Showcasing for $10-bn deal

With the $10-billion MMRCA (medium multi-role combat aircraft) contract to provide 126 fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force up for grabs,aerospace companies are scrambling to gain publicity for their respective aircraft at the Aero India show in Bangalore this week. The companies approached celebrities and young MPs,offering them a once-in-a-lifetime flight in the cutting-edge fighter planes. While Olympics gold medallist Abhinav Bindra agreed to fly,politicians declined the offer on the plea that their sortie could invite allegations of favouring contender companies. The IAF,too,drew up a plan to avoid any controversy. Only young pilots will be allowed to fly in any of the six fighter planes that are taking part in the contest. All senior officers have been told to strictly keep away from the aircraft because they will be involved in the selection process.