Air Commodore Packiriswamy Kanakaraj (15066) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned in Ju11977. During his 31 years of distinguished service he has held many important appointments in IAF, Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance and Defence Research and Development Organization. He was the Senior Engineering Officer of a MiG-21 Squadron, Chief Engineering Officer (CEO) of Air Force Station, Jodhpur, Commanding Officer of Air Armaments Inspection Wing (AAIW), Khamaria and is presently the Principal Director Engineering A at Air HQ. He is a Post Graduate in Propulsion Engineering from IIT Madras and has undergone Long Defence Management Course at CDM Secunderabad. The officer's in-depth knowledge and expertise on aero engine was of immense help in establishing the cause of a number of MiG aircraft accidents. His contribution to Life extension and Reliability studies has enabled the IAF to exploit the ageing Russian aero engines. As CEO at Air Force Station, Jodhpur, during Op Parakaram, modification of MiG-27 aircraft and MI-8 helicopter with Electronic Warfare system was successfully undertaken by him. As CO, AAIW, he was instrumental in providing the required impetus to production of the 100-120 kg bombs, thus saving valuable foreign exchange. In his present appointment as, Principal Director Engineering he handles a wide variety of Russian fighter aircrafts, he has been responsible for planning and execution of SU-30 upgrade and various other upgrade programmes. His proactive interaction with HAL on various technical and supplies related issues have resulted in overall improvement in serviceability of Russian Fighter fleet. He has skillfully negotiated a number of contracts for supply of spares with various foreign vendors and was able to obtain appreciable discount. His analytic mind and ability to anticipate likely grey area for remedial measures are his strength. For distinguished service of high order, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Air Commodore Packiriswamy Kanakaraj.
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