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Monday, November 25, 2013
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Adrift: The Hidden Gem of the Year
By Sumeet Shetty
Adrift begins with a blonde woman reading a book on an idyllic beach in the Andamans. When the book is revealed to be based on a real-life incident and ‘situation-inappropriate’, what she’s reading seems especially portentous and one shudders to think what will happen next. A few pages later, the book in question is revealed to have the silhouette of a big fish on the cover, probably a shark. Peter Benchley’s Jaws? V Sudarshan keeps us guessing, but in the meantime terrifies us with his spare and unsentimental, almost Hitchcockian description of a crocodile attack.
Adrift is the true story of Commander Baath, his guests Bruno Beauregard and Camille Pascal, his staff Rama Rao Senior and Rama Rao Junior and Himanshu Mallik; and their week-long tryst with destiny, adrift in the Andaman Sea. It is perhaps India’s first creative non-fiction seafaring story, and is written by a senior journalist and editor eminently qualified to tell the tale. Sudarshan’s previous book -- Anatomy of an Abduction: How the Indian Hostages in Iraq Were Freed -- was an incisive and well-written account of the 2004 kidnapping in Iraq of seven truck drivers, three of whom were from India.
On a placid March morning, the protagonists of Adrift embark on a diving trip in a dinghy,from Port Blair to Sir Hugh Rose Island, just 20 nautical miles away. An unexpected encounter with whales, and the detour to capture the experience on film ends with them,literally and figuratively, at sea.
Sudarshan chooses to tell this tale, which he heard second-hand in a coffee shop, in the simple present tense, which immediately renders the readers active participants aboard the very dinghy that the principal characters survive on, and are trapped in. The action at sea is interspersed with biographical sketches of the principal characters and their families. He makes his protagonists memorable, and masterfully captures their personality and character : sometimes saying more by what is left unsaid, and inviting the reader to probe the shadows and fill in the blanks.
Bruno Beauregard reminds us about the limits of technology and the thin line between an adventure and a death-wish. Camille Pascal endures her crises with dignity and, at one point, even invokes Tintin, Captain Haddock and billions of blue blistering barnacles while being stranded at sea!
Rama Rao Senior imaginatively pushes the envelope on the nomenclature of sharks (badmash machchi), while Rama Rao Junior gets us addicted to sukka, and eerily reminds us of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner during his abduction of a bird.
However, it is Commander Baath who emerges as the unmistakable hero of this saga: a seafaring Steve Waugh, who handles his people and resources with imagination and composure. It is his leadership that steers his dinghy and his compatriots out of their crisis.
V Sudarshan’s instincts as a senior journalist and editor serve him well for his fiction debut, allowing him to flesh out an absorbing story in a style reminiscent of literary minimalism.
A riveting tale of survival, perseverance and fortitude, Adrift is a fine addition to V Sudarshan’s body of work and is, in this reviewer’s opinion, the hidden gem of the year.
________________________________________
Sumeet Shetty is a Development Manager with SAP Labs India and the President of Literati, India’s largest corporate book-club. This review is specifically done for the defence blog Tarmak007.
Adrift begins with a blonde woman reading a book on an idyllic beach in the Andamans. When the book is revealed to be based on a real-life incident and ‘situation-inappropriate’, what she’s reading seems especially portentous and one shudders to think what will happen next. A few pages later, the book in question is revealed to have the silhouette of a big fish on the cover, probably a shark. Peter Benchley’s Jaws? V Sudarshan keeps us guessing, but in the meantime terrifies us with his spare and unsentimental, almost Hitchcockian description of a crocodile attack.
Adrift is the true story of Commander Baath, his guests Bruno Beauregard and Camille Pascal, his staff Rama Rao Senior and Rama Rao Junior and Himanshu Mallik; and their week-long tryst with destiny, adrift in the Andaman Sea. It is perhaps India’s first creative non-fiction seafaring story, and is written by a senior journalist and editor eminently qualified to tell the tale. Sudarshan’s previous book -- Anatomy of an Abduction: How the Indian Hostages in Iraq Were Freed -- was an incisive and well-written account of the 2004 kidnapping in Iraq of seven truck drivers, three of whom were from India.
On a placid March morning, the protagonists of Adrift embark on a diving trip in a dinghy,from Port Blair to Sir Hugh Rose Island, just 20 nautical miles away. An unexpected encounter with whales, and the detour to capture the experience on film ends with them,literally and figuratively, at sea.
Sudarshan chooses to tell this tale, which he heard second-hand in a coffee shop, in the simple present tense, which immediately renders the readers active participants aboard the very dinghy that the principal characters survive on, and are trapped in. The action at sea is interspersed with biographical sketches of the principal characters and their families. He makes his protagonists memorable, and masterfully captures their personality and character : sometimes saying more by what is left unsaid, and inviting the reader to probe the shadows and fill in the blanks.
Bruno Beauregard reminds us about the limits of technology and the thin line between an adventure and a death-wish. Camille Pascal endures her crises with dignity and, at one point, even invokes Tintin, Captain Haddock and billions of blue blistering barnacles while being stranded at sea!
Rama Rao Senior imaginatively pushes the envelope on the nomenclature of sharks (badmash machchi), while Rama Rao Junior gets us addicted to sukka, and eerily reminds us of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner during his abduction of a bird.
However, it is Commander Baath who emerges as the unmistakable hero of this saga: a seafaring Steve Waugh, who handles his people and resources with imagination and composure. It is his leadership that steers his dinghy and his compatriots out of their crisis.
V Sudarshan’s instincts as a senior journalist and editor serve him well for his fiction debut, allowing him to flesh out an absorbing story in a style reminiscent of literary minimalism.
A riveting tale of survival, perseverance and fortitude, Adrift is a fine addition to V Sudarshan’s body of work and is, in this reviewer’s opinion, the hidden gem of the year.
________________________________________
Sumeet Shetty is a Development Manager with SAP Labs India and the President of Literati, India’s largest corporate book-club. This review is specifically done for the defence blog Tarmak007.
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| Summet Shetty |
Shaping winners: NCC Academy to come up in Bangalore soon
By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service
Bangalore: The city will soon boast of a state-of-the-art training
facility for the National Cadet Corps (NCC). To be located at Vidyanagar
near Yelahanka, the work for the `40-crore 'NCC Academy' has already
begun and it will be completed in the next three years. Once functional,
the 39 Karnataka NCC Battalion will spearhead all its missions from the
Academy.Express News Service
In an interview to Express, Air Commodore C Rajeev, Deputy Director General, NCC Directorate (Karnataka & Goa), said that the state government allotted 8.2 acres and the completion of the Academy will be done in phases. “Karnataka is the best supported state in terms of infrastructure and funding for NCC. The Academy will propel all our future plans and it will consist of modern training facilities, including a firing range. We are also building a hostel for 600 boys and girls at the new facility,” Rajeev said.
