Surya Kiran team set to dazzle Jodhpur skies

JODHPUR: `Concert in the Sky' shall see the resurrected Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team (SKAT) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) presenting a gripping precision aerial display on October 26 and 27 here in

Jodhpur

.
This will be the second time that the team will hit the Rajasthan skies after making its debut in March 18 at Pokhran to mark Iron Fist 2016.

The performance shall be a part of the Air Force Anniversary Celebrations. Akash Ganga Skydiving tam of IAF will also showcase its skills on the occasion.

The revived daredevil aerobatics team of IAF is renowned for its formation flying, spectacular feats and manoeuvres.These will include turns such as wingovers, loops and barrel rolls, and manoeuvres like splits, level and rolling crosses in addition to inverted runs and the heart loop, etc.

Raising a toast to stunt flying aficionados, SKAT will be carrying out the close passes, brand formations and breathtaking rolls and loops on British-origin Hawk aircraft.

Though dismantled about four years back, the aerial acrobatics team was rechristened again as Surya Kiran and, currently, comprises six Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) Hawk aircraft. Its maiden performance after revival was on October 8, 2015 during the Air Force Day celebrations at Hindon air base.

These Hawk aircraft have been given to the team of 52 Squadron known as Sharks from the fighter training establishment at Bidar.

However, officials reported that with a case being made to induct another 20 Hawk Mk132 aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and experienced fighter pilots from various streams training at a fast pace, the SKAT may soon become the nine aircraft team of the old. Among the four nine airaft aerobatics teams of the craft aerobatics teams of the world, the erstwhile SKAT came into existence in 1996. The squadron located at Bidar Air Force station in Karnataka and performed aerial manoeuvres on Kiran Mk II basic jet trainer of the IAF. However, with the grounding of HPT-32 trainers, Kiran Mk II had to be diverted for ab initio training of rookie pilots of the IAF.

The Mean Flying Machine

Manufactured by the

BAE

systems of Britain, these tailor-made

Hawks

shall be assembled by HAL at its Bengaluru facility for SKAT. Unlike the routine Hawk jet trainer aircraft, these shall be fitted with smoke pots for leaving billows of colourful smoke. Hawk boasts of a speed over and above Kiran Mk II. It is also being used by Red Arrows, the aerobatics team of the British Royal Air Force.

Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, Location Guesser and Mini Crossword. Spread love this holiday season with these Christmas wishes, messages, and quotes.