Details : | Group Captain Ashutosh Dixit, VM (18558) Flying (pilot) was commissioned on 06 Dec 86 as a fighter pilot. In his 23 years of distinguished service, he has flown 3200 hours on more than 20 types of aircraft. The officer is a Qualified F1yingInstructor and an Experimental Test Pilot. He has been an instructor at the Air Force Test Pilots School, CO of a newly formed Mirage-2000 squadron and also of the Flight Test Squadron. He is presently Director Air Staff Requirements Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) at Air Headquarters. As Commanding Officer of the newly formed M-2000 squadron, the officer was instrumental in setting up all the facilities and the squadron commenced operations in shortest possible time. The squadron maintained highest serviceability in the fleet and during DASI inspection was graded the best squadron of the fleet under his command. As the Officer Commanding F1ight Test squadron, the officer directed the indigenous upgrade projects for Jaguar and MiG-27 aircraft, took active part in them and brought them to a logical conclusion, thus adding significant operational capability to IAF. The officer was then made responsible for all aspects of MMRCA procurement for the IAF. MMRCA is a very important project for the IAF where the outcome would shape the IAF's operational capability for decades together. Under the leadership of Gp Capt Dixit, the technical evaluation of six very complex offers was completed in record time. The officer was instrumental in the planning and conduct of the Field Evaluation Trials for all the six participants. The field evaluations were very complex in nature. The complete spectrum of the aircraft operations, radar, EW systems and weapons were to be evaluated. While the evaluations were comprehensive in nature, the guidelines of Defence Procurement Procedures were also followed meticulously. Equal opportunity and level playing field was provided to each participant. This was done by creation of a trial methodology that encompassed every aspect of evaluation. The officer led the team and took part in all stages of the trials. He undertook flying on different types as test pilots. His flight test acumen, analytical skills and in-depth grasp of the flight test procedures demonstrated during the field evaluations. The field evaluations were conducted in the most professional manner and were completed on schedule. The professional conduct of field evaluations was acknowledged by participating foreign air forces and industry. They also stated that they have never undergone such a meticulously conducted trials. The report preparation was undertaken by the officer diligently and was done exceptionally well so that Staff Evaluations at Air HQ can be carried out appropriately. The officer has shown extra-ordinary ability of foresight, planning and execution during the field evaluation trials of MMRCA aircraft The officer is disciplined, motivated and dependable and has displayed his ability to undertake complex tasks. His demeanor and conduct during the evaluations was of a very high standard and was impressive. For his professionalism, thorough knowledge and distinguished service of high order, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Ashutosh Dixit, VM. |