In a bid to attract youth towards joining the service, the Indian Air Force on Monday flagged off a bus with simulator, and aircraft models which will go to various parts of the country.The Induction Publicity Exhibition Vehicle (IPEV) is a bus modified to show the various facets and the working of the IAF to aspirants across the country.The vehicle houses an information zone which would give aspirants all career-related information.It also has an experience zone in which one can enjoy the thrill of various IAF activities like Sarang aerobatics, Air Warrior Drill Team, and flying through Glasstron goggles.The vehicle also has a simulator zone where one can experience flying various aircraft.The aircraft model zone displays latest aircraft in its inventory with their features and videos.
"This bus is basically meant for encouraging our youth all over the country... to get them acquainted with the IAF as a career, as a way of life. I think we need to reach out to all the young boys and girls to (motivate them to) join the air force," Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha said.An official statement said the IAF has been "exploring innovative means to connect to the tech-savvy and button-friendly generation bringing IAF closer to the life through impact of direct contact programmes".Last year, the IAF launched an air combat 3D mobile game for this.The bus, which cost Rs.2 crore, will visit educational institutes across the country."The creatively designed exteriors and state-of-the-art equipment like touch panels, tabs, simulator and video screens would provide the right platform for IAF branding and publicity to today's youth," the statement added.