A chain of radar stations was planned to be set up with United States assistance for the air defence of the country. In September 1965, U. S. assistance was withdrawn. Consequently Indian Air Force was obliged to take up the installation of the radar chain without any technical assistance. Wg. Cdr. Chandramowleswaran was posted as commanding officer of an installation unit entrusted with the responsibility of installing three radar stations.

The equipment to be installed was an extremely complex one incorporating some highly advanced techniques. None of our technicians had any experience in installing or maintaining this equipment. The task involved marrying a variety of diverse equipment like Search Radar, Height Finder Radar, display systems, communication systems etc. In addition, the task was made more complicated in the absence of all the installation equipment. Hence the problems posed were indeed formidable.

Wg. Cdr. Chandramowleswaran took up this challenge and completed the task of installation and calibration of three stations, proved the installations and handed them over as working stations to the respective units which are now operational. During installation, he had to refer to numerous drawings and publications and ensure that the installations were up to the expected standard. Wherever items were deficient or unserviceable careful market study was carried out under the guidance and appropriate repair agencies and suppliers of in lieu items were located. Thus the installation programme progressed without delay. The task was completed within the planned schedule satisfactorily, economically and without any mishap whatsoever.

By his superior organising ability and able leadership, he welded his installation unit into a highly competent and dedicated team. Wing Commander Chandramowleswaran's contribution to the installation of these vital air defence radar stations constitutes distinguished service of high order.

Air Vice Marshal Chandramowleswaran was commissioned in the Air Force in the Technical Signals Branch, now Aeronautical Engineering Electronics in 1950. He proved an asset in the various appointments he held in the units/ Commands and in organisations outside Air Force. A competent Technical Officer and a versatile field Engineer, he excelled particularly in Installation and System Engineering activities. While in the Maintenance Command as Incharge of the repair and overhaul aspects of communication and radar equipment, he established, with his experience and deep understanding of the field conditions, a sound system for ensuring serviceability and base support facilities for Navigation and Radar aids, operating in different sectors of the country. Early in 1966, he was entrusted with the task of installing certain complex communication and electronic equipment. Neither the installation techniques nor the training facilities were available for these equipment. Undeterred by the formidable problems posed by the task, he took up the challenge and with single minded devotion, successfully installed the equipment on schedule.

In 1971, he was specially selected to join the Radar and Communication Project Organisation, a system Engineering Group, and entrusted with the responsibility of planning, installation and commissioning of reliable and secure tropo/Line of Sight Communication and Radio facilities in the Air Defence Ground Environment System. He was able to complete the task of site survey and system engineering of far flung remote and inaccessible mountainous areas of the country in the time schedule. Similarly in the selection installation and commissioning of High Power Radars and associated peripherals, he effectively, organi­zed the installation and maintenance teams to undertake the activities in the field. His selfless devotion to duty earned him the admiration and affection of the officers and staff who worked with him.

Air Vice Marshal Chandramowleswaran has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.