This week we interview star helicopter test pilot, Wg Cdr. CD Upadhyay, Vr. C. Wg. Cdr. Upadhyay saw action flying Mi-8s in support of the army during Op Pawan in Sri Lanka, for which he was awarded a Vr. C. He was also involved with extensively flight testing the ALH Dhruv, including participating in the first flight. His profile is here: http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/1133600:00:00 - 00:14:05 Introduction, initial journey into IAF00:14:05 - 00:18:56 Becoming a test pilot00:18:56 - 00:30:13 Return to ASTE, test flying00:30:13 - 00:36:20 IPKF in Sri Lanka00:36:20 - 00:51:45 Involvement with ALH program00:51:45 - 01:10:36 First flight of Dhruv

This week we interview star helicopter test pilot, Wg Cdr. CD Upadhyay, Vr. C.  Wg. Cdr. Upadhyay saw action flying Mi-8s in support of the army during Op Pawan in Sri Lanka, for which he was awarded a Vr. C.  He was also involved with extensively flight testing the ALH Dhruv, including participating in the first flight.  His profile is here: <a href="http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/11336" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/11336</a> 00:00:00 - 00:14:05 Introduction, initial journey into IAF 00:14:05 - 00:18:56 Becoming a test pilot 00:18:56 - 00:30:13 Return to ASTE, test flying 00:30:13 - 00:36:20 IPKF in Sri Lanka 00:36:20 - 00:51:45 Involvement with ALH program 00:51:45 - 01:10:36 First flight of Dhruv

CD Upadhyay - Mi-8s in Sri Lanka, Test Flying the ALH Dhruv

Welcome to Season 2! We begin this season with a bang, interviewing Gp. Capt. K. Nachiketa, who had a flame out in his MiG-27 while conducting a rocket attack on Pakistani positions during the Kargil conflict. He ejected from his aircraft and unfortunately landed in enemy  territory, where he was taken prisoner. Gp. Capt. Nachiketa's profile can be found here: http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/22930An account of his experiences is here: https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/1064-nachiketa.html#gsc.tab=0

Welcome to Season 2! We begin this season with a bang, interviewing Gp. Capt. K. Nachiketa, who had a flame out in his MiG-27 while conducting a rocket attack on Pakistani positions during the Kargil conflict. He ejected from his aircraft and unfortunately landed in enemy  territory, where he was taken prisoner.  Gp. Capt. Nachiketa's profile can be found here: <a href="http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/22930" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/22930</a> An account of his experiences is here: <a href="https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/1064-nachiketa.html#gsc.tab=0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/1064-nachiketa.html#gsc.tab=0</a>

K Nachiketa: Flame out and ejection in Kargil

In this episode, we interview three well-known aviation photographers on their experiences and some secrets of capturing good military aviation photographs. Kedar Karmakar, based in CaliforniaAngad Singh, based in Delhi NCRSanjay Simha, based in BangaloreThe youtube version of their interview contains some of their most spectacular photographs, and can be viewed here.This is the last episode in Season 1, we will be taking a break for a few months. In the meantime, listen to past episodes, and test your knowledge with a quiz! www.blueskiespodcast.com/quiz

In this episode, we interview three well-known aviation photographers on their experiences and some secrets of capturing good military aviation photographs. <ol><li>Kedar Karmakar, based in California</li><li>Angad Singh, based in Delhi NCR</li><li>Sanjay Simha, based in Bangalore</li></ol>The youtube version of their interview contains some of their most spectacular photographs, and can be viewed <a href="https://youtu.be/878HPB2eMD4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. This is the last episode in Season 1, we will be taking a break for a few months. In the meantime, listen to past episodes, and test your knowledge with a quiz!  <a href="http://www.blueskiespodcast.com/quiz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.blueskiespodcast.com/quiz</a>

