Two brand new Boeing 777-300 are all set to arrive and join the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Air Headquarters Communication Squadron, also referred to as the VVIP squadron. There are only three designated VVIPs in India. These are the President, Vice President and the Prime Minister. IAF’s VVIP Squadron the “Pegasus’ Induction of theContinue reading “India All Set for “Air Force One” Boeing 777s”
Author Archives: Anil Chopra
“Night Witches” – The All Female Soviet Night Bomber Aviators of WW II
“Night Witches” was a World War II German nickname for the all female military aviators of the 588th Night Bomber Regiment, known later as the 46th “Taman” Guards Night Bomber Aviation Regiment, of the Soviet Air Forces. Though women were initially barred from combat, Major Marina Raskova used her position and personal contacts with the Chairman of the Council of People’s Commissars, Joseph Stalin, to obtain permissionContinue reading ““Night Witches” – The All Female Soviet Night Bomber Aviators of WW II”
Single Pilot Resource Management: the Need for Formal Training
There is no one right answer in aeronautical decision-making. Each pilot is expected to analyze each situation in light of experience level, personal minimums, and current physical and mental readiness level, and make his or her own decision. Single-pilot resource management (SRM) is the art of managing all onboard and outside resources available to aContinue reading “Single Pilot Resource Management: the Need for Formal Training”
Günther Rall – Third Highest scoring Air Ace of All Times – 275 Victories
General Günther Rall was a highly decorated German military aviator, whose military career spanned nearly forty years. Rall was the third most successful fighter pilot in aviation history, behind Gerhard Barkhorn, who is second, and Erich Hartmann, who is top scoring air ace of all times. Rall flew combat missions in the Battle of France, and Battle of Britain. He wasContinue reading “Günther Rall – Third Highest scoring Air Ace of All Times – 275 Victories”
Nuclear Dynamics South Asia – A Comprehensive Look
Pakistan continues to be obsessed with Kashmir and just yesterday Prime Minister Imran Khan once again brought up the issue at UNGA. Pakistan also continues to support cross border terrorism. As war clouds hover over Ladakh, and world’s two largest armies , are face-to-face, and also with Pakistan continuing to invoke nuclear threat every nowContinue reading “Nuclear Dynamics South Asia – A Comprehensive Look”
Unfolding Technologies and Future of Life
Science and development are making quantum leaps forward and changing our life style. Technology has revolutionized our world and daily lives by creating amazing tools and resources, putting useful information at our fingertips. It has paved the way for multi-functional devices like the smart phone. Computers are increasingly faster, more portable, and higher-powered than everContinue reading “Unfolding Technologies and Future of Life”
MiG 21 and IAF: A Developmental Perspective
This is a story that traces MiG 21’s history with Indian Air Force (IAF) and impact from a developmental perspective rather than an operational one. How the legend was born into IAF. Due to the large number of types inducted, IAF had an important role in developmental cycle of the plane and hence, had impactContinue reading “MiG 21 and IAF: A Developmental Perspective”
German Air Ace Gerhard Barkhorn – Second Highest Scoring Ace of All Times
Gerhard “Gerd” Barkhorn (Gerd being short form for Gerhard) was the second most successful fighter ace of all time after fellow Luftwaffe pilot Erich Hartmann. Other than Hartmann, Barkhorn is the only fighter ace to ever exceed 300 claimed victories. Barkhorn flew his first combat missions in May 1940, during the Battle of France and then the Battle of Britain without shooting down any aircraft. His firstContinue reading “German Air Ace Gerhard Barkhorn – Second Highest Scoring Ace of All Times”
New Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga – Continuity of Shinzo Abe Legacy? – Implications India
After 8 years of Abe Shinzo’s unprecedented stint, on 16 September, Japan has a new prime minister in Suga Yoshihide, who was a longtime Chief Cabinet Secretary, and a very trusted lieutenant of Abe. As expected, Suga Yoshihide, won the approval in an internal Liberal Democratic Party vote. As the world watches with positive hope,Continue reading “New Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga – Continuity of Shinzo Abe Legacy? – Implications India”
The Strategic Bomber – Necessity or Luxury – Hello India
With Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) H-6 bombers positioned in large numbers at Kashgar, and also a few at Hotan, both in Xinjiang, not too far from the Ladakh border, it is time to understand the importance and role of strategic bombers. The major world powers have had strategic bombers since World WarContinue reading “The Strategic Bomber – Necessity or Luxury – Hello India”
Air Power Asia 