| Details : |  Squadron Leader Subhash Palakuzhiyll John (20155) F (P) is on the posted strength of ASTE, Air Force since 20 May 2000 as Rotary Wing Test Pilot. In Apr 01, he was detailed to undertake flight trial of a special type of warhead over Pokharan Range. The warhead, along with its rocket motor and associated electronics, was housed in a Warhead Test Vehicle (WTV), which In turn was mounted on a 500 kg carriage plate attached to the helicopter with cables. The trials involved vertical lift of the WTV, under-slung from a Mi-17 helicopter, from a special pit. Thereafter, the WTV was to be carried and dropped from a height of four km over the designation target, for the assessment of its functioning. On 09 Apr 01, while carrying the WTV target area, its rocket motor fired prematurely, when It was still attached to the carriage plate. This resulted In the shearing-off of the retaining bolts of the carriage plate. The recoil due to the rocket motor exhaust gases made the carriage plate whip-up, into the under surface of the helicopter, resulting In the helicopter going into an uncontrolled flight, with damage to the helicopter's under surface. Sqn Ldr John valiantly faced the emergency and brought the helicopter under control. He also calmed the crewmembers and onboard observers. He, thereafter, directed the chase helicopter to locate the point of impact of the live warhead. He went on to direct the ground controllers and bomb disposal team to the point of impact so that damage on ground could be minimised and the live bomblets disposed of. He did all this, while (lawlessly carrying out his immediate task of keeping his damaged helicopter under control, and recovering it to the nearest helipad. For this act of exceptional courage, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) to Squadron Leader Subhash Palakuzhiyil John. |
