Number Name Branch Died in Service? Picture?


Air Vice Marshal Ichettira Iyappa Kuttappa

Service No & Branch 20758 F(P) Stream :Fighters
Date of Birth: -- --- ---- Commissioned: 16 Jun 1990 Course: 145 Course
Service End: Nick Name :
Qualifications Held :
Remarks :
Promotions Gazetted
Flt Lt : 16 Jun 1995Wg Cdr : 16 Dec 2004Gp Capt : 29 Sep 2011Air Cmde : 01 Mar 2019
AVM : 01 Apr 2023
Training and Other Courses Attended
76 NDA (Cadet) - 01 Jun 1989
Badges Qualified
 
Google the Bharat Rakshak Website for : "I I Kuttappa"
Notes:1)Branch is at retirement and may not match with branch at Commission 2)Notional seniority is reflected in dates of substantive rank.

Appointments, Postings & Other Service Particulars

DatesRankUnitLocationAppointmentPhoto
01 Nov 2018 - Air Cmde36 WingMakarpura (Vadodara) Air Officer Commanding
20 Dec 2021 - Air CmdeAir Head QuartersDelhi Air Cmde (Personnel Plann
01 Aug 2023 - AVMAir Head QuartersDelhi Assistant Chief of Air Staff, Intelligence
 
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Awards and Decorations


Number of Awards: 2
  
Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Sqn LdrIchettira Iyappa Kuttappa20758 F(P)Award Date 21 Apr 2001Announced 26 Jan 2002
Details : Squadron Leader Ichettira lyappa Kuttappa (20758) F (P) is on the posted strength of a MlG-21 Bis Squadron, since 24 Jul 2000. On 26 Jan 01, Bhuj was engulfed by a devastating earthquake. Sqn Ldr Kuttappa quickly set about collecting implements to initiate rescue work and commenced the task of breaking into the debris along with some other officers and airmen. Unmindful of his own safety and despite an injury, Sqn Ldr Kuttappa continued to work towards rescue even as mild tremors continued. On 21 Apr 2001, he was authorised to lead a two aircraft strike mission, While at low level, he experienced a bird hit on the starboard wing leading edge. The control rod for that aileron broke and the aircraft rolled viciously to the right. As he countered the roll with opposite aileron, the aircraft pitched up sharply. He brought the aircraft under control with the stick deflected almost fully to the left and forward. Despite taking all laid down actions, the aircraft could be controlled only down to a speed of 450 km/h, still well above the maximum speed permitted for landing. Flying the aircraft under these conditions was itself extremely difficult and landing It was impossible. Sqn Ldr Kuttappa, however, did not give up. He decided to jettison the external fuel tanks and armament pods and carried out a low speed check: He could maintain control down to a speed of 380 km/h In the landing configuration, albeit with maximum stick deflection and leaving no safety margin. In this situation Sqn Ldr Kuttappa would have been fully justified In ejecting from his stricken aircraft yet, displaying exceptional courage and presence of mind and at great risk to his own life, he recovered the aircraft safely. For this act of gallantry, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) to Squadron Leader Ichettira lyappa Kuttappa.
Unit : 15 Sqn
Reference : Gazette of India dated 29th June 2002 - No.118-Pres/2002 dated 26th January 2002 & AFD 2002 Investiture Booklet
Vishist Seva Medal
Gp CaptIchettira Iyappa Kuttappa20758 F(P)Award Date 26 Jan 2013Announced 26 Jan 2013
Details : Group Captain Ichettira Iyappa Kuttappa (20758) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a pilot in the flying branch on 16 Jun 90. He is on the posted strength of Directorate of Intelligence since 09 Aug 10. He has approx. 1800 hrs of flying to his credit. He has been commended by AOC-in-C for devotion to duty and contribution to flight safety in Aug 1990 and by CISC for his valued contribution as an instructor of the prestigious DSSC in Jan 2008. Additionally, he is recipient of Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) in Jan 2002. In 1990, he safely recovered an Iskara aircraft after experiencing a total electric failure, despite his limited experience as ab-initio pilot and displayed utmost professionalism. In 2002, he carried out an unprecedented safe recovery of a MiG-21 Type 75 aircraft in an emergency which required skillful handling of the situation. He stayed calm and composed and displayed a sharp acumen in an adverse situation to bring the aircraft back safely. His outstanding leadership and selfless work was again tested during the Bhuj earthquake. His work in providing relief set an example for others to emulate. During his tenure as Directing Staff at DSSC, he was appreciated at all levels for inculcating synergy among students from all three services. An avid reader and a keen thinker, his background of having done Staff course in Germany provided him with the tools to make valuable contribution as a member of Training Team. In his current assignment as Director Operational Intelligence, he has led from the front. Despite intelligence being an entirely new field for him, he has quickly adapted to the nuances of collation, analysis and timely dissemination of intelligence and has brought about remarkable qualitative improvement in the functioning of his staff. His enthusiasm at work percolates down to his team and is displayed in the form of improved Monthly Intelligence Summary, new SIRs being issued, making new folders for easy access to information and enhanced interaction with other intelligence agencies. He has been instrumental in tapping and nurturing new sources for Air Force specific intelligence which have paid rich dividends. His contribution to analysis has led to assessment of Concept of Operations of our potential adversaries. His work has been appreciated at all levels. For distinguished service of high order, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Ichettira Iyappa Kuttappa.
Unit :
Reference : Air Force Day Booklet
The data in the header section of this page comes from the Gazette of India - Click here to see the source
Note: All the data available here is publicly available in the Gazette of India, published by the Indian Government, or from public domain sources, press releases about Awards and Right-To-Information (RTI) Requests. Additionally data shared by veterans is added to the page with permission. No data with respect to serving officers below the rank of AVM is displayed. Information in Gazette of India and Award citations and photographs as released by the Indian Air Force are the only details displayed.