Golden Jubilee
celebrations of the front line Sea Harrier squadron of the Indian Navy, Indian Naval
Air Squadron (INAS) 300, will be ‘launched’ tomorrow 05th July 2010
at Goa with over a hundred White Tigers in
attendance.
The
events scheduled include a two day professional seminar on carrier borne
fighter operations, a get together of the veterans of the Squadron and the release
of a commemorative first day cover and postage stamp.
The seminar
will see discussions on esoteric subjects of topical interest to a navy poised
for growth in air craft carrier based power. Included
are an aero medical paper that discusses the effects of ‘high G’ catapult
launches and challenges of spatial orientation particularly in night operations
over the sea, a paper that explores
operating concepts for future indigenous aircraft carriers considering the
various options viz Short Take-off and Vertical
Landing (STOVL), Short Take-off but Arrested Landing (STOBAR) and Catapult
Take-off but Arrested Landing (CATOBAR) these discussions are of particular
interest as the Indian Navy today stands at a vital cross road regarding
operating concept for its future indigenous carriers. One paper also discusses
latest developments in fighter direction and control in an environment of
Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft.
Later, on 07 July 2010 the Department of
Post will release a Commemorative Postage Stamp and a First Day Cover in a
special ceremony with Dr SS Sidhu, the Governor of
Goa, as the Chief Guest. Admiral Nirmal Verma, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, the Chief of the Naval Staff, along
with a number of senior dignitaries and notable veterans such as Admiral RH Tahiliani and Admiral Arun Prakash will be present during the ceremonies.
The White Tigers
have an illustrious history with many significant contributions over the past
fifty years. On 18 May 1961 Lt Cdr RH Tahilhiani (later Admiral and Chief of Naval Staff) landed
the first Seahawk, piloted by an Indian, onboard the INS Vikrant. Ever since,
the Squadron has been at the fore front of naval operations as the premier
front line fighter squadron of the Indian Navy. The 1971 India-Pakistan conflict saw the squadron’s Seahawk
aircraft in action from INS Vikrant. When the conflict ended, INAS 300 had not
suffered a single loss and won one Maha Vir Chakra, five Vir Chakras, one
Naosena medal and four Mentions in Despatches.
In
December 1983 the Sea Hawks were bid adieu and the squadron inducted the Sea
Harrier FRS Mk 51 aircraft. Over the years these aircraft have proven
themselves after having been eye-to-eye with the best in the business viz the magnificent carriers and the flying machines of the
American, French and British navies. Recently, the ageing Sea Harriers were
given a weapon and avionics upgrade to keep abreast with evolving technology.
The upgraded Sea Harrier christened LUSH (Limited Upgrade Sea Harrier) is a
shot in the arm for the Indian Naval aviation. The Sea Harriers, in their ‘new
avatar’, are now a formidable force to reckon with. LUSH aircrafts, fitted with
Beyond Visual Range
missiles, are now operating in a highly dynamic BVR environment and can hold
their own in combat.
The White Tigers have built an
enviable reputation for themselves and continue to remain at the forefront of
Indian Naval Aviation.
PVS