With over 21,000 cadets enrolled to NCC in Bangalore, Rajeev said the Academy is sure to spread awareness among more schools and colleges. “Training is the key and we have also upgraded our patterns in tune with the changing times. In addition, we are now focussing on waste management, tree plantation and lake cleaning. The NCC Academy will further our cause of igniting more minds to join the armed forces,” Rajeev added.
Former Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal (retd) Fali Homi Major said that the proposed NCC Academy will be a great value addition to Bangalore, often referred to as the Aerospace Capital of India. “I am really glad that an Academy of this stature is coming up in our city. In my reckoning, NCC training must be made compulsory at least for an year for every single student in this country. I am sure the new NCC Academy will give a great impetus for the future of the Indian Air Force, the Indian Army, the Indian Navy,” says Major.
Major General (retd) K S Venugopal, former General Officer Commanding, Kerala and Karnataka Sub Area, Indian Army, said that NCC instructors will benefit the most from the Academy. “Most of the colleges and schools depute one teacher as the NCC officer, and the Academy is sure to raise the standards of their training pattern. The new facility can train the senior and junior divisions together, which will benefit the cadets immensely,” Venugopal said.
According to him, the Academy will attract more students towards NCC. “People should understand the value of NCC as it can make every student a disciplined human being. Being part of NCC is a great service to the nation and it can help youth empowerment. I hope every state has an NCC Academy,” Venugopal added.
The news of the new NCC Academy was welcomed with delight by Christ University, which has set up a unit right from its inception. “We are aware that the NCC Karnataka Directorate was planning to upscale their activities. We give top most priority to NCC in our college, though there are many dropouts. The students coming from rural areas are serious about their commitment towards NCC, while those from cities have a tendency to back out. I am sure that the new Academy will inspire more students and hope the authorities will give more propaganda about their missions,” said Fr Abraham Vettiyankal, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Christ University.
R-Day Camp: The NCC Karnataka Directorate will begin their preparations for participation in next year's Republic Day Parade from November 25. The camp will initially have 140 cadets out of which 108 will be selected for the grand Parade in Delhi.
Copyright@The New Indian Express
Monday, November 18, 2013
TU 142M LRMR Sqn turns 25
INAS 312 Maritime Reconnaissance Squadron of the Eastern Naval Command, based at Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu, celebrated its Silver Jubilee Anniversary on today, 18 Nov. The Silver Jubilee celebrations of operations of the TU 142M aircraft, with the moniker `Albatross' were-held at INS Rajali, a premier Naval Air Station operating under the control of the Eastern Naval Command. The celebrations were kicked off with a Seminar on Maritime Operations held at INS Rajali on Sunday. Vice Admiral (Retd) Dilip Deshpande, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, himself a member of the Commissioning Crew, delivered the key note address at the Seminar.
Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command was the Chief Guest at the Anniversary events that followed, that included a Cultural Evening and at the station reception held that evening, wherein he unveiled the Silver Jubilee Plaque to commemorate the event and also released a Coffee Table Book recounting the glorious journey of the Squadron.
Vice Admiral Chopra reviewed the Squadron personnel on parade today, 18 Nov and cut the customary Anniversary cake. A special day postal cover was also released on this occasion by the Commander-in-Chief, in the presence of Post Master General of Chennai, Shri Mervin Alexander. This was followed by a Fly-past in which aircraft from both the Eastern and Western Naval Commands, comprising Chetak helicopters, Dornier, IL38 SD, P8I and the TU 142 M took part.
Though originally commissioned on this day in 1976 with the Super Constellation aircraft, the Squadron was re-commissioned with the Tupolov 142 M aircraft, in 1988, by the then Defence Minister, late Shri KC Pant. Through the years the `Albatross' has rendered yeoman service to the Nation, keeping up with modern developments and advancements in avionics and role equipment, through several retro-fitments/ modifications; the `Mighty Bird' remains an effective Force Multiplier for the Indian Navy and at the forefront of all maritime operations, taking part in all major naval exercises and operations since its induction into Service. As an acknowledgment of this unflinching contribution, the Squadron was awarded a `Unit Citation', `Best Frontline Squadron' Trophy twice, the `CNS Flight Safety' Trophy for four times, and was runners up for the `Best Frontline Squadron' twice. Over the last 25 years of operations, the Squadron has flown over 28,000 hours of incident and accident free flying on the TU 142 M aircraft. The Squadron is presently commanded by Commander P Mahesh Raju, an alumnus of the Rashtriya Indian Military College and National Defence Academy.
BrahMos validates deep penetration capability during test firing at Pokhran
(Unedited Release)
An advanced version of BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile system was successfully test fired by the Indian Army at the Pokhran test range in Rajasthan at 1055 hours on Monday 18th November 2013.The Block III variant of BRAHMOS with deep penetration capability was test launched from a Mobile Autonomous Launcher (MAL) deployed in full configuration with Mobile command Post (MCP) . The missile after launch followed the predetermined trajectory and successfully pierced the designated concrete structure at bull’s eye owing to sheer velocity of the missile.
“The launch has successfully validated the deep penetration capability of the supersonic cruise missile system against hardened targets,” a company official said.
Core Commander Lt. General Amit Sharma who witnessed the launch along with GoC’s and senior officers from the Indian Army congratulated the operational Army team for the successful launch. CEO & MD BrahMos along with senior officials from MoD and scientists from DRDO and BrahMos Aerospace also witnessed the launch.
The Block III variant of land-attack BRAHMOS has already established its credence in achieving supersonic steep dive with precision strike capability in mountain operations.
The Army has inducted two regiments of the missile in its arsenal, while the third regiment induction is in progress.
The sanction by the Government for the Fourth regiment of the highly maneuverable steep dive capable missile for deployment in hilly terrains is awaited.
The 290-km BRAHMOS flies at a speed of 2.8 Mach and carries a conventional warhead of up to 300 kg. The missile can be launched from multiple platforms including land, sea, sub-sea and air.
Both the Army and Navy have already inducted the missile in service, while the air-version of the weapon is scheduled to be flight tested by the IAF soon.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
NCC enrolment goes up in Karnataka
A conscious effort is being made to increase the intake of girls in Karnataka NCC. (Inset) Air Commodore C Rajeev, Deputy Director General, NCC Directorate, Karnataka & Goa.
By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service
Bangalore: With more than 100 schools and colleges waiting to set up National Cadet Corps (NCC) units, the request for enrollments has gone up in Karnataka. Currently, the state has around 72,000 cadets enrolled in NCC, of which 34 per cent are girls. It is among the first few states to fulfil the Central Advisory Committee guidelines on increasing the representations of girl cadets.
In an interview to Express, Air Commodore C Rajeev, Deputy Director General, NCC Directorate (Karnataka & Goa) said that most girls enrolled come from humble family backgrounds. “It's a life-changing experience for these girls, especially when they handle fire arms and overcome obstacle courses. We take lot of care to groom these girls to handle different situations,” Rajeev said.
