this airstrip. Its operational use enhances India's strategic capability in the northern region.
The AWACS aircraft operated by the IAF is based on which platform?
Correct Answer: A. IL-76
The IAF operates the Phalcon AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) mounted on the Ilyushin IL-76 platform. India procured three Phalcon AWACS systems from Israel with Israeli radar systems integrated onto Russian IL-76 aircraft. These provide crucial airborne surveillance and command capabilities.
The IAF uses which strategic tanker aircraft for aerial refuelling?
Correct Answer: A. IL-78 Midas
The Indian Air Force operates the Ilyushin IL-78 Midas aerial refuelling tanker aircraft. India procured six IL-78 tankers from Russia. These tankers significantly extend the range of IAF fighter aircraft, enabling them to conduct long-range missions without landing to refuel.
Which IAF pilot became the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft solo?
Correct Answer: A. Flight Lieutenant Avani Chaturvedi
Flight Lieutenant Avani Chaturvedi became the first Indian woman to fly a fighter jet solo on February 19, 2018. She flew the MiG-21 Bison solo from Air Force Station Jamnagar in Gujarat. She was part of the first batch of women fighter pilots inducted into the IAF in June 2016.
In which year were women pilots first inducted into the IAF as fighter pilots?
Correct Answer: A. 2016
Women were first inducted as fighter pilots into the Indian Air Force in June 2016. The first batch of three women fighter pilots was Flight Lieutenants Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth, and Mohana Singh. They were trained on the MiG-21 Bison and Tejas aircraft.
What colour uniform does the Indian Air Force wear?
Correct Answer: A. Light blue
The Indian Air Force personnel wear a light blue uniform, representing the sky. The colour was chosen to reflect the natural element in which the IAF operates. Officers wear a service dress uniform in light blue for formal occasions, while flying suits are worn during operational duties.