Article Posted on : - Feb 14, 2011

The famed Surya Kiran aerobatic team showing manoeuvres at Aero India 2011. Photo: BNS

BANGALORE (BNS): The Surya Kiran aerobatic team (SKAT) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has shown their last performance from HAL HJT-16 Kiran Mk.2 aircraft at the Aero India 2011.

The aircraft gave their last thundering performance on Sunday evening, before retiring from aerobatics after 15 years of service.

The team has fascinated onlookers with their risky, crisp and stunning mid-air complex manoeuvres at the show.

With six aircrafts, Surya Kiran gave their first performance at Aero India in 1996 and by 1999 the team was expanded into nine.

The team was conferred with squadron status in 2006, and presently has the designation of 52 Squadron, Air force ("The Sharks").

The team will now fly Hawk advanced jet trainers at next Aero India. The Kiran aircraft will be sent to the Bidar air force station in Karnataka for training rookie pilots.