The first ever formation aerobatics on bombers
were performed at Peshawar during an air display on 27 October
1964. Air Marshal Omar Dani, C-in-C of the Indonesian Air Force,
was the Chief Guest on this occasion. The 4 B-57s were led by
Wing Commander Nazir Latif with Squadron Leader Altaf Sheikh and
Flight Lieutenant Abdul Basit and Shams as team members. The team
executed loops, rolls and wing overs, the first two maneuvers
being unheard of in such a heavy class of aircraft as the B-57,
which was not really designed to perform aerobatics even singly.
Their precise but apparently effortless station-keeping throughout
the demonstration effectively concealed the intense concentration,
mental and physical exertion that all four pilots went through. |