India, Oct. 6 -- FUN BOX
Dasara in Mysuru is synonymous with elephants. But did you know that the Indian Air Force once gave its helicopters an elephant makeover, turning them into giant flying elephants for Republic Day celebrations?In the 1970s, Chetak helicopters of the IAF's No. 116 Helicopter Unit were given a rather unusual makeover for ceremonial displays in New Delhi. They were fitted with huge decorative ears, tusks, legs and trunks, making them look like elephants taking to the skies.The transformation was fairly low-tech. A tailor was brought to the air base weeks ahead of the event to stitch fabric panels for the elephant's body, ears, legs and trunk. Much of the helicopter's cockpit was covered, leaving only narrow openings fo...