Squadron Leader Deepak Yadav was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in 1964. He served as in Squadron pilot in an operational fighter squadron for six years. During the Indo-Pak Conflict, 1971, he flew 20 operational missions deep into enemy territory with unflagging zeal and complete disregard for personal safety. For this he was mentioned in Despatches. An excellent fighter Squadron Pilot during his entire service period, he later volunteered for flight testing and made a significant contribution to test flying and the development of indigenous aircraft and systems.

On the 28th September, 1976, he was flight testing an aircraft to examine a specific problem area which he himself had identified on two previous flights. During the course of this flight-test, the aircraft experienced a structural failure resulting in complete loss of control. Squadron leader Deepak Yadav sacrificed his life in his cause of test flying.

Squadron Leader Deepak Yadav thus displayed conspicuous courage, determination and devotion the duty of a high order.

The late Squadron Leader Arun Keshav Sapre (4981) was commissioned as a Pilot in the Flying Brach of the Indian Air Force in October, 1955. In the earlier part of his AVSM 1974 career, he served as a Pilot in Operational Squadrons. After successfully completing the Test Pilot's Course in the United Kingdom, he was employed as a Test Pilot. He made valuable contributions toward flight testing and also carried out important development trials on a variety of fighter aircraft. He was responsible for successful trials of an aircraft designed and built in India by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

In March, 1971, Squadron Leader Sapre was detailed to carry out gun firing trials on a fighter aircraft. Despite the fact that he encountered a dangerous control problem at a crucial stage, while firing the guns, he skillfully dealt with the situation and brought the aircraft under control averting a major disaster. On the basis of these trials, he made useful suggestions for improvement in the control system of the aircraft.

In November, 1971, he again carried out 3 successful sorties for the purpose of testing the gun firing system of the aircraft. However, during the fourth sortie, the aircraft went out of control. Squadron Leader Sapre, at great risk to his life, tried to bring the aircraft under control but could not succeed. The aircraft crashed in the sea and he was killed.

Throughout his career, Squadron Leader Arun Keshav Sapre rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Flight Lieutenant Ramesh Chandra Ghildiyal was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in 1964 and served as the Squadron Pilot. As a Flight Commander in an operational helicopter unit where he flew over 1650 hours while carrying out casualty evacuations, relief operations, and logistics support missions and flight of dignitary over hazardous terrain with great efficiency. He volunteered for the Flight Inspectors course in 1971-72 and on the basis of his performance and aptitude, he was selected for the Experimental Test Pilot's Course in France in 1974 which he completed with a high merit. He was posted to Air craft and Systems Testing Establishment in 1975. He took great interest in development and testing of fixed wing aircraft and regularly assisted in their flight testing. On 28th September, 1976 while assisting Sqn. Ldr Deepak Yadav in the conduct of a flight trial, the aircraft suffered structural failure leading to complete loss of control. Flight Lieutenant Ramesh Chandra Ghildiyal was killed in the ensuing crash thereby sacrificing his life in the cause of test flying.

Flight Lieutenant Ramesh Chandra Ghildiyal has thus displayed courage, determination and devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Pravez Khokar underwent No. 2 Experimental Test Pilots Course at Aircraft and System Testing Establishment in 1997-78. From October, 1978 to January, 1981, he was employed on active testing duties in the Flight Test Squadron at Aircraft System Testing Establishment. Being an A-2 category qualified flying instructor with considerable experience he was detailed as the project Pilot for HPT32 Piston engine basic trainer aircraft under development at HAL (Bangalore Complex). He took extremely active part in prototype Testing of this aircraft including high risk tests such as stalling, spinning, engine air starts with the propeller stopped and aerobatics. He used his experience to great advantage to offer very constructive suggestions and remedial measures to the designers at HAL. He also worked extremely hard with rare dedication to monitor the progress on the two prototype aircraft under testing. This often entailed working well beyond the normal working hours and flying at all hours of the day. In addition to the onerous responsibility of being the project pilot on HPT-32 aircraft, he carried out a number of service trials on Marut, Ajeet, Iskra and MiG aircraft. He was always eager to undertake new testing assignments without any regard to personal comfort or safety. He has accumulated 2277 hours of accident-free flying on 18 different types of aircraft and holds the highest instrument rating of Master Green.