Kedar Karmakar, Angad Singh and Sanjay Simha: Aviation photography

In this episode, we interview amateur IAF historian and author KS Sreekumar Nair. "Sree" wrote "The Forgotten Few: The Indian Air Force's Contribution in the Second World War" which was published by Harper Collins in 2019, and has just recently released "December In Dacca: The Indian Armed Forces and the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War". We talk about the history of military aviation in the Indian sub-continent, Indians flying in the RFC and RAF, the first officers and men selected for the Indian Air Force, and the fledgling IAF's stellar contributions during World War 2, especially in the India-Burma-China theatre.You can buy his books here:Forgotten Few: https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B07TM9L9QS/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1December in Dacca: https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B09ML2WH68/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

In this episode, we interview amateur IAF historian and author KS Sreekumar Nair. "Sree" wrote "The Forgotten Few: The Indian Air Force's Contribution in the Second World War" which was published by Harper Collins in 2019, and has just recently released "December In Dacca: The Indian Armed Forces and the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War".  We talk about the history of military aviation in the Indian sub-continent, Indians flying in the RFC and RAF, the first officers and men selected for the Indian Air Force, and the fledgling IAF's stellar contributions during World War 2, especially in the India-Burma-China theatre. You can buy his books here: Forgotten Few: <a href="https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B07TM9L9QS/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B07TM9L9QS/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1</a> December in Dacca: <a href="https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B09ML2WH68/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B09ML2WH68/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0</a>

KS Sree Kumar: History of the early days of the IAF

Front

This episode provides a very different perspective on military aviation: the home front. In a conversation with 3 wives of military aviators, we understand how they deal with frequent moves, children's education, sacrificing their careers, and the ever present danger in their husband's professions.The interview features Mrs. Sharmila Roychowdhury, whose husband, DR Roychowdhury, died in an aircrash in 1997 (http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/14678); Mrs. Sheela Jaywant, whose husband Wg Cdr CM Jaywant, was a guest on this program;  Mrs. Swaroopa Nanodkar, whose husband, AVM Sunil Nanodkar, was a guest on this program. 

This episode provides a very different perspective on military aviation: the home front. In a conversation with 3 wives of military aviators, we understand how they deal with frequent moves, children's education, sacrificing their careers, and the ever present danger in their husband's professions. The interview features <ul><li>Mrs. Sharmila Roychowdhury, whose husband, DR Roychowdhury, died in an aircrash in 1997 (<a href="http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/14678);" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/14678);</a> </li><li>Mrs. Sheela Jaywant, whose husband Wg Cdr CM Jaywant, was a guest on this program;  </li><li>Mrs. Swaroopa Nanodkar, whose husband, AVM Sunil Nanodkar, was a guest on this program. </li></ul>

Wives of military aviators: Understanding the home front

In Part 2 of our interview with Air Mshl Raghu Nambiar, we discuss his legendary exploits with the Mirage 2000, the Litening Targeting Pod and Laser Guided Bombs in Kargil. View the footage of his LGB drop here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-9bs3HCqfQAir Marshal Nambiar's profile is here: http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/16378

In Part 2 of our interview with Air Mshl Raghu Nambiar, we discuss his legendary exploits with the Mirage 2000, the Litening Targeting Pod and Laser Guided Bombs in Kargil.  View the footage of his LGB drop here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-9bs3HCqfQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-9bs3HCqfQ</a> Air Marshal Nambiar's profile is here: <a href="http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/16378" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/16378</a>

Raghu Nambiar - Part 2: Mirage and LGBs in Kargil

Another episode you've been waiting for! Air Marshal Raghu Nambiar, an experimental test pilot with many years of operational experience on the Mirage 2000, joins us for an in-depth conversation on that exciting aircraft. He was also closely involved with the prototype develop of the LCA, was one of the first two test pilots who flew the first prototype, and saw it reach operational status during his service - in this interview we cover his experiences with the LCA Tejas too. In Part 2, which will be released next weekend, we will discuss his experiences using the Mirage 2000 in the Kargil war, where he used precision weapons to hit targets at significant altitude, thereby reversing the course of the war.Air Marshal Nambiar's profile can be found here: http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/16378

