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Wing Commander Gaurav Bikram Singh Chauhan
| Service No & Branch | 26106 F(P) |  | |||||||
| Date of Birth: | Commissioned: 17 Jun 2000 | Course: 165 Course | |||||||
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| Google the Bharat Rakshak Website for : "G B S Chauhan" | |||||||||
| Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) | ||||
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| Sqn Ldr | Gaurav Bikram Singh Chauhan | 26106 F(P) | Award Date 19 Feb 2013 | Announced 15 Aug 2013 |
| Details : | Squadron Leader Gaurav Bikram Singh Chauhan (26106) Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of a Su-30 MKI squadron since 10 Oct 11. On 19 Feb 13. Sqn Ldr Chauhan was tasked to fly an Air to Ground strike mission over Pokhran range. He was authorised to fly as a Weapon System Operator (WSO) onboard a Su-30 MKI aircraft laden with 18 x100 kg bombs. The objective of the mission was to showcase the immense fire power and accuracy in weapon delivery of the Su-30 MKI in 'Ex Iron Fist'. The mission which was undertaken by night from Air Force Station Jodhpur was a part of the full dress rehearsal for the final event. The mission was executed by Sqn Ldr Chauhan. wherein he as the WSO, assisted his pilot in carrying out a flawless strike and made good the Time on Target' to employ his formidable weapon load. Subsequent to the trigger press by the front pilot. a sortie that was uneventful, rapidly unfolded into one of the most dramatic chain of events witnessed in recent aviation history. The release of bombs from the aircraft was almost instantaneously accompanied with a loud explosion in the vicinity of the right wing. This was followed by the aircraft being engulfed in a large ball of fire and breaking up into several parts in mid-air. The explosion on the right wing caused it to be ripped off at the root and the aircraft viciously spiraled downwards in an uncontrolled trajectory with a very high rate of descent. Sqn Ldr Chauhan was hit in the face by shards of the canopy that shattered with the first explosion. This caused him to sustain several lacerations and wind blast injuries. The spiraling and tumbling motion of the cockpit caused him to be subjected to severe lateral and negative gravitational forces causing an uncontrollable flailing of his limbs thus preventing him from reaching the ejection handle. Despite negligible vision in the darkness of the desert sky which was further obscured by facial bleeding caused by his injuries, he made a superhuman effort to push himself against the burning railing of the cockpit, accessed the ejection handle and successfully operated it. This resulted in both the pilots ejecting safely. Eye witness accounts and video footage of the incident indicate the undeniable presence of a large explosion near the wing. This resulted in a bomb exploding in the proximity of the aircraft followed by sympathetic explosion of several bombs whilst still under slung on the aircraft. The situation thus presented before Sqn Ldr Chauhan undoubtedly qualifies as one of the rarest occasions in which an aircrew's honed instincts as a professional are put to the ultimate test. In the face of such an unprecedented situation wherein the aircraft burst into flames with no warning of an impending failure, Sqn Ldr Chauhan displayed exceptional courage, situational awareness and uncommon reflexes in extricating himself and his crew member from a distressed aircraft. His act of bravery truly exemplifies the heroic and camaraderie that exists amongst the aircrew that operate in such a fragile and unforgiving environment. For his act of exceptional courage and presence of mind in the face of a potentially catastrophic and life threatening situation. Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) to Squadron Leader Gaurav Bikram Singh Chauhan. | |||
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| 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
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