| Details : | Group Captain Harsh Bahl (20863) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) branch of IAF on 10 Sep 1990. The officer is posted as Chief Engineering Officer at a premier Air base since 27 May 13. On completion of his ab-initio training at AFFC, he was posted to a Mig-27 Squadron which had recently converted from Ajeet aircraft. He ensured expeditious operationalisation of the squadron despite his relatively less experience. In his subsequent assignment as Officer in Charge Mig-27 Tech Fit, he ensured an excellent maintenance and infrastructural setup to seamlessly integrate enhanced servicing requirements of a newly inducted Mig-27 squadron at the base. He was the chief architect in life extension programme of R-60 MK missile by two years which enhanced the Op capabilities of IAF During Op Safed Sagar the MiG-29 fleet had encountered a problem of 'No Lock on' of R-73 E missile in air. The officer, in spite of not being formally trained, recovered 26 missiles leading to a saving of Rs 26 crores to the exchequer. He is a postgraduate from IIT Delhi and has designed a Schottky -Bipolar Mode Field Effect Transistor (S-BMFET), patent for which has been filed in his honour by IIT Delhi. During his tenure at Air HQ in 2006, he planned and oversaw induction of Hawk aircraft efficiently. As the Command Engineering Officer 't,HQ EAC he managed all fighter fleets operating in the EAC AOR. He was the Chief Maintenance Coordinator during Ex Live wire in Mar 13. His planning during build up phase and execution of maintenance functions ensured dispatch reliability of 96% for fighters during missions. As the Chief Engineering Officer of Air Force Station Jaisalmer, he has been instrumental in improving the RPA serviceability to a record 91.39% for the last six months. Under his leadership several innovations have been carried out in the RPA fleet which have resulted in improved efficiency of maintenance practices. The base hosted 25 detachments and trials, flew nearly 4000 sorties and handled 750 tons of armament in the last one year. Nearly all types of aircraft in IAF inventory operated from this base. The effective supervision provided by the officer to these detachments ensured that there were no incidents/accidents attributable to Human Error (Servicing). Under his guidance, the mobile Tropo Unit was declared the best Tropo Unit of SWAC. He also contributed positively towards AF Stn Jaisalmer being declared the Pride of SWAC. For distinguished service of the high order, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt Harsh Bahl. |
