Article Posted on : - Aug 25, 2008

NEW DELHI (BNS): The prowess of Indian expertise in software is at full display in the US where an Indian Air Force team is taking part in the Red Flag exercises. Behind the success of IAF pilots is a dedicated team of technicians and engineers who provide technical support necessary for sustaining flying operations in grueling conditions.

IAF's software experts from Bangalore based Software Development Institute have done a job which might have been unheard of in world's military arena. They have made avionics of Russian-built Su-30 MKI fighters compatible with NATO operational philosophy.

The Indian contingent is driving satisfaction from the fact that the compatibility exercise was carried out indigenously, saving valuable foreign exchange. "The SDI software has made the Su-30 MKI platform more versatile and compatible with other air Forces," said wing commander J.S Gavankar, software engineer from SDI who has accompanied IAF team to Nellis airbase in US.

And the pilots are happy too with less workload in the cockpit. Wing commander J Singh of 20 squadron said that the situational awareness of pilots have gone up significantly.

The development of new software for Su-30s will increase its utility in joint operations with foreign air forces. The IAF is positioning itself to become a force that is capable of carrying out tasks beyond frontiers. The purpose of holding joint exercises with foreign air forces is to develop inter-operability, said officials. To attain the goal, the forces should be aware of each other's operating principles, which are different.

The software engineers are not the only ones who are assisting the Indian contingent in US with technical support. Hundreds of ground staff is working overtime to keep the machines running in adverse weather conditions. The temperature on the Nellis air field is well above 50 degree Celsius.

Operating in high temperature conditions is not easy for flying machines. The risk of snags goes up significantly as there is always a chance of leakage in hydraulic systems, engine oil and gear box. If the ground staff is not maintaining a vigil, the consequences could be disastrous.

If the pilots are getting trained in learning tactics, the ground staff, which is the backbone of any mission, is learning how to handle aircraft when the sun is blazing. The condition is somewhat similar to some of the Indian bases, particularly those along the Rajasthan border.

The exercise, which ended on August 23, passed out without an incident. The aircraft performed to their capacity. The credit for the achievement goes to the ground staff.

Apart from engines, high temperatures also have an adverse impact on the performance of avionics. The integrated circuits are the first victims and give out wrong readings to pilots. The staff on the tarmac worked hard to overcome the challenges.

The US air force officials were impressed by the work of the Indian technicians. "IAF has maintained amazing serviceability rate in a sustained manner during the entire exercise. This is because of in-depth planning, knowledge and focused approach of the maintainers," said Col. Corey, maintenance commander of USAF based Nellis.

Wing commander J D Kapoor, Senior Engineering Officer of 20 Sqn, said that IAF technical practices and systems are comprehensive and well defined and meticulous adherence to these have ensured high tarmac availability that allowed aircrews to perform their missions. Intelligence and out of the box thinking of the technicians of the unit has earned us praise from all quarters.