Air Force units carry out flag towing missions

ĐBP – On April 27, the Air Defence - Air Force conducted its inaugural flag towing rehearsal session in Điện Biên. This was part of the ceremony commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory.

Technicians attach the flag beneath the helicopter's belly.

During the rehearsal, 11 helicopters completed two flag towing flights. Air Division 371 led this effort, working in conjunction with Air Divisions 370 and 372.

A 20m2 national flag was affixed beneath the Mi17 helicopter. Consequently, along with routine aircraft checks, technicians paid special attention to the flag-hanging mechanism. Crafted from polyester, a durable and breathable material, this special flag features reinforced stitching. These reinforcements ensure that the flags can flutter gracefully in winds of up to 120km/h without tearing.

This special flag withstands winds of up to 120km/h without tearing.

Unlike training or combat flights, flag towing missions demand pilots not only to possess the skills and experience to hang heavy objects hundreds of kilograms below the aircraft but also to coordinate seamlessly with other pilots in terms of altitude, distance, and flight speed to create a visually stunning formation.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyễn Văn Hoàng, Deputy Political Commissar of the 916th Air Regiment, Air Division 371, emphasised, "Executing flag towing missions under the conditions at Điện Biên Airport, surrounded by towering hills, demands meticulous planning and precision to maintain formation and ensure absolute safety."

By Lan Phương – Hà Linh
Comment

You have 500/500 characters left

Please enter 5 or more characters!!!

Maybe you are interested

Recent news

  • 'Điện Biên speeds up implementation of Project 06

    Điện Biên speeds up implementation of Project 06

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - Implementing the government’s Project 06, the provincial Điện Biên Police Department has focused on accelerating administrative reform and digital transformation alongside improving public service quality. Through decisive, scientific, and coordinated efforts, the police force across the province has made significant progress, contributing to building a digital Government and society, enhancing State management efficiency, and meeting local development demands.
  • 'Heroic tradition of Điện Biên Phủ through stories told

    Heroic tradition of Điện Biên Phủ through stories told

    CULTURE - TOURISM -
    ĐBP - With the theme “Proud of tradition - Striding into the future,” the 2025 “Storytelling from Books” competition, held in late October, featured stories told with the innocence, clarity, and rich creativity of students, bringing to life the memories of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory and the heroic tradition of Điện Biên’s army and people. The competition contributed to educating, spreading tradition, and fostering patriotism in the young generation.
  • 'Strengthening deep bond of friendship between Vietnam and Laos

    Strengthening deep bond of friendship between Vietnam and Laos

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - With the motto “Helping friends is helping ourselves,” in recent years, the Điện Biên provincial Border Guard force, in coordination with local party committees and authorities, has effectively implemented the “Twinning of border residential clusters” movement between Vietnam and Laos.
  • 'Điện Biên’s trade and services boom fueled by local mergers and urbanization

    Điện Biên’s trade and services boom fueled by local mergers and urbanization

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - After a series of administrative mergers, the area and population of many communes and wards in Điện Biên province have significantly expanded, creating new space and momentum for local growth. Urbanization tied to commerce and services has emerged as a promising direction, especially in central areas with advantages in location and infrastructure. Across many communes, service trade is taking off following the “boost” of the merger process.
  • 'Motivation for people with disabilities to rise up

    Motivation for people with disabilities to rise up

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Thousands of gifts, wheelchairs, school supplies, and household items are meaningful tokens of sharing from all levels, sectors, and benefactors, given to people with disabilities in Điện Biên province over the years. Though the material value may not be large, they hold heartfelt care and encouragement, helping people with disabilities find more strength and confidence to rise up in life.
  • 'Helping Nậm Kè poor residents have stable life

    Helping Nậm Kè poor residents have stable life

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Identifying that “secure housing” is the foundation for people to “secure livelihoods,” Nậm Kè commune in Điện Biên province has recently implemented many synchronous programs and projects to support the construction and repair of housing for poor, near-poor, and policy-beneficiary households.
  • 'Nà Bủng makes efforts to push back child marriage

    Nà Bủng makes efforts to push back child marriage

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Child marriage and consanguineous marriage are harmful customs that still exist, especially in ethnic minority areas, leaving long-lasting and severe consequences. In the highland commune of Nà Bủng, many communication programs and plans to raise awareness are being synchronously implemented, gradually pushing back and aiming to eliminate the problems of child marriage and consanguineous marriage.
  • 'Điện Biên further develops renewable energy

    Điện Biên further develops renewable energy

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - According to an assessment by the Vietnam Energy Institute, Điện Biên province has the potential to develop wind power with a total capacity of 2,500 - 3,000MW. To date, the total capacity proposed by investors is about 1,400MW.
  • 'Giving a name to Tủa Chùa Shan tuyết tea

    Giving a name to Tủa Chùa Shan tuyết tea

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - At an altitude of over 1,400m, the ancient Tủa Chùa Shan tuyết tea trees quietly stretch in the wind. From the young buds covered in white fluff on the gnarled branches attached to the ancient trunks, the Hmong people of the Tủa Chùa highlands create a rich, pure tea aroma. Now, this specialty, preserved for generations, has been given the geographical indication “Tủa Chùa,” affirming the unique position of a characteristic tea brand of the Northwestern region.
  • 'Improving effectiveness of citizen reception and handling complaints and denunciations

    Improving effectiveness of citizen reception and handling complaints and denunciations

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - In recent times, the work of citizen reception and handling complaints and denunciations has been synchronously and effectively implemented by provincial levels and sectors. This has led to the prompt resolution of issues arising at the grassroots, minimizing complex, level-skipping, and prolonged petitions, and contributing to ensuring political security and social order in the area.
  • 'Upholding glorious tradition of Điện Biên’s inspectorate sector

    Upholding glorious tradition of Điện Biên’s inspectorate sector

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - Through 80 years of construction and development (November 23, 1945 - 2025), the inspectorate sector of Điện Biên province has continuously matured, always striving to overcome difficulties to excellently complete all assigned tasks, no matter the circumstances. The inspectorate sector has affirmed its position as a sharp tool of the Party and State in managing, supervising, and protecting administrative discipline, contributing to building a clean, strong government apparatus that operates for the benefit of people.
  • 'Standing with communities in Vietnam’s westernmost frontier

    Standing with communities in Vietnam’s westernmost frontier

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - In recent years, Economic - Defense Unit 379 under Military Region 2 has emerged as a model unit in implementing the national target program on socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas. Driven by the motto “Serving the people,” its officers and soldiers have helped thousands of households secure stable livelihoods, strengthening this vital frontier region in all aspects: economy, politics, and national defense.
Load more