The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), a distinguished demonstration ensemble of the Indian Air Force (IAF), epitomises precision, skill and the spirit of aviation excellence. Established in 1996, SKAT swiftly ascended to become an emblematic representation of India’s aerial prowess. Comprising the adept aviators of the 52nd Squadron of the IAF, the team has consistently dazzled audiences across the globe with their breathtaking aerobatic displays. Renowned for their flawless coordination and daring maneuvers, the Suryakiran team executes their performances with finesse and flair, captivating spectators with each meticulously choreographed sequence. As ambassadors of Indian aviation, they continue to inspire admiration and awe, showcasing the prowess and professionalism of the Indian Air Force on both national and international stages. We asked them a few questions and they answered.
Interview with the CO of SKAT
Vayu: Can you describe the exhilaration and challenges of flying in aerobatic formations, and what drew you to become an IAF aerobatic pilot?
Ans. Aerobatic maneuvers at their very core, are combat maneuvers used to describe a geometry by trading height for speed or vice versa in order to gain an edge in combat. Thus, every fighter pilot must gain proficiency in aerobatics in order to exploit the manoeuvrability of the airplane in combat and thus gain an edge. Close formation too has its combat applicability be it air to air refuelling or flying a tight formation hoping to deceive enemy radars into underestimating the number of aircraft. Suryakiran team is different as they are expected to execute aerobatics in formation. Add to this, the fact that there are 9 aircraft in formation (the only team in Asia to do so) and often with members maintaining references with respect to another member maintaining formation to the leader. Thus, in any maneuvers, the outer members traverse a larger path that requires much larger power and control inputs that the others, while the inners have to balance the need to be steady for the sake of the outers, vis a vis the need to give corrections to stay in formation with the leader. Doing this for 30 minutes, in turbulence at just 100 meters of the ground, is both exhilarating and nerve wracking at the same time. It boils down to being professional and being focussed, which all IAF fighter pilots are trained to be since day 1. The everlasting impact that an aerial display or even 54 a flypast has on the citizens of our country whether, within India or abroad, especially the youth, and the pride beaming in the eyes, is what draws pilots to join the Suryakiran team.
Vayu: How does the training process differs for aerobatic pilots compared to regular fighter pilots, and what specific skills and techniques are necessary for executing precision maneuvers?
Ans. The primary difference in training is twofold. Firstly, while all IAF pilots are proficient at aerobatic maneuvers, it is the proximity to ground that would be immediately apparent to any new comer to the team. Secondly, aerobatic maneuvers in formation using another aircraft, rather than the horizon as a reference, is again uncharted territory for most pilots. Thus, the training pattern is structured too gradually to expose and build up the requisite skills and confidence in both these aspects. During the training, pilots initially fly formation aerobatics in formation at higher heights, and single aircraft aerobatics at extreme low heights, and therefore by amalgamating the two aspects and introducing the pilot to formation aerobatics at low level. The number of aircraft in formation directly determines the complexity of the manoeuvre and hence the number of aircraft in formation is gradually increased as the proficiency of the trainee increases. The skill set required is often a highly refined and specialised sub–set of the skills all IAF fighter pilots possess. The primary skill sets would be hand eye coordination, fast reactions, anticipation and an ability to position and maintain the aircraft with respect to extremely specific reference points and hold it there for 30 mins.
Vayu: What safety measures and precautions are taken during aerobatic displays to ensure the wellbeing of pilots and spectators?
Ans. Pilot and spectator safety is the number one consideration be it when planning and executing any specific manoeuvre or when planning and executing a display. Every manoeuvre the team performs has built in safety margins and very clear abort criteria in case those safety margins are infringed upon. The pilots of the team represent some of the very best the IAF has to offer and go through a rigorous selection process before being selected to the team. Once selected, they undergo a comprehensive syllabus that sees them training for almost six months before they are qualified to carry out a display. Spectator safety is a natural product of the extensive training and preparation inherent to the display teams. Firstly, there are strict guidelines on how the display is to be conducted and positioning of maneuvers with respect to the crowd so as to keep the audience safe in any eventuality. Secondly, an extensive network of Bird Hazard Control Team (BHCT) is deployed during any display to ensure a relatively secure environment to operate in, as well as to inform the team well in advance in case of any eventuality that requires the pilot’s attention. Clear and safe areas free of population, close to the display site are thoroughly researched, studied and briefed for every display site. Lastly, the civil administration too has a large role to play by ensuring crowd management and proper waste management, to reduce bird hazard.
Vayu: How do you maintain composure and focus while performing intricate aerobatic maneuvers especially in high stress situations or during an air show?
Ans. Performing at maximum cognitive and physical capacity under high stress is something all IAF pilots are trained for. In essence, this does not change be it in air–to– air combat, air to ground work, air to air refuelling or any other mission. It is honing and refining the capability to maintain composure and focus, that the team’s extensive pre display season syllabus focuses on. The approach taken is an extremely professional one and the results achieved are a result of years of training and practice that make the pilot in the cockpit focus on the job at hand.
Vayu: Can you share any memorable moments or experiences you’ve had while participating in air shows or competitions as an IAF pilot?
