Air Force Air Show: Aerobatic maneuvers and deployment of military tactics

Santo Domingo—Despite forecasts of rain and cloudy fields, dozens of people gathered to enjoy a historic “Air Show” of the Dominican Republic Air Force (FARD), an exhibition held yesterday to commemorate the 76th anniversary of its founding.

Four Super Tucano aircraft, type A-29B, led various maneuvers in the airspace of the San Isidro Air Base from 2:00 p.m. to the following afternoon, thus demonstrating to hundreds of visitors the power of the Dominican military aircraft to protect the sovereignty of the national territory.

Military teams were established in the surroundings of the landing strip at the San Isidro Air Base.

Long guns, snipers, aircraft, ballistic ammunition, and vehicles for unstable terrain were the scenery that marked the way to the large airstrip, where, starting at 2:00 in the afternoon, the military corps began the crowded show developed on the occasion of its anniversary.

In addition to the Super Tucano aircraft, the exhibition also included the mobilization of dozens of Huey Bell helicopters in the air zones near the military base, prepared to be resistant and robust for any type of mission.

However, the aspect of the exhibition that had the greatest impact on those present and watching it was the incredible changes of direction of the acrobatic aircraft.

Vertical lifts, inverted turns, and an abrupt destabilization during its flight drove the more than 6,000 visitors, including children, crazy, who applauded at this spectacle.

Fireworks launched by acrobatic aircraft. Glauco Moquete.

NIGHT SHOW
This acrobatic aircraft marked the event’s closing at 7:42 p.m. by shooting dozens of flares and fireworks.

Fireworks launched by acrobatic aircraft.Glauco Moquete.

The FARD’s general commander, Major General Carlos Febrillet Rodriguez, explained that female pilots were distributed among the crew of the more than 30 aircraft, “highlighting the work of women in the Air Force of the Dominican Republic.”

On her side, the president of the Association of Officers’ Wives of the FARD, Mencía Ortiz de Febrillet, indicated that the economic proceeds produced by the event would contribute to building the country’s first aeronautical museum.

“The Officers’ Wives Association is making an aeronautical museum the history of the Dominican Republic. This would be the first museum. We have the aircraft and the administrative building is in the process of construction, which will be at the air base”, reiterated Febrillet Rodriguez.

The “Air Show” will continue this Sunday from 2:00 in the afternoon until 8:00 at night, serving as an opportunity for those who did not have the chance to attend the night show, said the FARD commander-general.