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NEW DELHI (PTI): The six newly inducted C-130J Hercules transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force, recently carried out formation flying to sharpen the fleet's ability to airlift troops and carry out special operations during combat.

Codenamed as Veiled Vipers Squadron, the six aircraft took off for an early morning sortie from their base in Hindon and performed formation flying for an hour, Indian Air Force (IAF) officials said here on Tuesday.

The six aircraft performed Viper formation and also displayed the skills of the aircrew and maintenance potential of the IAF, they added.

The C-130J, Super Hercules is the most newly inducted aircraft in the IAF inventory. It is a medium lift tactical transport aircraft capable of flying low levels undetected and landing at assault strips.

Since its induction the squadron has performed several drills and operations, one of the recent being, the humanitarian assistance during the Sikkim earthquake.

The aircraft has also undertaken non-stop and longest sorties from its home base to Andaman and Nicobar islands as part of its drills to insert Special Forces during an emergency.

The all-weather aircraft can take off and land even when it is dark.

IAF is also planning to base another squadron of the tactical-lift aircraft in the West Bengal very soon.