Squadron Leader Pravez Khokar has thus displayed professional competence, leadership capabilities and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Subhash Chandra Mittal has been on the posted strength of Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment as Officer Commanding Flight Test Squadron since October 1980. He is a qualified Experimental Test Pilot, having graduated from the French Test Pilots' School in 1973-74. His present posting to ASTE is his second tenure with this unit, his first one having lasted from Jul 74 to Dec 77. Wing Commander Mittal is not only a very experienced test pilot of high caliber, competent to test most fixed wing aircraft of the Air Force, but also an operational pilot of considerable experience and merit with over 3000 hours of flying to his credit. He was amongst the first batch of pilots selected to undergo training on Jaguar aircraft in the UK and later served with credit as Flight Commander in the first Jaguar Squadron of the Indian Air Force. Besides maintaining an accident­free record, he achieved the highest instrument rating of Master Green and has been a Command Examiner on Supersonic Fighter aircraft.

His efficient handling of a special Missile project and the results of the tests carried out at ASTE have drawn very favorable comments from all agencies associated with this Project.

For his exceptional individual flying skill, unflinching devotion to duty and consistently outstanding performance as a test pilot, the President is pleased to award VAYU SEVA MEDAL to Wing Commander Subhash Chandra Mittal.

Squadron Leader Neeraj Sharma underwent No. 3 Experimental Test Pilots' Course at ASTE, AF and graduated with flying colours. Prior to attending this course he served in Gnat and MiG Squadrons. He has also undergone the Advanced Air Armament Staff course at IAT, Pune. Inspite of his being a Pilot with a non technical academic background, he performed creditably on this course.

After graduation as an Experimental Test Pilot he was employed on active testing duties in the Flight Test Squadron at ASTE. He carried out a number of evaluation trials on fighter and transport aircraft. In his present tenure he has flown over 800 hours on numerous flight trials on different types of aircraft displaying a very high degree of professional competence and exceptional flight safety awareness.

In Sep 81, he was inducted into the staff of Test Pilots' School as the Senior Test Flying Instructor. His selection for this responsible position was based on his performance during the Test Pilots course as well as the work carried out by him as a Test Pilot.

In the school, he proved his mettle by imparting instructions of a very high quality to the students. The officer's attitude to work has been one of sustained enthusiasm and diligence despite being the only Test Flying Instructor available for long periods. Despite heavy work load, he ensured that the flying training was completed on schedule.

For his dedicated hard work, consistent performance of a very high calibre both in the air and on the ground, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Squadron Leader Neeraj Sharma.

Squadron Leader Rajib Kumar Chakravorty has been on the posted strength of Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment with effect from 09 Jan 82.

From Dec 82 to Feb 84, he was involved in the successful and safe completion of numerous high priority trials allotted to the Flight Test Squadron of this establishment. He was on the Shamsher Darin project while, simultaneously, he was responsible for the singlehanded completion of five separate trials on Vajra aircraft. The latter had to be carried out from the home base. Their timely completion involved long hours of work on the tarmac in severe climatic conditions. During a reject take-off trial on Vijay aircraft, the brake parachute sheared off when deployed at limit speed. However, Sqn Ldr Chakravorty reacted in a cool and professional manner and averted what otherwise could have been a major accident. He also participated in trials on Vikram and Badal aircraft. By his application and industry, he set an example for younger test pilots to emulate. During his tenure with the FTS; Sqn Ldr Chakravorty displayed professionalism of a very high standard.

He was inducted into the Test Pilots School as the Senior Test Flying Instructor in Jan 85. During 1985-86, he was instrumental in the planning and completion of No. 8 Test Pilots' Course and the first half of No. 9 ETPC in spite of an acute shortage of test flying instructors. During this period, he discharged his duties as the Senior Test Flying Instructor and, for three months, as Officer Commanding, TPS, displaying instructional ability and flying skills of an exceptional order.

