New Delhi: Surya Kirans, the Indian Air Force's dare-devil aerobatic squadron is all set to spread its wings in skies once again.
The Surya Kiran squadron will perform almost after four years as their last performance was in Bangalore in February 2011. They were grounded because the Air Force faced a severe shortage of training aircraft. With the induction of British Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer, the situation is less bleak now.
The Surya Kiran squadron will commence their flying displays within six to eight months. An official announcement to this effect will be made soon. The Surya Kirans, who form the Air Force's 52 Squadron known as "The Sharks" will once again be based in Bidar in Andhra Pradesh.
Formed in 1999 to serve as Ambassadors of the Indian Air Force, Surya Kirans were among three internationally renowned nine-aircraft public display aerobatic formations. They have performed distinctive airshows in India, China and other countries.
Air Force is also believed to have decided against renaming the Surya Kirans, and the aircraft will likely be painted with a variation of their distinctive orange and white livery.
The process of re-training Surya Kiran pilots in the art of aerobatic flight on new Hawk aircraft will not be easy and all nine aircraft will not fly in formation together from the very onset.
The buildup to nine aircraft will be gradual, and the level of difficulty in close formation flying will be progressively enhanced.