Ans. Perhaps two memorable instances that come to mind would be the newly resurrected team’s first ever nine aircraft display on the Hawk MK 132 at Air Force Station Hindan on Air Force Day 2017. This was testimony to the steep learning curve, professionalism and commitment of the team, leading to rapid upgradation from a four aircraft team in 2015 to six in 2016 and finally nine in 2017. The second most memorable instance would be the AF day display this year conducted over the iconic Sangam at Prayagraj. The public response was overwhelming and on the final day, it was hard to even pick up the ground features that we use as reference for maneuvers, due to a sea of people occupying every vacant space on ground.
Vayu: What are some of the key factors that contribute to a successful aerobatic team performance and how do you establish trust and synchronisation with your fellow aerobatic pilots?
Ans. A successful aerobatic team performance is a coming together of myriad factors. This starts from the ground preparation such as the study of the display site, planning of the profile, liaising with the organising authority for various administrative requirements, airspace requirements, maintenance requirements and the logistics of planning operations from the nearest airfield. Our team commentator has a key role in weaving together a narrative that combines the socio–cultural and historic significance of the occasion, with descriptions of the maneuvers in a way that appeals to the audience and is easily assimilated. The trust amongst pilots is forged right from a new entrant’s, first foray into the world of fighter flying. This forms a significant trait that is evaluated when an aspirant applies to the team. The trust and synchronisation are thereafter built upon all through the training season and syllabus. It culminates into the 9 aircraft formations where trust and synchronisation are key factors. This is because you fly looking at one aircraft for reference but you have 8 other aircraft within 5 metres of you. They are often not looking at you nor are you looking at them, yet the safety lies in the innate trust that they would maintain position no matter what. Without trust and synchronisation, the formations would not be so tight nor so complex.
Vayu: How do you adapt your flying techniques and strategies when transitioning from regular fighter operations to aerobatic displays?
Ans. The Hawk being a training aircraft does not have the same thrust reserve as a fighter aircraft and thus a pilot has to be much more aware of energy management during every manoeuvre especially when in close proximity to ground. Similarly, the lack of fly by wire or autopilot makes the flying far more hands–on as compared to modern fighters that the team pilots are used to flying. Furthermore, formation aerobatic flying is more reliant on reflexes and hand–eye coordination. As compared to a fighter aircraft, there is relatively less system management involved, however the flying is entirely manual with no automation whatsoever in terms of autopilot etc.
Vayu: What role does precision and timing play in executing aerobatic maneuvers and how do you practice and perfect these skills during training?
Ans. A large contributor to the impact of any manoeuvre is precision and timing of execution. Thus, executing a manoeuvre perfectly in isolation would not have a desired impact. Similarly, a perfectly timed manoeuvre executed inaccurately (for example well left of the crowd) would not yield the required results. As would be appreciated in a 30 mins display, inaccuracy in timing or geographical positioning or imprecision in execution of a manoeuvre would have snowball effects onto the rest of the display. Hence, the training for this is as important as training for the manoeuvre in itself, and this is what the team trains to for 6 months of the year. The training season is often more gruelling than the display season and every manoeuvre of every practice is videographed and thoroughly debriefed until the required standards are achieved. The practise of video graphing and debriefing is an ongoing process after every display.
Vayu: Can you discuss the level of coordination and communication required between the pilot and ground control during performances, and how it affects the overall display?
Ans. The communication with ground control can broadly be classified into two categories vis a vis communication with agencies such as ATC and the team’s safety observer on ground. Both these form essential parts of any successful display. Most of the times, the Suryakiran display is on strict timelines and part of a larger airshow with many participating aircraft that are often airborne from other parts of the country. For example, the AF Day display at Sangam had over 100 aircraft participating in the show. The team is given a very specific entry time (down to the seconds) and a specific duration of profile that must be adhered to. Towards this, air traffic control has a crucial role to play in keeping 100 aircraft within a very limited geographical space adequately separated whilst facilitating climb/descend etc in the most convenient way, keeping in mind the capabilities and limitations of each individual aerial platform. They also have the key task in assessing the flow of events on ground and giving time corrections to the team so that the team can make a perfectly timed entrance each and every time. Once the team commences its display, the only person on ground the team is in contact with is the safety observer, who is a member of the team and a display qualified pilot. The safety observer assimilates and filters all information from various ground control agencies including bird watchers and safety services and is responsible for the timely yet brief transmission of the information to the team if relevant at that stage. He is also responsible to communicate to the team regarding visual appeal and could tell the team to shift closer or away from the crowd depending on how the formations and maneuvers appear from ground.
Vayu: Looking ahead, what advancements or changes do you anticipate in the field of aerobatics, and how do you think they will shape the future of Indian Air Force aerobatic displays?
Ans. I think, the advent of highly manoeuvrable aircraft platform bodes well in terms of aerobatic capabilities of aircraft in the future. Even today, 4th and 5th gen aircraft that perform at air shows appear to defy the laws of physics and aerodynamics. This manoeuvrability and ability to have “carefree” handling would only increase in the coming days and certainly exciting times are in store for both pilots as well as spectators. I also think the advent of swarm drone technology and manned/unmanned teaming has exciting possibilities in the field of formation aerobatics. Machines would necessarily not be limited by aeromedical limitations (such as high G) that human pilots are subject to, and thus allow to push the boundaries even further. It would be an ideal stage to showcase the seamless synergy and interoperability between man and the machine to achieve common objectives with flawless precision.
Article, interview and all photos by Mayyank Kaul (Twitter @ThrustVectorNeo and Instagram ThrustVectorNeo)