For his exceptional multifaceted professionalism, extreme devotion to duty and constant dedication to the task for test flying and training of test pilots, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Rajib Kumar Chakravorty.

Wing Commander Ajit Keshav Agtey was on the posted strength of Aircraft Systems and Testing Establishment as a test pilot from Dec 82 to Nov 85 and was again posted as a Senior Test Flying Instructor in the Test Pilot School (TPS) with effect from 27 Oct 86.

During the initial three years he made valuable and vital contribution towards the development and safe clearance of aircraft avionics and weapon systems to meet Air Force requirements and also those of various Research & Development establishments. In particular, Wing Commander Agtey was the Project Pilot for a key development programme that aimed at a significant improvement in the operational potential of our frontline combat aircraft. Wing Commander Agtey's personal contribution has been extremely significant in achieving the target at minimum cost and time. He has flown over 50% of all development sorties in this programme and has been the main source of vital pilot inputs so necessary to tune the system to meet operational requirements.

Wing Commander Agtey was again posted to ASTE on promotion in Oct 86 as a Senior Test Flying instructor in the Test Pilots School. He carried out his duties in the above appointment with total dedication.

Besides due to his earlier involvement in development flight trials on the Jaguar, he was once again involved in various trials for the Flight Test Squadron which he performed with the same commitment as he had done during his earlier tenure.

For his exceptional professional knowledge and total commitment to task entrusted to him, perseverance, diligence and outstanding devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander AK Agtey.

Group Captain Motilal Nalluri (13911) Flying (Pilot) has been functioning as the Chief Test Pilot (CTP) of Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), Air Force since Jun 99. He earlier served in ASTE from Dec 85 to May 88, where he was actively involved in indigenous weapon integration trials on the MiG-21 and MiG-23 BN as also on AEW TOP aircraft for baseline flight and thrust derivatives.

As CTP he has supervised and monitored as many as 52 flight trials, of which 44 were completed in 1999. This was a quantum leap from 17-flight trials completed in the previous year. Most of these trials were of a very complex nature involving large-scale integration of state-of-the art equipment, systems and weapons on contemporary aircraft, in order to substantially enhance the strike and avionics capability of the IAF. He personally conducted a number of high-risk flight trials himself. In addition to the trials, the officer has been deeply involved with a number of ongoing projects to upgrade aircraft in service. He has also provided useful inputs for the LCA and ALH programmes.

The officer's contribution in enhancing the punch and reliability of aircraft and system in the IAF is noteworthy, as is his undivided dedication and devotion to duty.

For his devotion to duty and yeoman contribution to Flight Testing, the Hon'ble President, is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Group Captain Motilal Nalluri.

As the Chief Flying Instructor at Bidar from Jun 1977 to May 2000, he flew 990 h. For his untiring efforts and ensuring high quality of training achieved in a time bound manner, he was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff.

He was the Flying Display Director during Aero India 2001. His deep involvement in the meticulous planning and skilful coordination of over twenty types of aircraft from all over the world resulted in flying display of international standard. The quality and clockwork precision with which the flying display was conducted were highly appreciated by all the dignitaries who visited the Air Show, including the Chief of the Air Staff, AOC-in-C Training Command and the foreign participants.

During 2001, ASTE conducted a record number of 48 trials, highest in its history. This included some of the most complex trials conducted at ASTE till date. This was made possible by his hands-on style of management and leadership by personal example. He personally led most of the complex trials such as the ASPJ and CMD trials on different fighter aircraft and ensured very high quality of professionalism and supervision. He inspired and motivated his subordinates to very high levels of commitment and performance. He worked tirelessly, well beyond the commitments of ASTE were conducted in a safe, efficient and timely manner, while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. ASTE maintained an accident free record during this period.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the Hon'ble President is please to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Group Captain Subramanya Sukumar.