The state has currently 56 NCC units, including Army, Air Force and Naval wings. The strength of each unit varies from 300 to 2600, with the Army getting the major share. Six NCC groups form the Karnataka and Goa Directorate, with two in Bangalore, and one each in Mysore, Mangalore, Belgaum and Bellary. The three battalions of Goa are attached to Belgaum.
The major attraction for most cadets is the prospects of getting selected for the Republic Day Parade, while some use the NCC certificate for getting admissions to professional courses. While no data is available as to how many NCC cadets eventually join the Services, Rajeev said that there are over 14 lakh cadets across India constituting just three-four per cent of the total population. “Karnataka provides the right mix of students in NCC. Those from the Hyderabad-Karnataka region are sturdy, robust and physically agile, while the cadets from Bangalore excel in their communication skills. The support from the state government over the years played an inspiring role in NCC's growth in Karnataka,” Rajeev said.
He said the NCC has adopted a new training philosophy with more focus being given to the personality development skills. “While the military training forms the core of NCC philosophy, we are now paying more attention to individual development of every cadet. Experts from Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development from Sriperumbudur conduct classes for our trainers regularly. Our trainers in turn look into various aspects of individual growth. Gender sensitivity issues are also taught at various NCC camps,” Rajeev said.
Express News Service
Bangalore: With more than 100 schools and colleges waiting to set up National Cadet Corps (NCC) units, the request for enrollments has gone up in Karnataka. Currently, the state has around 72,000 cadets enrolled in NCC, of which 34 per cent are girls. It is among the first few states to fulfil the Central Advisory Committee guidelines on increasing the representations of girl cadets.
In an interview to Express, Air Commodore C Rajeev, Deputy Director General, NCC Directorate (Karnataka & Goa) said that most girls enrolled come from humble family backgrounds. “It's a life-changing experience for these girls, especially when they handle fire arms and overcome obstacle courses. We take lot of care to groom these girls to handle different situations,” Rajeev said.
The state has currently 56 NCC units, including Army, Air Force and Naval wings. The strength of each unit varies from 300 to 2600, with the Army getting the major share. Six NCC groups form the Karnataka and Goa Directorate, with two in Bangalore, and one each in Mysore, Mangalore, Belgaum and Bellary. The three battalions of Goa are attached to Belgaum.
The major attraction for most cadets is the prospects of getting selected for the Republic Day Parade, while some use the NCC certificate for getting admissions to professional courses. While no data is available as to how many NCC cadets eventually join the Services, Rajeev said that there are over 14 lakh cadets across India constituting just three-four per cent of the total population. “Karnataka provides the right mix of students in NCC. Those from the Hyderabad-Karnataka region are sturdy, robust and physically agile, while the cadets from Bangalore excel in their communication skills. The support from the state government over the years played an inspiring role in NCC's growth in Karnataka,” Rajeev said.
He said the NCC has adopted a new training philosophy with more focus being given to the personality development skills. “While the military training forms the core of NCC philosophy, we are now paying more attention to individual development of every cadet. Experts from Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development from Sriperumbudur conduct classes for our trainers regularly. Our trainers in turn look into various aspects of individual growth. Gender sensitivity issues are also taught at various NCC camps,” Rajeev said.
Copyright@The New Indian Express
Saturday, November 16, 2013
INS Vikramaditya commissioned
By Sitanshu Kar, MoD Spokesperson
(From Sevmash Shipyard, Russia)
Marking a new high in India-Russia strategic cooperation, the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony today commissioned the completely refurbished 44,500 tonne carrier Admiral Gorshkov into the Indian Navy as INS Vikramaditya at an impressive ceremony at sub zero temperature in the wind- swept Sevmash Shipyard in the beautiful city of Severodvinsk in Russia. Snow flakes kept falling as the ceremony was held. (From Sevmash Shipyard, Russia)
Speaking at the event, Shri Antony said INS Vikramaditya would significantly enhance the reach and capability of the Indian Navy. He said, the country has a rich maritime history and the Indian Ocean has guided our fate over the centuries.
“India’s economic development is dependent on the seas and safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests is central to our national policy. Aircraft carriers have been part of the Indian Navy’s force structure since our independence and have effectively served the country over the past five decades or so. The induction of ‘Vikramaditya’ with its integral MiG29K fighters and Kamov-31 helicopters, not only reinforces this central policy, but also adds a new dimension to our Navy’s operational capabilities. The meaning of ‘Vikramaditya’, which literally translates into “Strong as the Sun” is complemented by the Ship’s motto –“Strike Far, Strike Sure”,he said.
Reflecting the mood at the ceremony, Shri Antony said, ‘the event realizes the vision of capability-based transformation of the Indian Navy that was conceived more than a decade ago’. Calling it a Red Letter Day in the history of India- Russia cooperation, Shri Antony said this relationship remains a matter of the highest priority for both nations for our mutual benefit and as a factor of global peace and stability.
“The successful culmination of Project 11430 truly symbolizes the time-tested Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between our two great nations. The Project has propelled the strategic partnership between our nations to a new level. The relationship between our two countries based on mutual trust and belief has withstood the test of time and the result is for the entire world to see in the form of ‘Vikramaditya’. As the ship sails into its home waters in the Indian Ocean Region, INS ‘Vikramaditya’ will be a befitting tribute to our long-standing relationship”, he said.
Describing the Project 11430 as a unique one, Shri Antony said, it was a challenging task for both the Russian and the Indian sides and congratulated the entire team for converting the ‘Dream Project’ into a reality. “The transformation of INS ‘Vikramaditya’ is an engineering marvel, which has tested the professionalism, capability and perseverance of the Indian Navy and the Russian industry, especially the Sevmash Shipyard”, he said and expressed confidence that all possible support would be extended by Russia to ensure that the ship serves India effectively and efficiently for the duration of its expected operational life cycle.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral DK Joshi said the INS Vikramaditya will bridge the time-gap that may come up between the INS Viraat and the Indigenously built aircraft carrier Vikrant.It will also help achieving our medium term goal of operating two aircraft carriers.
A large number of dignitaries including the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Mr Dmitry Rogozin and Defence Minister Mr Shoigu, the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral DK Joshi, the Indian Ambassador to Russia Shri Ajay Malhotra, the Defence Secretary Shri RK Mathur, the DG Acquisition Shri SB Agnihotri were present on the occasion.
Mr Rogozin said INS Vikramaditya symbolises the close friendship between India and Russia and expressed confidence that it will grow in the coming years.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Everything you wanted to know about INS Vikramaditya
 |
| All photos: Indian Navy |
By Captain PVS Satish, Spokesperson & PRO, Indian Navy
Defence Minister Shri A K Antony will be commissioning Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier ‘Vikramaditya’ at Severodvinsk in the Russian Federation. A backgrounder on this momentous project is below.
