Helicopters rehearse raising the flag over the Independence Palace and the sky of Ho Chi Minh City

On the morning of April 18, helicopters of the Air Defense - Air Force, Ministry of National Defense carrying the national flag and the Party flag took off from Bien Hoa airport (Dong Nai province), heading to the center of Ho Chi Minh City to practice in the sky of Ho Chi Minh City, preparing for the parade to celebrate the 50th anniversary of national reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025).

Mi-171, Mi-8, Mi-17 helicopter squadrons carrying the national flag and the Party flag took off from Bien Hoa military airport towards Ho Chi Minh City at a fairly low altitude, performing eye-catching flights as they passed through the center of Ho Chi Minh City.

PHOTO: NHAT THINH

Helicopter squadron passes the Independence Palace

PHOTO: MAI THANH HAI

Two Mi-8 helicopters during a practice session carrying the national flag and the Party flag flew into the center of Ho Chi Minh City.

PHOTO: MAI THANH HAI

A corner of Ho Chi Minh City seen from the cockpit of a helicopter

PHOTO: NHAT THINH

Flight crew members check the technical aspects and adjust the flags on the aircraft.

PHOTO: NHAT THINH

Image of 10 helicopters flying in a 3-4-3 formation during a training session carrying the national flag and the Party flag passing over the Ba Son bridge area (District 1)

PHOTO: NHAT THINH

Then head towards the center of District 1, around District 4... before turning back to the Bach Dang wharf area.

PHOTO: NHAT THINH

Helicopter squadron flies over Bitexco building (District 1)

PHOTO: NGOC DUONG

It is known that the helicopter squadron including Mi-171, Mi-8, Mi-17 in the flag-raising formation on this occasion has participated in performances at major events such as the 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory and the Vietnam International Defense Exhibition 2024.

PHOTO: NGOC DUONG

The flag is hung under the helicopter by a 10-meter long cable, with a weight of more than 100 kg hanging from it to keep the helicopter balanced when flying at a speed of 120 km/hour.

PHOTO: INDEPENDENCE

In addition to the drill helicopters, the joint training formation also included Su-30MK fighter jets and Yak-130 multi-role training aircraft.

PHOTO: INDEPENDENCE

Mi-17 helicopter flies over Thu Thiem area (Thu Duc city)

Photo: NHAT THINH

A squadron of 3 Mi-171 helicopters after leaving Bien Hoa military airport flew in a horizontal formation towards Ho Chi Minh City. These aircraft passed through Thu Duc city, Binh Thanh district, district 1, district 4...

PHOTO: NHAT THINH

Thanhnien.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/truc-thang-dien-tap-keo-co-tren-dinh-doc-lap-va-bau-troi-tphcm-185250418114421482.htm