Details : | On 2nd March, 1974, Squadron Leader Ravindra Kumar took off in a supersonic aircraft in a high level tactical formation. At about 6 km height at a speed of 650 Km per hour the canopy bubble of his aircraft disintegrated. The broken perspex pieces which flew into the cockpit injured him and broke his helmet visor. Some of the canopy pieces also caused damage to other parts of the aircraft. He cleared away the broken pieces of his visor and regained control over the situation. He realised that he could neither transmit nor receive on his radio. despite injuries and tremendous air blast to his person in the absence of the protective visor, he maintained full control over the aircraft, reduced the speed, descended back towards the airfield and brought the aircraft to a safe landing. In this action, Squadron Leader Ravindra Kumar displayed courage, presence of mind, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order. |