Introduction
At the time of attaining our Independence our visionary leaders saw the centrality of a powerful Navy and set us on the right course by envisaging an Indian Navy centred on aircraft carriers for sea control in our expansive areas of maritime interest. INS Vikrant, India’s first aircraft carrier was acquired from Great Britain and commissioned on 04 Mar 1961. INS Vikrant was a Majestic class CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take Off but Arrested Recovery) carrier and operated Sea Hawk fighters, Alize (Anti-Submarine Warfare) aircraft and Seaking helicopters. Consistent with its vision, India next acquired HMS Hermes, a Centaur class STOVL carrier and a veteran of the Falkland War. INS Viraat was commissioned on 12 May 1987 as India’s second aircraft carrier and India’s first STOVL carrier operating the Sea Harrier aircraft. Soon after the acquisition of INS Viraat, INS Vikrant was also converted from a CATOBAR carrier to a STOVL (Short Take-off and Vertical Landing) carrier. INS Vikrant was decommissioned on 31 Jan 1997, after 36 years of glorious service under the Indian ensign. For almost a decade India had two aircraft carriers and the Indian Navy was fully cognisant of the criticality of having an aircraft carrier available for deployment on each seaboard to fulfil the Navy’s assigned tasks. In recognition of the importance of aircraft carriers, the Indian Navy had already started exploring the possibility of indigenously designing and constructing an Aircraft Carrier, this project took off in right earnest in the late 90s as the Air Defence Ship was conceived. However, given the long gestation period of such projects, the search for a replacement for INS Vikrant gained momentum as its decommissioning drew closer.
It was at this juncture that Russia offered Admiral Gorshkov to the Indian Navy. Negotiations over acquiring the 44,500 ton Admiral Gorshkov started in 1994. Various high level delegations who had assessed the ship had independently concluded that the ship’s hull was in good material state and would be worth considering for exploitation in the Indian Navy with a suitable mix of aircraft.
Signing of the Contract
After detailed negotiations the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding in Dec 1998 during a visit by Russian PM Yevgeny Primakov. The Inter-Governmental Agreement which included acquisition of Project 11430 (Admiral Gorshkov) was signed between the Federation of Russia and the Union Government of India on 04 Oct 2000. After a Detailed Project Development Review, contractual negotiations and thereafter price negotiations, Government approved the acquisition on 17 Jan 04 at a cost of Rs 4881.67 Cr for the complete package of R&R of the ship, spares, infrastructure augmentation and documentation. The deal was signed on 20 Jan 04 and the effective date of the contract was established as 24 Feb 04. The R&R of the ship commenced from 09 Apr 04.
The repair and refit was being undertaken by FSUE Sevmash, the state owned shipyard at Severodvinsk, Russia. The R&R was scheduled to have been completed within 52 months. Though the refurbishment process was started in right earnest, soon it was realized that the work and equipment requiring replacement was significantly higher than originally estimated. Entire length of cable, large portions of steel hull, motors, turbines and boilers, etc. would have to be completely replaced with resulting in cost escalation and time slippage.
A protracted renegotiation for arriving at a mutually acceptable price for refurbishment was held in the ensuing months. Finally, in Dec 2009, the Indian and the Russian sides arrived at an agreement on the final price of delivery of this ship. More significantly, it was agreed that the delivery of the ship would take place only in the year 2012. Though the re-negotiated price was significantly higher than what was originally agreed upon, the fillip that the addition of Gorshkov would give to the Blue water requirements of Indian Navy compensated the greater price.
The Journey of Admiral Gorshkov (nee Baku)
The journey of ‘Vikramaditya’ began as the Kiev class aircraft carrying cruiser ‘Baku’. Developed from the Moskva class helicopter carrying guided missile cruisers the Kiev class was a pioneering Soviet era design, featuring a flight deck arrangement capable of operating fixed wing VTOL fighters for the first time in the Soviet Navy. Baku was constructed by Chernomorsky Ship Building Enterprise, Nikolayev (now in Ukraine). About 400 enterprises and nearly 1,500 - 2,000 workers from different republics of USSR took part in building of the ship. The ship was commissioned on 20 Dec 1987. Conceived as an armed cruiser, Baku was heavily armed with twelve Anti-Ship Missile launchers, ten gun mounts of differing calibre and rocket launchers and depth charges. The air element comprised Yak-38 aircraft.
‘Baku’ was envisioned to be a full-fledged aircraft carrier by Admiral SG Gorshkov, however, due to conflicting dynamics at that time, the ship turned out as the last ‘compromise’ ship of the Kiev series. After her development and construction, it became clear to the Soviet leadership that the vision of Admiral Gorshkov of a classical aircraft carrier with ship borne aircraft as the primary weapons was indeed the most logical way ahead to develop the surface forces. On 07 Nov 1990, the ship was named after Admiral Sergey Georgiyevich Gorshkov.
Baku/Admiral Gorshkov began its active operational service with the Northern Fleet and was deployed in the Mediterranean Sea and remained in active service till 1992 and thereafter continued in service albeit with limited operational deployments. The ship was finally decommissioned in 1996.
The Transformation
Project 11430
Admiral Gorshkov was put in hibernation after her last sailing in 1995. With most of her equipment lying un-utilised since then, the task of breathing life and converting her from a VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) missile cruiser carrier to a STOBAR aircraft carrier involved substantial degutting, equipment removal, refit and re-equipping. The major works envisaged were modification of flight deck to include ski-jump and arrester gear; modification of bulbous bow, aft aircraft lift & ammunition lifts; modification of 1750 out of 2500 compartments; installation of new main boilers; installation of new and additional Diesel Generators; replacement of existing distilling plants; fitment of Reverse Osmosis plants, new AC plants and Refrigeration plants and installation of new sensors and equipment. In 2007, as the refit and repair of the ship was in progress, the yard realized that the scope of work was much larger than initially estimated and so a revised timeline for completion of the task of modernization was agreed upon by both Russian and Indian sides. With a revised timeline the delivery of ship was expected by end 2012.
A Peek at the Scope of Work
Creation of Ski Jump
Introduction
At the time of attaining our Independence our visionary leaders saw the centrality of a powerful Navy and set us on the right course by envisaging an Indian Navy centred on aircraft carriers for sea control in our expansive areas of maritime interest. INS Vikrant, India’s first aircraft carrier was acquired from Great Britain and commissioned on 04 Mar 1961. INS Vikrant was a Majestic class CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take Off but Arrested Recovery) carrier and operated Sea Hawk fighters, Alize (Anti-Submarine Warfare) aircraft and Seaking helicopters. Consistent with its vision, India next acquired HMS Hermes, a Centaur class STOVL carrier and a veteran of the Falkland War. INS Viraat was commissioned on 12 May 1987 as India’s second aircraft carrier and India’s first STOVL carrier operating the Sea Harrier aircraft. Soon after the acquisition of INS Viraat, INS Vikrant was also converted from a CATOBAR carrier to a STOVL (Short Take-off and Vertical Landing) carrier. INS Vikrant was decommissioned on 31 Jan 1997, after 36 years of glorious service under the Indian ensign. For almost a decade India had two aircraft carriers and the Indian Navy was fully cognisant of the criticality of having an aircraft carrier available for deployment on each seaboard to fulfil the Navy’s assigned tasks. In recognition of the importance of aircraft carriers, the Indian Navy had already started exploring the possibility of indigenously designing and constructing an Aircraft Carrier, this project took off in right earnest in the late 90s as the Air Defence Ship was conceived. However, given the long gestation period of such projects, the search for a replacement for INS Vikrant gained momentum as its decommissioning drew closer.
