by Arun S Vishwakarma

114HU is premier and high profile IAF flying unit by virtue of continuously playing pivotal role since 1982 in longest active war zone in Siachen Glacier. Of all Indian armed forces (IAF and IA) in Siachen 114HU has the unique distinction of being the longest serving battle unit. The Cheetah helicopters of 114HU are the only ones that can land at Siachen’s posts. Where as Mi17 and AN32 can do para-drop at select low altitude Siachen drop zones, 114HU Cheetah is the saviour for supplies, med-vac & reconnaissance to high altitude frontline.

Siachen is an active war zone since 1982. Ruling mountain and glaciers of Siachen demands the best of men, machine, technology, organization and willpower every day. The Indian army formations on high mountain frontline at Siachen depend on IAF 114HU for food supplies, ammunition and medical-evacuation. Soldiers manning the frosty battlefield are exposed to greater risk from nature than enemy fire. High altitude sickness (pulmonary oedema) is a fatal affliction that requires the soldier to be immediate brought to lower latitude. Cheetah helicopter of 114HU are the only saviour from the sky for that the IA depends on. Barring extremely bad weather the pilots of 114HU prove their motto “Aapatsu Mitrum / A friend to those in distress”.

Operating at such high altitude requires piloting these flying machines at maximum operating specification with absolutely no safety margin that is further compounded by difficult high altitude flying conditions in the form of extreme cold, sudden gust, downdraft, enemy fire, restricted airspace and very small (tabletop) helipad on steep ridges. These operations are sustained by teamwork amongst 114HU professional each playing his role in ensure fault free operation of man and machine ranging from unit doctor, maintenance engineer & technicians, meteorological officer, logistics, security, pilots and commander. Together they have made 114HU one of the most decorated and respected flying unit.

Flying at such high altitude requires Cheetah helicopter to operate at edge of operating envelop on multiple parameters at the same time and almost for all flight duration., compared to other aircraft types that operate at “maximum envelop” for one or two parameters and that too for a very small fraction of mission duration. Operating at high altitude posts in Siachen requires maximum engine power and puts maximum strain to the rotors, gearbox and airframe. Following stress regimes come to play most of the time:

1. The rotor blade and gearbox operate at maximum speed and pitch-angle.
2. The engine’s maximum jet pipe temperature limit the available power
3. Sudden & sharp high altitude mountain gust put extreme stress on the rotor blade
4. Sudden and acute downdraft or updraft
5. Lack of depth perception due to whiteout condition due to wide snowfield
6. Extremely cold temperature of ranging from -40°C to -60°C.
7. Cloud cover or low visibility most of daytime in best of weather.
8. Limited operating hours
9. Negligible navigation support
10. Negligible reserve fuel
11. Oxygen required in non-pressurized pilot cabin
12. As much as possible radio silence
13. Enemy medium/heavy calibre firearm, howitzer and missile fire
14. Wide coverage area with dispersed army posts and logistic bases.

Any miscalculation or mishandling of control can result in a catastrophic accident. Siachen mission require flying fast and low with little dwell time on helipad in view of omnipresent threat of enemy fire.
Given the extremely difficult mission environment pilots and technical staff first posted to 114HU go through a very rigorous operationalization training at Leh and around before entering the select band of pilots and technician that go ops in Siachen. Maintenance engineers and technicians also train hard to ensure the flying machines are airworthy for the tough missions in Ladhak and Siachen and hold up the trust the pilots repose on them and the machine they provide to fly mission. There is a delicate bond of trust between the 114HU pilots & technicians. Siachen is where only one type of pilot operates - the brave and a notch above the average; where only one type of technician succeeds - once again the brave and a step above the average.