| Details : | Group Captain Arun Kumar Barik (17122) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as an Engineer in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) branch on 14 Feb 1983. The Officer is posted as Chief Engineering Officer (CEO) at Air Force Station, Bareilly wef 05 Nov 2007. The officer was the first Senior Engineer (Aircraft) at Air Force Station, Pune during induction of SU-30 MKI aircraft. His contribution in smooth induction and setting up of all facilities is acknowledged by one and all. While on the posted strength of Regional Centre Military Airworthiness, Koraput, he contributed positively towards improving the engine overhaul and manufacturing facilities at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Koraput. As Commanding Officer (CO), Air Force Liaison Establishment (Nasik Division) he was actively involved in the upgrade of Phase I & 11 of SU-30 MKI aircraft. The officer's contribution to service at each appointment has been based on in depth professional competence, economy of resources, effective leadership and attention to details. During his tenure as the CEO, re-equipment of 24 Squadron with Su-30 MKI aircraft was completed, 8 Sqn was resurrected and Tech Flight became fully operational. State of art Avionics Lab, Mechanical and Role Equipment Labs were made fully functional. With his proactive approach in managing various techno-logistic issues and by synergizing resources from Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), HAL divisions, Defence Research Development Organisation and IAF, the base was able to achieve peak serviceability of SU-30 MKI aircraft of 85 % and average it around 70%. In case of helicopters 100% serviceability was achieved on three occasions totaling to about 43 days with average serviceability of 85%. Mechanical Transport both Common User Vehicles and Aircraft Specialist Vehicles consistently maintained a serviceability of 98%. Air Force Station, Bareilly was chosen as the base for induction of Recce Pod assets for SU-30 MKI aircraft. Gp Capt Barik has relentlessly endeavoured to resolve the teething problems related to integration and setting up of interim facilities for Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Electro Optics/ Infra Red (EO/IR) Lab. Flight trials for both SAR and EO/lR Pods was completed under his able guidance. He has been the single point contact between OEM, Air HQ, Aircraft Systems Testing Establishment, Software Development Institute and HAL for induction of Recce Pod assets. He designed and got fabricated a Missile Handling Trolley for transportation of Missiles within the danger buildings which substantially reduced effort and time in missile delivery to the Squadrons. For distinguished service of high order, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Arun Kumar Barik. |