It was at this juncture that Russia offered Admiral Gorshkov to the Indian Navy. Negotiations over acquiring the 44,500 ton Admiral Gorshkov started in 1994. Various high level delegations who had assessed the ship had independently concluded that the ship’s hull was in good material state and would be worth considering for exploitation in the Indian Navy with a suitable mix of aircraft.
Signing of the Contract
After detailed negotiations the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding in Dec 1998 during a visit by Russian PM Yevgeny Primakov. The Inter-Governmental Agreement which included acquisition of Project 11430 (Admiral Gorshkov) was signed between the Federation of Russia and the Union Government of India on 04 Oct 2000. After a Detailed Project Development Review, contractual negotiations and thereafter price negotiations, Government approved the acquisition on 17 Jan 04 at a cost of Rs 4881.67 Cr for the complete package of R&R of the ship, spares, infrastructure augmentation and documentation. The deal was signed on 20 Jan 04 and the effective date of the contract was established as 24 Feb 04. The R&R of the ship commenced from 09 Apr 04.
The repair and refit was being undertaken by FSUE Sevmash, the state owned shipyard at Severodvinsk, Russia. The R&R was scheduled to have been completed within 52 months. Though the refurbishment process was started in right earnest, soon it was realized that the work and equipment requiring replacement was significantly higher than originally estimated. Entire length of cable, large portions of steel hull, motors, turbines and boilers, etc. would have to be completely replaced with resulting in cost escalation and time slippage.
A protracted renegotiation for arriving at a mutually acceptable price for refurbishment was held in the ensuing months. Finally, in Dec 2009, the Indian and the Russian sides arrived at an agreement on the final price of delivery of this ship. More significantly, it was agreed that the delivery of the ship would take place only in the year 2012. Though the re-negotiated price was significantly higher than what was originally agreed upon, the fillip that the addition of Gorshkov would give to the Blue water requirements of Indian Navy compensated the greater price.
The Journey of Admiral Gorshkov (nee Baku)
The journey of ‘Vikramaditya’ began as the Kiev class aircraft carrying cruiser ‘Baku’. Developed from the Moskva class helicopter carrying guided missile cruisers the Kiev class was a pioneering Soviet era design, featuring a flight deck arrangement capable of operating fixed wing VTOL fighters for the first time in the Soviet Navy. Baku was constructed by Chernomorsky Ship Building Enterprise, Nikolayev (now in Ukraine). About 400 enterprises and nearly 1,500 - 2,000 workers from different republics of USSR took part in building of the ship. The ship was commissioned on 20 Dec 1987. Conceived as an armed cruiser, Baku was heavily armed with twelve Anti-Ship Missile launchers, ten gun mounts of differing calibre and rocket launchers and depth charges. The air element comprised Yak-38 aircraft.
‘Baku’ was envisioned to be a full-fledged aircraft carrier by Admiral SG Gorshkov, however, due to conflicting dynamics at that time, the ship turned out as the last ‘compromise’ ship of the Kiev series. After her development and construction, it became clear to the Soviet leadership that the vision of Admiral Gorshkov of a classical aircraft carrier with ship borne aircraft as the primary weapons was indeed the most logical way ahead to develop the surface forces. On 07 Nov 1990, the ship was named after Admiral Sergey Georgiyevich Gorshkov.
Baku/Admiral Gorshkov began its active operational service with the Northern Fleet and was deployed in the Mediterranean Sea and remained in active service till 1992 and thereafter continued in service albeit with limited operational deployments. The ship was finally decommissioned in 1996.
The Transformation
Project 11430
Admiral Gorshkov was put in hibernation after her last sailing in 1995. With most of her equipment lying un-utilised since then, the task of breathing life and converting her from a VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) missile cruiser carrier to a STOBAR aircraft carrier involved substantial degutting, equipment removal, refit and re-equipping. The major works envisaged were modification of flight deck to include ski-jump and arrester gear; modification of bulbous bow, aft aircraft lift & ammunition lifts; modification of 1750 out of 2500 compartments; installation of new main boilers; installation of new and additional Diesel Generators; replacement of existing distilling plants; fitment of Reverse Osmosis plants, new AC plants and Refrigeration plants and installation of new sensors and equipment. In 2007, as the refit and repair of the ship was in progress, the yard realized that the scope of work was much larger than initially estimated and so a revised timeline for completion of the task of modernization was agreed upon by both Russian and Indian sides. With a revised timeline the delivery of ship was expected by end 2012.
A Peek at the Scope of Work
Creation of Ski Jump
Creation of the flight deck with structural modification to convert the VTOL carrier to a STOBAR carrier was the most intricate and arduous. The task involved installation of Sponsons to increase the breadth at the Flight Deck and a fitment of a new 14 degree Ski jump, strengthening of arresting gear area, strengthening of run way area and elongation of the aft end to generate the required length of landing strip aft of the arresting gear. In all 234 new hull sections were installed to achieve the desired shape. Total steel work for carrying out structural modification on flight deck amounted to 2500T.
Modification of Super structure
Modification of Super structure
The superstructure was modified to accommodate a host of sensors and equipment such as radars, Electronic Warfare suite and Action Information Organisation system and other systems to suit the requirements of ship borne fighters and rotors. A very unique structural modification that was carried out on board the ship was the installation of the aft mast for accommodating various communication antennae.
Machinery Modification
Vikramaditya in its older avatar was powered by boilers fuelled by heavy oil, FFO. The re-equipping included replacement of these old boilers with state of the art boilers utilizing LSHSD and providing a steam capacity of 100 Tonnes per Hour each.
Electrical re-cabling
Electrical re-cabling
The initial estimate included replacement of only 1400 kms of old cable with new cables. However, as degutting progressed and confined spaces were accessed it was realised that an additional 900 kms of cable will need to be replaced. Finally the mammoth task involved replacing 2300 kms of cable, which is a little short of half of the entire coastline of India.
Outfitting
Outfitting
The modification plan of Vikramaditya was not restricted to the gears and sparks alone. The change also necessitated revamp of the living spaces and galleys to cater to the needs of the Indian men in uniform. Of 2500 a total of 1750 compartments were completely re-fabricated. A host of new galley equipment suited for preparation of Indian food like dosas and chapatis was also installed.
Arrestor and Restraining Gears
The conversion of VTOL carrier to STOBAR involved fitment of three 30m wide arrester gears and three restraining gears. Installation of these equipment not only involved modification and strengthening of the flight deck but also changes to internal layout of compartments.
