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Wing Commander Rijul Sharma
| Service No & Branch | 29911 F(P) |  | ||||||||
| Date of Birth: | Commissioned: 21 Jun 2008 | Course: 181 Course | ||||||||
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| Google the Bharat Rakshak Website for : "R Sharma" | ||||||||||
| Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) | ||||
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| Sqn Ldr | Rijul Sharma | 29911 F(P) | Award Date 01 Jun 2016 | Announced 26 Jan 2017 |
| Details : | Squadron Leader Rijul Sharma (29911) Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of a MiG 29 Squadron wef 11 Apr 16 and has been performing the duties of a Squadron pilot. On 01 Jun 16, Squadron Leader Rijul Sharma was authorised to fly an Air Test sortie on MiG 29 aircraft which involved testing of aircraft at Supersonic Speeds at a height of 10 Km. While conducting this test in Supersonic Flying corridor; 110 km away from base at a speed of 1.1 Mach which corresponds to 1200-1300 Krnph of true air speed, the canopy perspex of the aircraft shattered. This resulted in explosive decompression and perspex pieces hitting the officer on his right shoulder. In the absence of canopy; he was exposed to extremely low temperatures of minus 28 deg C and very severe wind blast owing to very high speed. Human exposure to such low temperatures, aeromedical problems of decompression sickness and few seconds to useful conciseness due to Hypoxia required prompt actions on the part of the pilot. Weighing against the option of ejecting and displaying courage of an exceptional order, Sqn Ldr Sharma decided to recover the aircraft. In the process, he totally disregarded his critical shoulder injury and the discomfort posed by high speed, high altitude and low temperatures. To avoid the effects of aero-medical problems he quickly descended to 3 Km and simultaneously reduced speed for effective control of the aircraft. Displaying concern to other lives and national assets he avoided flying close to oil installations and populated areas. Notwithstanding the reduced frontal visibility, very high cockpit noise level and heavy aircraft weight, he skillfully handled the damaged aircraft and executed a safe emergency landing, without any further damage to the aircraft. His actions in handling such a critical emergency, not only saved his own life and the aircraft, but also prevented possible catastrophic damage to en-route strategically important and vital petro-chemical installations and populated areas. For this act of exceptional courage, very high standards of professionalism in recovering a damaged aircraft, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) to Squadron Leader Rijul Sharma. | |||
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| Reference : Air Force Day Booklet | ||||
The data in the header section of this page comes from the Gazette of India - Click here to see the source
The URL for this page is http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/29911
Note: All the data available here is publicly available in the Gazette of India, published by the Indian Government, or from public domain sources, press releases about Awards and Right-To-Information (RTI) Requests. Additionally data shared by veterans is added to the page with permission. No data with respect to serving officers below the rank of AVM is displayed. Information in Gazette of India and Award citations and photographs as released by the Indian Air Force are the only details displayed.