IAF’s Surya Kiran to Grace the Skies: Spectacular Airshow Set for ICC World Cup Finals!

The Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran aerobatic team will perform a ten-minute air show before the India vs Australia ICC World Cup final on November 19 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

As reported by PTI citing the Defence PRO for Gujarat, the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team will fascinate people for ten minutes before the start of the final match to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in the Motera area.

The IAF’s Surya Kiran aerobatic team typically consists of nine aircraft and has showcased its skills in various air shows nationwide.

The team is recognized for its distinctive display, featuring loop maneuvers in victory formation, barrel roll maneuvers, and the creation of various shapes in the sky.

You need to know about IAF’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team

• Founded in 1996, the Surya Kiran team has been designated as the official brand ambassador for the Air Force. They are a part of the 52nd Squadron of the Indian Air Force.
• The Surya Kiran team is known for its air shows and demonstrations on both national and international levels. The team has also performed with distinction in airshows in India, China, and other countries.
• The team contains 13 pilots, with only 9 actively flying at any given time. Pilots undergo a selection process twice a year, and those chosen serve on a three-year tour of duty with the team.
• Surya Kiran means ‘sunbeam’ in Sanskrit. The team operates Hawk MK 132 aircraft, which are advanced jet trainers. Earlier, they were using the Kiran Mk II aircraft, reported PTI.
• The hallmark of its demonstration is loop maneuvers in victory formation, barrel roll maneuvers, and formation of various shapes in the sky, reported PTI.

The team typically performs over 30 shows each year. During training, they fly three times a day, and during aerobatic displays, they fly twice daily. The nine aircraft take off in groups of three, forming close formations with wingtips less than 5 meters apart. The maneuvers involve speeds from 150 to 650 km/h, subjecting pilots to g-forces ranging from +6 to –1.5, showcasing their precision and skill.

Team members undergo rigorous training to master the intricacies of aerobatic maneuvers. The expertise of the pilots and their seamless coordination are key factors contributing to the te