Members of the Indian Air Force’s acrobatics team ‘Suryakiran’. , Photo credit: K Murali Kumar
Aero India 2023 was organized from February 13 to February 17 at the IAF Yelahanka Airforce Station in Bengaluru. The breathtaking performance by the Surya Kiran acrobatics team has enthralled millions of people across the globe with acrobatic maneuvers.
This has evolved over the years from 50 second intervals between maneuvers to 30 seconds. The team now flies with nine Hawk Mk 132s as part of a flying display. The training for acrobatic performance began with an aircraft. The realignment came in phases with nine aircraft after public demonstrations began in 2015.
The team plan for flight performance is modified based on the terrain. They practice for about six months in a year to improve their maneuverability. Each aircraft uses approximately 500 kg of fuel per demonstration where the aircraft will fly at a speed of approximately 600 km/h.
When flying the aircraft individually, pilots experience 5G to 6G and when performing together, pilots experience up to 4G.
Reporting: Sharath Srivatsa, K Murali Kumar
Video: K Murali Kumar
Production: Abhinay Sriram