| Details : | Group Captain Devarajan Balamurali (18520) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as an engineer in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) branch on 29 Aug 86. He is on deputation to Regional Center for Military Airworthiness (RCMA) (Engines), Koraput, CEMILAC, DRDO since 07 Apr 11 and is holding appointment of Joint Director in charge of design development, defect investigations, manufacturing and overhaul issues of AL 31 FP aeroengine of Su-30 MKl aircraft. He has a wide and varied experience on fighter, helicopter and transport aircraft systems ranging from first to fourth line servicing and is also a Cat '1 qualified Flight Engineer on IL-76 MD aircraft with instructor qualification. In his current role within a year, he has addressed several design and reliability issues plaguing Su-30 MKl aircraft effectively with manufacturer through in-depth studies. This has also given him a vast exposure on continued air-worthiness of aero-engine and certification. As Squadron Commander of Aircraft Tech Squadron of three MiG-23 BN squadrons at a forward air base, he ensured highest serviceability in Western Air Command during 'Op Parakram' and also in subsequent years. During his 26 years of service, he was commended twice by CAS and once by AOC-in-C, HQ TC for his laudable all-round performance, pro-active roles and innovative ideas. At 11 BRD, he has carried out a large number of structural modifications and aircraft recovery through innovative and RCMA approved repair schemes on MiG-23 aircraft. Now, at RCMA Koraput, he has conducted extensive aeroengine recovery studies and is deeply involved in lifing studies in liaison with various DRDO agencies. Noteworthy, among these achievements are recovery of a MiG-23 UB MS 315 declared Cat 'E' by RCMA (Nasik) through a newly developed metal-composite patch repair scheme with NAL, Bangalore and recovery of Low Pressure Spools declared Cat 'E' by Mls UMPO, Russia of two AL31 FP aero-engines with DMRL, Hyderabad. Both these efforts paved way for new in-house technology development in military aviation sector and has led to huge foreign exchange savings of Rs 17 crores. He has also ably contributed at HQ Training Command in addressing problem areas in HPT-32 aircraft and the initial technical design deficiencies of Hawk Mk 132 aircraft with HAL and British Aerospace. He is trained abroad in United States Air Force on all NDI techniques in 2006-07 and has also presented Hawk Mk 132 related environmental design issues during Hawk User Group conference at Muscat, Oman in 2009. His vast experience, exposure has inculcated a creative approach in him for finding time bound solutions, instituting remedial measures and foresight in identifying intricate problems. This enabled him to achieve 100 % serviceability of MiG-23 UB aircraft during his tenure at 11 BRD, sustain high serviceability of Hawk Mk 132 aircraft at Bidar and also effectively address critical maintenance issues of HPT-32 aircraft. For distinguished service of high order, Hon'ble president is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Devarajan Balamurali. |