In Jan 02, ASTE was formally tasked to undertake flight testing of the Saras Light Transport Aircraft (LTA~ pro~ being indigenously designed and developed by National Aeronautics Laboratory (NAL). Sqn Ldr Venugopal, then a test flying instructor at AFTPS was specifically chosen to head the Saras test team on account of his flight test experience a project pilot for evaluating Executive Jets for the Air Force. This was an extremely challenging task as the Saras had a unique rear mounted pusher prop configuration and was the first indigenous LTA programme. With his maturity and personal involvement he was instrumental in finalisation of all the necessary documentation and coï·“ordination with Director General Civil Aviation (DGCA) as the team leader. He was directly responsible for finalisation of cockpit man machine interface and safety audit of the aircraft and its systems. He was also instrumental in planning, review, approval and execution of the entire test programme. He oversaw the continuity training and preparation of the other crew members of the team for the demanding task of undertaking the first flight and further evaluation of Saras ac. His dedication and hard work were commended and lauded by all the senior functionaries of NAL and MCA.

On 29 May 04, the first Saras Prototype took off on its first flight. First flight of a prototype aircraft is always a high risk proposition. The lack of an engineering test simulator, made the execution of first flight even more challenging. Soon after take off, the crew experienced Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) and angle of attack indication failure, thereby losing vital flight information. Coupled to this, the aircraft experienced mild vibrations due to opening of the refuelling panel in flight. As the Captain of aircraft Sqn Ldr Venugopal maintained his cool and rose to the challenge of having to deal with a serious emergency on a prototype aircraft on its first flight. He exhibited exceptional professionalism and courage in handling the emergency and recovering the aircraft safely.

For displaying professionalism and courage, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) to Squadron Leader Kolal Krishnamurthy Venugopal.

Squadron Leader Avenash Chandra Mehta (4859) was commissioned as a Navigator in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in April, 1956. He has been serving as Officer incharge Flying at the Aircraft and Armament Testing Unit since October, 1971. With the outbreak of Indo-Pak Conflict, there was a sharp increase in flying commitments at the station, and he was required to set up additional facilities at his base.

He was instrumental in organizing a very effective operations room which was manned by him during "maximum activity hours". He also organised a very effective communication net work for the defence of the airfield. Under his personal supervision and guidance, the Air Delivery Fight was able to carry out a total of 1581 hours of flying, over a period of two months, airlifting 674 tonnes of vital spares and equipment to forward bases. After the conflict, the Air Delivery Flight operations continued, and airlifted a further load of 401 tonnes of vitally needed stores to forward bases. By his constant endeavour and personal example, he main tained perfect coordination between the various sectors under him and kept the morale of his men at a high pitch.

For distinguished service of a high order, Squadron Leader Avenash Chandra Mehta is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander (now Gp Capt) Tilak was posted to an important Air Force Establishment after successfully completing the Masters Degree in Technology from Princeton University, USA. Realising quite early in the career that in a modern Air Force the flying ability must be backed by sound technical knowledge, he completed B. Tech course successfully. He was offered a scholarship by the Princeton University USA for the Master's Degree Course in technology. This two years Master's degree course he completed in 15 months by virtue of his tenacity of purpose and unwavering determination.

Group Captain Raj Kumar Nehra was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force on 7 September 1953. During his tenure with the Directorate of Air Staff Requirements, he showed sound technical knowledge extraordinary zeal and extreme capacity for hard work in dealing with the large volume and range of work. Displaying a high sense of initiative and with untiring efforts, he, in a short period of time, acquired a high degree of competence even in the fields other than that of his specialisation.

Group Captain Nehra was called upon to carry out analytical studies of design/project reports of a number of development projects relating to aircraft/ systems designs. Owing to his recognised merit in the field of aircraft flight testing, the officer has been repeatedly selected for evaluation of aircraft/systems considered for induction in the IAF.

