Surya kirans IAF s Aerobatics team whose death defying manouevers leave audience spellbound

Surya Kiran (Source: IAF Facebook)

On the 85th Air Force Day, the IAF's demonstration team, the Surya Kirans, took to the skies at Hindan Air Base at Ghaziabad on Sunday to paint the skies red and white, enthralling the audience with their awe-inspiring world-class aerobatics display. The 9-aircraft Surya Kiran team left the audience spellbound with some jaw dropping maneuvers which were executed to perfection. The team currently has 14 pilots and is led by Gp Capt A Kulkarni. All of the pilots belong to the fighters stream of the IAF and are specially selected. They all have a high level of experience and proficiency on various frontline fighter aircraft. So here is all you need to know about IAF's Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT)

Surya Kiran (Source: IAF Facebook)

The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) (Surya Kiran is Sanskrit for Sun Rays) is an aerobatics demonstration team of the Indian Air Force. They were formed in 1996 and are successors to the Thunderbolts.

Surya Kiran (Source: IAF Facebook)

The team has a total of 14 pilots (selected from the fighter stream of the IAF) and the team is based at the Indian Air Force Station, Bidar in Karnataka.

Surya Kiran (Source: IAF Facebook)

The team operates 9 HAL HJT-16 Kiran Mk.2 trainer aircraft painted in a "day-glo orange" and white colour scheme.

Surya Kiran (Source: IAF Facebook)

The Surya Kiran team were conferred squadron status in 2006, and presently have the designation of 52 Squadron ("The Sharks").

Surya Kiran (Source: IAF Facebook)

The IAF has begun the process of converting Surya Kirans to BAE Hawks.