New Skat aerobatic team to perform at Air Force Day

The new Skat Aerobatic display team comprising of four Hawk aircraft will make its maiden appearance on the 83rd Air Force Day Parade on October 8, the Indian Air Force said on Tuesday.

Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) was disbanded four years ago because of shortage of aircraft. It used to fly ageing Kiran trainers but now has shifted to advanced Hawk jets.

An official statement said the air display on Air Force Day will commence with flag bearing sky divers of famous Akash Ganga Team dropping out of AN-32 aircraft in their colourful canopies.

The Air Force Day Parade will start with a fly past of three Mi-17 V5 helicopters with ensign of Indian Air Force in a "vic" or v-shaped formation'.

This will be followed by Hercules formation comprising of three C-130J aircraft in the same formation.

The fighter fly past will be led by three Jaguar in Vic formation, closely followed by three Bison in Vic formation, followed by SU-30 aircraft.

Vintage Tigermoth and Harvard will fly past at low level.

Next will be a C-17 aircraft flanked by two SU-30 aircraft.

This would be followed by aerobatic display by a Pilatus once again making its debut. Sarang Helicopter display team will perform their famous air display as a grand finale.

The Indian Air Force meanwhile appealed to the people of Delhi, Ghaziabad and surrounding areas not to throw food in open, as it will attract birds which can be a threat to the aircraft.

A statement also requested citizens to inform if any animal carcass is found lying in open.