Air Force & Aircraft — Set 7
Defence GK · वायु सेना और विमान · Questions 61–70 of 160
The IAF's first operational jet aircraft was:
Correct Answer: A. de Havilland Vampire
The de Havilland Vampire was the IAF's first operational jet aircraft, inducted in 1948. It replaced propeller-driven aircraft like the Harvard and Tempest. The Vampire was a British-made twin-boom single-engine jet fighter that served the IAF until the late 1950s when more advanced jets replaced it.
The Balakot airstrikes were carried out by the IAF in which year?
Correct Answer: A. 2019
The IAF carried out airstrikes on February 26, 2019, targeting a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp at Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. This was the first Indian air strike inside Pakistan since the 1971 war. Mirage 2000 aircraft armed with SPICE 2000 precision bombs were used.
What weapons did the IAF use in the Balakot airstrikes?
Correct Answer: A. SPICE 2000 precision bombs
The IAF used Israeli-made SPICE 2000 (Smart, Precise Impact, Cost-Effective) precision-guided bombs during the Balakot airstrikes. The Mirage 2000 aircraft of No. 9 Squadron 'Wolfpack' from Gwalior Air Force Station carried out the operation with these stand-off precision weapons.
The IAF's Tejas aircraft is powered by which engine?
Correct Answer: A. GE F404-GE-IN20
The Tejas Mk1 is powered by the General Electric F404-GE-IN20 turbofan engine from the USA. The Tejas Mk1A will also use the same engine. India is working on developing an indigenous engine for Tejas future variants. This engine provides Tejas with its supersonic performance capabilities.
Which IAF base is considered one of the largest in Asia?
Correct Answer: A. Hindon
Hindon Air Force Station, located in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, is considered one of the largest Air Force bases in Asia. It serves as the headquarters of the Western Air Command. Hindon is a major operational base and traditionally hosts the Indian Air Force Day celebrations each year.
What is the maximum speed of the Tejas Mk1 aircraft?
Correct Answer: A. Mach 1.6
The Tejas Mk1 has a maximum speed of approximately Mach 1.6 (about 1,976 km/h). It is a supersonic fighter in the light combat category. The Tejas Mk1A, an upgraded variant, features improved AESA radar, electronic warfare systems, and the ability to carry more weapons.
The IAF's No. 1 Squadron 'Tigers' is based at:
Correct Answer: A. Gwalior
No. 1 Squadron 'Tigers' of the IAF is one of its oldest and most decorated squadrons, formed in April 1933. It is based at Air Force Station Gwalior and operates the Mirage 2000 aircraft. The squadron participated extensively in the Kargil War, carrying out precision strikes with laser-guided bombs.
The IAF conducts 'Exercise Cope India' with which country?
Correct Answer: A. USA
Exercise Cope India is a bilateral air exercise conducted jointly by the Indian Air Force and the United States Air Force. It began in 2004 and is held periodically to improve interoperability and tactical skills. IAF and USAF aircraft fly together to practice various combat scenarios.
IAF's 'Exercise Garuda' is conducted with which country?
Correct Answer: A. France
The correct answer is 'France'. Exercise Garuda is a bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force. It has been conducted since 2003 and provides both air forces valuable experience operating together. The exercise typically involves multirole aircraft from both sides including IAF's Su-30 MKI and French Rafale.
The IAF's newest transport aircraft being inducted to replace the Avro HS-748 is:
Correct Answer: A. C-295M
The C-295M medium transport aircraft is being inducted by the IAF to replace the aging Avro HS-748. India signed a deal with Airbus Defence and Space for 56 C-295 aircraft. Notably, 40 of these will be manufactured in India by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in collaboration with Airbus, boosting indigenous production.