Summary
Summary
To sum it up, a total of 234 new hull sections were fabricated using 2500 tonnes of steel which is almost equivalent to the standard displacement of a mid-size frigate. Repair and re-equipping of Vikramaditya to give a new lease of life as a full- fledged carrier was no mean task and was probably as demanding a task as constructing a similar tonnage ship from the drawing board. The task was enabled by the expertise and experience of the Russian designers and yard workers working hand in glove with Indian experts. The extreme cold weather conditions of winter only made the work environment harder. At the end of this refit, spanning a little short of a decade, Vikramaditya has metamorphosed into a fully capable and potent platform.
Rise of the Phoenix …
Rise of the Phoenix …
Vikramaditya sailed for the first time under own power at 1200 hrs on 10 Jun 12, after a gap of about 17 years.
The New Avtar ‘Vikramaditya’
An aircraft carrier carrying potent long range multi-role fighters is a platform inherently deigned for power projection. In as much as ‘Gorshkov’ was transformed to create ‘Vikramaditya’, so also Vikramaditya will transform the face of the Fleet Air Arm of the Indian Navy.
STOBAR Carrier
The New Avtar ‘Vikramaditya’
An aircraft carrier carrying potent long range multi-role fighters is a platform inherently deigned for power projection. In as much as ‘Gorshkov’ was transformed to create ‘Vikramaditya’, so also Vikramaditya will transform the face of the Fleet Air Arm of the Indian Navy.
STOBAR Carrier
Displacement: 44,500 T
Length OA: 284 m
Maximum Beam: 60 m
Speed: over 30 kts
04 propellers
powered by 08 Boilers,
Aircraft component:
MiG 29K, Kamov 31, Kamov 28, Seaking, ALH, Chetak
Vikramaditya, the floating airfield has an overall length of about 284 meters and a maximum beam of about 60 meters, stretching as much as three football fields put together. Standing about 20 storeys tall from keel to the highest point, the sheer sight of this 44,500 tonnes mega structure of steel is awe inspiring. The ship has a total of 22 decks.
With over 1,600 personnel on board, Vikramaditya is literally a ‘Floating City’. Associated with this large population is a mammoth logistics requirement - nearly a lakh of eggs, 20,000 litres of milk and 16 tonnes of rice per month. With her complete stock of provisions, she is capable of sustaining herself at sea for a period of about 45 days. With a capacity of over 8,000 tonnes of LSHSD, she is capable of operations up to a range of over 7,000 nautical miles or 13000 kms.
To enable this 44,500 tonnes floating steel city to cut through the choppy seas with speeds of up to 30 knots, she is powered by 08 new generation boilers of steam capacity of 100 TPH at a very high pressure of 64 bars, generating a total output power of 180,000 SHP. Vikramaditya heralds in a new generation of boiler technology with a very high level of automation. These high pressure and highly efficient boilers power four enormous propellers, each greater in diameter than twice the height of an average male. Such a four propeller - four shaft configuration is another first in the Indian Navy.
The 06 turbo alternators and 06 diesel alternators onboard generate a total electricity of 18 megawatts to power various equipment of the ship, enough to cater to the lighting requirement of a mini city. The ship also houses 02 Reverse Osmosis plants providing an uninterrupted supply of 400 Tons per day of fresh water.
An extensive revamp of sensors including fitment of Long range Air Surveillance Radars, Advanced Electronic Warfare Suite makes the ship capable of maintaining a surveillance bubble of over 500 kms around the ship.
The ship has the ability to carry over 30 aircraft comprising an assortment of MiG 29K/Sea Harrier, Kamov 31, Kamov 28, Sea King, ALH-Dhruv and Chetak helicopters. The MiG 29K swing role fighter is the main offensive platform and provides a quantum jump for the Indian Navy’s maritime strike capability. These fourth generation air superiority fighters provide a significant fillip for the Indian Navy with a range of over 700 nm (extendable to over 1,900 nm with inflight refueling) and an array of weapons including anti-ship missiles, Beyond Visual Range air-to-air missiles, guided bombs and rockets.
The ship is equipped with state of the art launch and recovery systems along with aids to enable smooth and efficient operation of ship borne aircraft. Major systems include the LUNA Landing system for MiGs, DAPS Landing system for Sea Harriers and Flight deck lighting systems.
The heart of the operational network that infuses life into the combat systems onboard the ship is the Computer aided Action Information Organisation (CAIO) system, LESORUB-E. LESORUB has the capability to gather data from ship’s sensors and data links and to process, collate and assemble comprehensive tactical pictures. This state of the art system has been specifically designed keeping in mind the essential requirement on the carrier for fighter control and direction.
One of the most prominent equipment fitted on the super structure is the Resistor-E radar complex. Resistor-E is the automated system designed for providing air traffic control, approach/landing and short range navigation for ship borne aircraft. This complex along with its various sub-systems provides navigation and flight data to ship borne aircraft operating at extended ranges from the mother ship. The precision approach guidance system aids the fighters on approach to be directed down to a distance of 30 meters short of flight deck. Vikramaditya also boasts of a very modern communication complex, CCS MK II, to meet her external communication requirement. Installation of Link II tactical data system allows her to be fully integrated with the Indian Navy’s network centric operations.
Once integrated, INS Vikramaditya will bring transformational capabilities to the Indian Navy and will be a ‘game changer’.
Length OA: 284 m
Maximum Beam: 60 m
Speed: over 30 kts
04 propellers
powered by 08 Boilers,
Aircraft component:
MiG 29K, Kamov 31, Kamov 28, Seaking, ALH, Chetak
Vikramaditya, the floating airfield has an overall length of about 284 meters and a maximum beam of about 60 meters, stretching as much as three football fields put together. Standing about 20 storeys tall from keel to the highest point, the sheer sight of this 44,500 tonnes mega structure of steel is awe inspiring. The ship has a total of 22 decks.
With over 1,600 personnel on board, Vikramaditya is literally a ‘Floating City’. Associated with this large population is a mammoth logistics requirement - nearly a lakh of eggs, 20,000 litres of milk and 16 tonnes of rice per month. With her complete stock of provisions, she is capable of sustaining herself at sea for a period of about 45 days. With a capacity of over 8,000 tonnes of LSHSD, she is capable of operations up to a range of over 7,000 nautical miles or 13000 kms.
To enable this 44,500 tonnes floating steel city to cut through the choppy seas with speeds of up to 30 knots, she is powered by 08 new generation boilers of steam capacity of 100 TPH at a very high pressure of 64 bars, generating a total output power of 180,000 SHP. Vikramaditya heralds in a new generation of boiler technology with a very high level of automation. These high pressure and highly efficient boilers power four enormous propellers, each greater in diameter than twice the height of an average male. Such a four propeller - four shaft configuration is another first in the Indian Navy.
