The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Surya Kiran aerobatic team staged its first air show over Meerut on Saturday, with nine Hawk Mk-132 aircraft performing formations and aerobatic manoeuvres before thousands of spectators at the New Integrated Township in Mohiuddinpur.
The aircraft took off from Hindon Air Base and reached Meerut at around 10:25 am. The team performed loops, barrel rolls, inverted flight and the DNA manoeuvre, with some aircraft flying at an altitude of around 100 to 150 feet. The Surya Kiran aerobatic team, part of 52 Squadron, was established in 1996. It has 13 pilots, with nine flying during displays. The proposal for the Meerut air show was sent on May 13 and received approval on September 8, according to Rajya Sabha MP Laxmikant Vajpayee.
Three squadron leaders from Meerut are associated with the Surya Kiran team. Squadron leaders Aman Goyal and Rahul Singh participated in the aerial display, while squadron leader Sharad Goyal managed the show from the ground. “When the two aircraft came face-to-face, I literally stopped breathing. “I felt very proud seeing the aircraft fly amid trails in the colours of the Tricolour. Pilots with fighter aircraft experience are selected for the team. The district administration made arrangements for traffic management, parking and drinking water.
Now I also want to pursue a career in the Air Force,” spectator Anubhav said. Student Ananya said the display would remain memorable for her. I will remember this day more than any chapter studied at school,” she said.
The display began with a V-shaped formation before the aircraft dispersed and regrouped within seconds.