Group Captain Raj Kumar Nehra during his stay in the Directorate of Air Staff Requirements has throughout displayed outstanding professional competence, capacity for hard work and devotion to duty. The officer has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order and the President is pleased to award him Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Svinder Mohan Singh Chadha was commissioned in the IAF in June 1962. A highly qualified and brilliant engineering officer of the erstwhile armament branch, he has successfully held many sensitive field appointments, which include as many as six tenures as Engineering Officer, Senior Technical Officer and Chief Engineering Officer of various supersonic Squadrons and Wings.

Since Jan 78 he has been employed as Weapon Test Engineer at Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment. Wg Cdr Chadha has been the brain and driving force behind all weapon systems development and evaluation trials undertaken by ASTE during his tenure. A highly capable, yet modest officer who has made a maor contribution in enhancing the operational potential of the IAF through extremely conscientious and dedicated hard work of exemplary proportion.

For his exceptional professional ability and exemplary devotion to duty resulting in successful completion of many weapon systems development project of great importance to the Indian Air Force, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Wing Commander Svinder Mohan Singh Chadha.

Squadron Leader Prakash Chandra Khandubhai Desai was commissioned in the Air Force on 3 Jan 66. He was awarded Gold Medal for standing first in the Engineering (Industrial Engineering) Examination NITIE, Bombay in July 76 and earned the FCIL being the best student in the 'Electronic Data Project System' course at MCTE, MHOW in Jun-Aug 77. He graduated from Defence Services Staff College in Nov 80.

Squadron Leader Desai was specially selected as Weapon Test Engineer and Officerin charge Test Laboratory of Aircraft and System Testing Establishment where he displayed outstanding capability at handling challenging tasks assigned to him.

As project engineer for flight trials of a Missile System, Squadron Leader Desai handled various disciplines of the Project single handed and was responsible for formulating fabrication drawing providing design support for various equipments. The task was completed in a record time of three months.

The post firing film data analysis work under taken by the officer and the efforts put in by him evolve new procedures and techniques were appreciated by the concerned manufacturers.

For his exceptional devotion to duty and profile competence of a high order, the President is please to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Squadron Leader Prakash Chandra Khandubhai Desai.

Squadron Leader Vaduvur Srinivasarghavan was commissioned in the Air Force on 04 Jan 71. He has held various important appointments during his service career.

Seeing his past excellent performance, Sqn Ldr Sunder was specially selected as a part of Project Team which was assigned the task of carrying out an important modification to enhance the operational capability of a frontline combat aircraft. Sqn Ldr Sunder being the only specialist for the Mechanical and Structural side played an important role in developing and implementing the modification scheme on the aircraft. His sound professional knowledge, intelligent and dedicated hard work led to the successful completion of the modification which significantly enhanced the operational capability of the Air Force and led to saving of foreign exchange of crores of rupees.

In accomplishing the above tasks Sqn Ldr Sunder has displayed commendable enthusiasm, perseverance, anticipation, analytical power, organizing capability and professional competence of a very high order. For his dedication hard work and significant contribution in carrying out modification on the aircraft, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Vaduvur Srinivasaraghavan Sunder.

Sqn Ldr Biswas Bihari Misra has been on the posted strength of ASTE, Air Force with effect from May 1989.

During his stay at ASTE, Sqn Ldr Misra has been actively involved in the retrieval and rehabilitation of a very sophisticated piece of computerised equipment called Electro-Optical Tracking and Computing system (EOTAC). This vital equipment is required for trajectory analysis of aircraft and weapons. Restoring the EOTAC to a usable state was a multi-disciplinary task and lack of manufacturer's support had made it more difficult. He undertook the task with perseverance and determination and found indigenous alternatives to rectify the snags.

Sqn Ldr Misra, by his hard work and dedication, far beyond the call of his normal duties, in an intricate technical field far removed from his normal duties of flying, has managed to make the EOTAC equipment serviceable. He has thus, saved several crores of rupees in foreign exchange.

For his devotion to duty, thorough technical knowledge, intelligent application, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Biswas Bihari Misra.