The 06 turbo alternators and 06 diesel alternators onboard generate a total electricity of 18 megawatts to power various equipment of the ship, enough to cater to the lighting requirement of a mini city. The ship also houses 02 Reverse Osmosis plants providing an uninterrupted supply of 400 Tons per day of fresh water.
An extensive revamp of sensors including fitment of Long range Air Surveillance Radars, Advanced Electronic Warfare Suite makes the ship capable of maintaining a surveillance bubble of over 500 kms around the ship.
The ship has the ability to carry over 30 aircraft comprising an assortment of MiG 29K/Sea Harrier, Kamov 31, Kamov 28, Sea King, ALH-Dhruv and Chetak helicopters. The MiG 29K swing role fighter is the main offensive platform and provides a quantum jump for the Indian Navy’s maritime strike capability. These fourth generation air superiority fighters provide a significant fillip for the Indian Navy with a range of over 700 nm (extendable to over 1,900 nm with inflight refueling) and an array of weapons including anti-ship missiles, Beyond Visual Range air-to-air missiles, guided bombs and rockets.
The ship is equipped with state of the art launch and recovery systems along with aids to enable smooth and efficient operation of ship borne aircraft. Major systems include the LUNA Landing system for MiGs, DAPS Landing system for Sea Harriers and Flight deck lighting systems.
The heart of the operational network that infuses life into the combat systems onboard the ship is the Computer aided Action Information Organisation (CAIO) system, LESORUB-E. LESORUB has the capability to gather data from ship’s sensors and data links and to process, collate and assemble comprehensive tactical pictures. This state of the art system has been specifically designed keeping in mind the essential requirement on the carrier for fighter control and direction.
One of the most prominent equipment fitted on the super structure is the Resistor-E radar complex. Resistor-E is the automated system designed for providing air traffic control, approach/landing and short range navigation for ship borne aircraft. This complex along with its various sub-systems provides navigation and flight data to ship borne aircraft operating at extended ranges from the mother ship. The precision approach guidance system aids the fighters on approach to be directed down to a distance of 30 meters short of flight deck. Vikramaditya also boasts of a very modern communication complex, CCS MK II, to meet her external communication requirement. Installation of Link II tactical data system allows her to be fully integrated with the Indian Navy’s network centric operations.
Once integrated, INS Vikramaditya will bring transformational capabilities to the Indian Navy and will be a ‘game changer’.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Techies capture blogger's story for a cause!
This might sound as a shameless, self-promotion to some. Yet, I am happy to share this piece online, considering there's a very special cause attached to it. A group of techie bloggers working in a leading firm in Bangalore recently interviewed Tarmak007 ahead of an international event -- the India Inclusion Summit. Click on the below link, if you are keen to know.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Finally, Navy too commissions Dhruv Sqn
(Unedited Press Release)
The first ALH (Dhruv) Squadron was commissioned at Kochi today by Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Western Naval Command. Dhruv is the first indigenously designed and manufactured helicopter at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and with its multi role capabilities has proven her mettle in all the three services of the Armed Forces, Indian Coast Guard , BSF and in the inventory of foreign countries.
The squadron would have the name Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 322. Addressing the commissioning ceremony parade, Vice Admiral Sinha said that in the Navy, Dhruv helicopters has transformed into an advanced search and rescue (SAR) helicopter also used for missions like heliborne operations, and armed patrol with night vision devices. Such machines in the inventory have become imperative for the Navy given the scenario of low intensity maritime operations (LIMO) and coastal security construct said the Admiral.
Looking ahead, Vice Admiral Sinha said that with the commissioning of Vikramaditya, Navy’s reach and ability to respond in real time to developing situations in our area of responsibility would see a quantum jump. Aerial assets like UAVs, Mig 29 K fighters, P 8 I and Dhruv have added punch to our quiver he added.
Vice Admiral Satish Soni, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Southern Naval Command under whose administrative control INAS 322 would function, in his address said that, the versatile aircraft would soon be cleared for night SAR role, one of the few helicopters in the world to have that capability over sea. He also expressed satisfaction that the ALH would beef up the coast security architecture.
Vice Admiral Satish Soni, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Southern Naval Command under whose administrative control INAS 322 would function, in his address said that, the versatile aircraft would soon be cleared for night SAR role, one of the few helicopters in the world to have that capability over sea. He also expressed satisfaction that the ALH would beef up the coast security architecture.
Earlier, Smt Mona Sinha named the squadron as INAS 322 and unveiled the commissioning plaque. Commander Ravi Sivasankar, the first Commanding Officer of the Squadron recited the invocation and read out the commissioning warrant. The squadron will call themselves “Guardians” with the credo “Search Fearlessly, Rescue Valiantly” signifying their primary role of SAR. The commissioning ceremony was held at INS Garuda, the Naval Air Station and mother base of INAS 322.
EXPRESS EXCLUSIVE | The ASTE Boys: IAF Top Guns
ASTE is an elite unit of the Indian Air Force which turns a
select few men into daredevil air warriors. Anantha Krishnan M
meets the Test Pilots’ crew to capture their lives.
The sun was striking hard on one side of the runway inside old HAL airport. An upgraded Jaguar landed after a test sortie and was towed to the hangar. Inside the Aircraft System and Testing Establishment (ASTE), Wg Cdr Vivart Singh, Wg Cdr Aurobinda Jena and Wg Cdr Sumit Garg – all Test Pilots (TPs) -- were ready for the 'approved interaction' with City Express. Calm and composed, these daredevil TPs had over 4800 flying hours in their kitty. Salt 'n' sugar nimboo pani, mouth-watering hot samosas and crisp bread toast kept the mood in good spirits. The warm-up session lasted for 20 minutes, before we got on to business hours. Excerpts.
Wg Cdr Vivart Singh
Plane Passion: Flying was my sheer childhood passion. When I was in Class 6 (1984), I wrote an article about Mirage-2000 and it was just a coincidence that I was part of the Mirage Squadron, years later. Being a Test Pilot, I am aware of the inside out of the aircraft now and delighted to see the technology from very close quarters, be it weapons, sensors, systems and the like. While at ASTE, as a TP, you can bring your operational experience to the optimum utilisation of a brand new technology and suggest its employability. This is my second tenure in ASTE and I am an instructor here.
On TPs: It’s a voluntary call and you need to be an above average pilot with minimum of 1000 hours of flying. Selected pilots and crew will have to undergo a 48-week training at ASTE. As an individual, you need to have a technological bent of mind; hunger to know more and eagerness to explore.
On IAF: It has an emotional connect in my life.
First Day in IAF: It was a proud moment for me. Flying a supersonic fighter (Mig 21 at Tezpur) at the age of 23 was another memorable day.
Unforgettable day: When I flew five different types of aircraft in a single day (April 22 this year), which included one fighter, two fighter trainers, one transport (all as a captain) and a helicopter.
On ASTE: This is the alma mater for TPs; the only place in IAF that undertakes flight testing of all new technologies incorporated in IAF. It’s the hub of gen-next tools and technology.
