After the preparations and the safe landing of the meteorological reconnaissance flight, the training flight crew deployed a formation of five aircraft in an arrow shape. Once the ten pilots (both front and rear cockpit operators) had boarded the five aircraft, started the engines, and maneuvered the equipment to the waiting area, they took off in pairs… the entire Phu Cat airport area buzzed with the roar of jet engines.

At the K4 command post, Colonel Nguyen Van Son, Commander of the 940th Regiment, Air Force Officer School (Air Defense-Air Force Command), continuously issued commands to the members of the formation, instructing them to maintain altitude and spacing according to the previously agreed-upon flight plan data.

The Yak-130 squadron is ready for takeoff.

After stabilizing at an altitude of 600-1200m, the five Yak-130 aircraft were controlled to descend, join the formation, and form an arrow shape through the simulated grandstand area with a distance of 30m, a spacing of 20m, and an elevation difference of 3-6m. The engines of the five jets roared, tearing through the air as the "arrow" shot past the grandstand area at a distance of 200m… Just after passing the grandstand area, following the commander's command "Maneuver," the aircraft performed formation maneuvers, turning at an angle of 45 to 60 degrees; demonstrating sharp dives and combat maneuvers… It was truly an impressive moment for those who witnessed it firsthand.

A formation of five Yak-130 aircraft flew in an arrow shape through the simulated grandstand area.

After the flight training session concluded successfully, ensuring that the training plan was followed correctly. Lieutenant Colonel Tran Thanh Tuan, Head of Flight Safety at Regiment 940, who flew in position number 1, the leading aircraft in the formation, said: “In large formation flights, to ensure absolute safety, the team leader must always check to know the position and actions of each team member throughout the flight. Before each change of state, the team members must be informed. Number 1 must also maintain an appropriate flight speed to facilitate the team members maintaining their positions in the formation. Timely pre-orders must be given to team members before each maneuver, and sudden changes in speed, direction, and altitude are not allowed, especially when flying at supersonic speeds, at low altitudes, and in the stratosphere. When starting and during the turn, it is necessary to concentrate on observing the team members in the formation and be especially cautious when the formation is flying at low and extremely low altitudes… Flying in large formations is stressful because the aircraft are close together, so throughout the flight and towards the end of the flight we are even more cautious, controlling gently and precisely.” "We guarantee that we will always have a beautiful and absolutely safe lineup."

Five Yak-130 aircraft flew in a ladder formation.

In a conversation with Colonel Nguyen Van Son, we learned that: After receiving instructions to deploy Yak-130 aircraft in the A80 mission with a large formation of 5-6 aircraft, the Regiment organized a flight methodology council meeting. The council was tasked with selecting pilots who met the mission requirements, quickly reaching a consensus, and writing the flight training manual for 5-6 aircraft. The unit carried out the mission under favorable conditions, with a team of experienced technicians and pilots who had served and flown large formations (3-4 aircraft) in the recent A50 mission. During the training for the A-80 mission, the weather conditions at Phu Cat airfield were very stable and favorable. Besides the advantages, the unit also faced many difficulties when simultaneously implementing multiple training programs and targeting different groups, such as: advanced flights with experts, instructor training flights, and conversion flights for pilots and trainees… Flying in large formations at low altitudes with close spacing easily causes stress for pilots; during windy seasons, unstable airspace affects maintaining formation… Despite facing many difficulties, in the past period, the unit has focused on organizing thorough and serious ground training for pilots participating in the A80 mission; researching coordination, and developing plans and methods for handling situations.

Pilots from the 940th Regiment exchange information after the flight.

To date, Regiment 940 has successfully conducted dozens of training flights for formations of 5 aircraft. After each flight, the pilots' skills and abilities have improved, and the formations have become more beautiful and stable. The unit is also ready to mobilize and relocate to a new training ground and is developing plans for formation flights of 6 aircraft when requested by higher authorities, aiming to excellently fulfill the assigned mission during the nation's major event.

BICH PHUONG - HOANG CONG - HOANG HAI

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    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/mui-ten-yak-130-da-san-ready-for-the-big-festival-836856