| Details : | Group Captain Rajesh Bhardwaj (20689-B) AE(L) was commissioned in the technical branch of Indian Air Force on 12 Mar 1990. The officer is an alumnus of College of Defence Management and has been commended twice by AOC-in-C of Maintenance and Training Commands and once by the CAS. As Senior Engineering Officer of a MiG-29 fighter squadron, the officer participated actively in various operational exercise of the Squadron. The Squadron was awarded the 'Best Fighter Squadron' trophy by HQ Western Air Command consecutively for two years during his tenure, in which high quality maintenance practices and safety standards in the Squadron played a major role. As the Production Engineer at 11 BRD, he was instrumental in setting up the MiG-29 aircraft Hangar Line, formulation of the entire work flow process and associated documentation, which enabled the depot to obtain the coveted ISO 9001 certification. The officer was a key player in induction of Hawk aircraft and setting up of extended Second line servicing facilities of 223 rotables. He displayed his professional acumen and foresightedness in overcoming the teething issues while setting up these facilities. Setting up of Aero-engine and Jet pipe repair facilities are a testimony to his professionalism. As CEO, of a premier Air base, he initiated reliability improvement measures, resulting in considerable reduction in failure trends of retables. This ensured reduction in AOG from 17 to five aircraft, enhancement of serviceability to 71% and higher standards of aerospace and maintenance safety. The station was awarded 'Best in Maintenance' Trophy by HQ Training Command for two consecutive years during his tenure as CEO. In his present assignment as Director Hawk maintenance at Air HQ, He has been instrumental in resolving the long standing issue of procurement of Hawk spares which was held up for over three years due to non-finalization of the mode of procurement. He also utilized his experience and played a key role in facilitating setting up of extended second line servicing facilities for 110 rotables at a fighter base by optimum re-appropriation of assets. This is helping in reducing the turnaround time of unserviceable retables and has decreased the dependency on only one base. The officer ensure optimal aircraft availability at field units by planning timely calendar life extensions of aircraft with OEM's involvement which avoids bunching of aircraft for overhaul. For distinguished service of high order, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Rajesh Bhardwaj. |