On Bangalore: Great weather as compared to any part of the country. I also love this place as the aviation history is very vibrant here. The traffic is definitely better than many other cities.
Favourite pastime: Playing golf.
Wg Cdr Aurobinda Jena
Plane Passion: I joined IAF purely out of fascination and attraction for the uniform. I wanted to either join IAF or the police. The discipline in the armed forces was to my liking. As a Flight Test Engineer (FTE), I will have to plan the entire process of tests. FTEs are a bridge between designers and TPs. As FTEs, we will have to absorb new technologies, then flight test it and put it for field units. We also make SOPs and give them to Ops units.
First day in IAF: Really an unforgettable day, considering I was longing for it. The thrill of the first day stayed with me for a long time.
Unforgettable day: Before coming to ASTE, I was with a helicopter unit and during one of the missions, my timely input did come handy during an emergency situation.
On IAF: Over the next few years, IAF will have the ultimate machines and technologies that can be compared to the best in the world. As an Indian, I want to see Tejas getting on to the squadron at the earliest.
On ASTE: This is a very highly specialised profession. As FTE, I have to be fit like a pilot. It is one great task to live up to the ASTE name.
On IAF: Over the next few years, IAF will have the ultimate machines and technologies that can be compared to the best in the world. As an Indian, I want to see Tejas getting on to the squadron at the earliest.
On ASTE: This is a very highly specialised profession. As FTE, I have to be fit like a pilot. It is one great task to live up to the ASTE name.
On Bangalore: I get all kinds of food here. The roads are bad, but I still love this city.
Hobbies: Basketball
Hobbies: Basketball
Wg Cdr Sumit Garg
Plane passion: I joined IAF for the sheer love of flying. My father was an engineer and he did not want me to just become the usual engineer. As a TP you must have curiosity, clarity of thought and ability to manage time. You will have to read so much to embrace these new technologies.
First day in IAF: The day I got commissioned in IAF, the Chief of Naval Staff, who was the chief guest said that ‘your job is to serve.’ That really touched me. He had said 'It’s not a career, but it is a service'.
On IAF: I have seen IAF becoming a tech-savvy organisation. It gives us the confidence to do our job efficiently.
Unforgettable moment: When I first touched down on foreign soil in 2008, flying my own fighter aircraft, for the Red Flag exercise. It was a very precious moment.
First day in IAF: The day I got commissioned in IAF, the Chief of Naval Staff, who was the chief guest said that ‘your job is to serve.’ That really touched me. He had said 'It’s not a career, but it is a service'.
On IAF: I have seen IAF becoming a tech-savvy organisation. It gives us the confidence to do our job efficiently.
Unforgettable moment: When I first touched down on foreign soil in 2008, flying my own fighter aircraft, for the Red Flag exercise. It was a very precious moment.
On ASTE: This place makes you grow as an individual. Being with professionals all the time inspires you.
Hobbies: Reading fiction
Hobbies: Reading fiction
On Bangalore: Everything this city has to offer. The pub culture, aviation interest and the greens.
Cool Commandant
Air Vice Marshal Raghunathan Nambiar, Commandant, ASTE, chose to be the backroom boy and refused to be part of the series, despite many attempts to persuade him. “Let my boys talk. It is their story that will inspire the youngsters. They are the backbone of ASTE,” Nambiar told City Express during the course of the visit. Nambi, as he known among his close friends, took charge on December 28, 2011, as the 25th Commandant of ASTE. He was among the first TPs attached to the Tejas project. He was in the limelight during the first flight of Tejas on January 4, 2001, when he flew the lead chase Mirage aircraft, keeping a close watch on Tejas. Father of India's Tejas programme Dr Kota Harinarayana terms Nambi as one of the finest TPs he has seen.
ASTE: Best in South AsiaASTE is among the the seven Test Pilot schools in the world and is considered as the best in South Asia. It was awarded the Presidential Standard on 21 November 2005. ASTE is a unique organisation of the Indian Air Force (IAF). It symbolizes the synergy of technical knowledge and training in producing eminent Test Pilots and engineers for the armed forces of the country. It assists premier defence organizations like DRDO, CISR, ISRO, HAL on evaluating the aircraft through various and rigorous field trials. Various aircraft like Gnat, Vampire, Mystere, Hunter, Krishak, Saunders Roe P-53C Scout Helicopter, HJT 16, Kiran, Indian variants of Aloutte Helicopter, Chetak, Cheetah, HS748 (AVRO), HF 24 Marut, AN 32, Jaguar and Mirage have been tried and tested here. ASTE has a regular interaction with similar organizations in UK, France and USA in a bid to bring in the latest technology available to make India a pioneer in aircraft testing capabilities. ASTE stands at the vanguard of India’s indigenization efforts in aircraft manufacturing and will be a beacon for generations of Test Pilots and Engineers to come. India's famous astronauts Rakesh Sharma and Ravish Malhotra were part of ASTE. (Source: Defence PRO, Bangalore)
Dr Kalam ON ASTE
I was associated with ASTE as was tasked to do the performance estimation and reduction analysis of Gnat aircraft. I still remember those days fondly. I know about the work of this premier unit. I was associated with it while planning, executing and testing of the Tejas. ASTE is a unique unit. -- Former President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, during the Presidential Standard ceremony.
Truly the unsung heroes: Lamba
By Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Ajit Lamba
Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) is a unique organisation of the Indian Air force. As the name signifies, it is responsible for evaluation of all new aircraft and airborne systems before their induction in the Service. ASTE also has a Test Pilots School, which trains all flying test crews for IAF, Indian Navy and the Army. It also supplies test pilots and engineers to HAL, NAL and DRDO.
A Test Pilot undergoes a stringent selection process, followed by a gruelling one year of training at ASTE, before becoming a full fledged ‘TP’. In the formative years of aviation, a Test Pilot worked alone - as a scientist, aerodynamicist and an engineer, a classic example being the Wright Brothers themselves. However, with complexity of the flying machines, the Test Pilot has become one of a large team of engineers and designers. The other test crews, flight test engineers, instrumentation, avionics and armament engineers are similarly trained at ASTE.
What is the test crew’s task? The test crew’s job in flight development remains essentially what it always has been, i.e., to observe and report on the ability of the aircraft or the system to meet specifications and to search and eradicate unsafe features. At ASTE, reports are generated after each flight test, and with the recommendation of its Commandant, forwarded to Air Headquarters. There has never been any instance, where any aircraft or system has been inducted against the recommendations of ASTE.
Test flying can, without doubt, be the most satisfying professional experience for a flyer. The test crews at ASTE are a very elite group, almost never in limelight and are truly the unsung heroes of the IAF. Due to the tremendous responsibility they shoulder, they mature faster, grow grey, bald and definitely, more handsome!
(The writer was the Commandant of ASTE between 1986 and 1991. He is currently 77 years old and files light sports aircraft as a hobby.)
Copyright@The New Indian Express
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