Sqn Ldr Sudhakar Chandrakant Kunte was commissioned on 05 Jan 76. He is on the posted strength of ASTE since 01 Feb 89.

With commendable technical skill, devotion to work and exemplary perseverance, he developed a computerised data acquisition system based on indigenously available PCs and Video Cassette Recorders. His highly advanced technique won praise not only from our R&D organisations, but also from the US Air Force Test Pilot School team that visited the Establishment.

Sqn Ldr Kunte devised a scheme to record the flight test data directly on PC thus reducing flight test time as well as data retrieval time. He further enhanced the scheme by utilising two PCs to simultaneously record the data as well as to give onboard real time display for test manoeuvre monitoring in the aircraft. These schemes were very successfully implemented during the 'AEW-TDP' and 'AN-32 Re-engineing' trials.

For distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr SC Kunte.

Group Captain CN Ranganath (13471) AE (L) has, been on the posted strength of ASTE since July 1993. He has been functioning as Chief Research and Project Officer (CRPO) since November 1996. Group Captain CN Ranganath, by extensive liaison with a number of design agencies, evolved new and fool proof procedural and testing methods for expeditious clearance of trial mods.

During the year 1997, ASTE celebrated its Silver Jubilee. Throughout the year a large number of functions and events were organised. Group Captain Ranganath was the Chief Coordinator for all these functions/ events. Skillful interaction between various civil agencies and providing a disciplined leadership to different organising committee members enabled Group Captain Ranganath in successfully organizing diverse events. It was a feather in the cap of this establishment that such events were conducted with enthusiasm and finesse.

The most prestigious event of the Silver Jubilee celebration was the National Seminar on Flight Testing organised by ASTE. Flight Test experts from the USA, UK, Europe, Russia and Israel participated along with Research and Development Scientists. The Chief Guest was the CAS and the seminar was presided over by Bharat Ratna Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. To conduct a seminar of this scope, particularly in an Air Force establishment called for original, meticulous planning and dedicated hard work. The fact that it was an outstanding success, was a tribute to the organisational skills of Group Captain Ranganath. The seminar was immensely successful in projecting the high standard of professionalism of the IAF in general and ASTE in particular amongst the aviation fraternity from both India and abroad.

For his significant contribution in organising the seminar on Flight Testing and for continued distinguished service of a high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain CN Ranganath.

Wing Commander Venkata Ramana Mantha (17284) AE (M) was commissioned on 01 Sep 83 in the Engineering Branch of the IAF. He has served in three MiG-21 squadrons, twice as Senior Technical Officer. While serving at Air Force Station Bhuj, he was commended by AOC-in-C South Western Air Command (SWAC) for service of a high order. He is a Master of Technology in Material Science. He was trained as a Flight Test Engineer (FTE) at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) in 93-94 and has since been an FTE at ASTE. He has been involved in flight testing in an extremely wide range of aircraft and systems; he specialises in Electrooptics. He was responsible for flight-testing that resulted in the induction of laser-guided bombs (LGBs) and their air borne laser designation systems into the IAF. He was also responsible for integration of laser designator systems into the IAF. He was also responsible for the integration of laser designator and navigation pod on the Mirage 2000 and Jaguar aircraft.

During the Kargil conflict, a crisis loomed large due to the non-availability of suitable fuses for LGBs. Happening to be at the concerned base, Wg Cdr Mantha used his innovativeness to modify and adapt a fusing scheme to make the LGBs functional. The LGBs were used with telling effect on enemy bunkers. But for Wg Cdr Mantha's initiative, the LGBs could not have been used. At present, Wg Cdr Mantha is the principal FTE in a programme to integrate a sophisticated helmet mounted display and updating device with a state of the art air-to-air missile on the Mirage2000. The programme involves aerodynamics, structures, Electro-optics, avionics, ergonomics, fighter tactics and pilot safety. He has been coordinating this complex project in a highly professional manner.

For distinguished service of a high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Venkata Ramana Mantha.