Another episode you've been waiting for! Air Marshal Raghu Nambiar, an experimental test pilot with many years of operational experience on the Mirage 2000, joins us for an in-depth conversation on that exciting aircraft.  He was also closely involved with the prototype develop of the LCA, was one of the first two test pilots who flew the first prototype, and saw it reach operational status during his service - in this interview we cover his experiences with the LCA Tejas too.  In Part 2, which will be released next weekend, we will discuss his experiences using the Mirage 2000 in the Kargil war, where he used precision weapons to hit targets at significant altitude, thereby reversing the course of the war. Air Marshal Nambiar's profile can be found here: <a href="http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/16378" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/16378</a>

Raghu Nambiar - Part 1: Mirage 2000 and LCA

In this episode, we interview Wg. Cdr. (Retd) BS Singh Deo, VM, a veteran helicopter pilot with the Indian Air Force, Pawan Hans and later Bell Helicopters. He speaks of his experiences as a young Mi-4 pilot supporting the Army in western Rajasthan during the 1971 war, flying the Mi-4, Chetak, Mi-8, Mi-17 and Westland WG-30, becoming a test pilot, becoming an A-1 instructor and examiner, and much more. Wg. Cdr. Singh Deo's profile can be found here: http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/12189

In this episode, we interview Wg. Cdr. (Retd) BS Singh Deo, VM, a veteran helicopter pilot with the Indian Air Force, Pawan Hans and later Bell Helicopters. He speaks of his experiences as a young Mi-4 pilot supporting the Army in western Rajasthan during the 1971 war, flying the Mi-4, Chetak, Mi-8, Mi-17 and Westland WG-30, becoming a test pilot, becoming an A-1 instructor and examiner, and much more.  Wg. Cdr. Singh Deo's profile can be found here: <a href="http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/12189" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/12189</a>

BS Singh Deo: A1 helicopter instructor, examiner, test pilot

In this week's interview (our 52nd! Thank you!), we return to the sea and the Indian Navy's sub-hunting ASW fleet of Kamov helicopters with Rear Admiral Sanjay Vadgaokar. He describes flying this odd looking aircraft, how detecting and destroying submarines works, and the selection of the Kamov 31 Airborne Early Warning (AEW) Helicopter. He was commissioned into the Navy in 1975, flew over 5,000 hours, and his last aviation related post was ACNS (Aviation).

In this week's interview (our 52nd! Thank you!), we return to the sea and the Indian Navy's sub-hunting ASW fleet of Kamov helicopters with Rear Admiral Sanjay Vadgaokar. He describes flying this odd looking aircraft, how detecting and destroying submarines works, and the selection of the Kamov 31 Airborne Early Warning (AEW) Helicopter. He was commissioned into the Navy in 1975, flew over 5,000 hours, and his last aviation related post was ACNS (Aviation).

Sanjay Vadgaokar: Hunting Subs in a Kamov

This is the episode you've all been waiting for! We interview Air Cmde NS Jamwal, a test pilot who trained on the Su-30K, then converted to the Su-30MKI and commanded the first squadron. He was also the designated demo pilot of that aircraft.Air Cmde Jamwal's profile can be found here: http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/17156A flying demo of the Su-30MKI featuring the Loop, Tumble and Yaw can be seen here: https://youtu.be/xeLkzJ9nk7I

This is the episode you've all been waiting for! We interview Air Cmde NS Jamwal, a test pilot who trained on the Su-30K, then converted to the Su-30MKI and commanded the first squadron. He was also the designated demo pilot of that aircraft. Air Cmde Jamwal's profile can be found here: <a href="http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/17156" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/17156</a> A flying demo of the Su-30MKI featuring the Loop, Tumble and Yaw can be seen here: <a href="https://youtu.be/xeLkzJ9nk7I" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/xeLkzJ9nk7I</a>

NS Jamwal: Loop, tumble and yaw in a Flanker

The Blue Skies Podcast is an unofficial podcast on the men, women, machines and operations of the Indian Air Force in particular and Indian military aviation in general. Every week, we'll put you in the cockpit with an experienced military aviator.

This week, we speak to a veteran of the IAF's transport fleet - light, medium and heavy transport aircraft like the Dakota, Dornier-228, HS-748, AN-32 and IL-76, Gp Capt RK Sharma. He was an instructor and examiner on many of these types, and landed the first Dornier 228 at Leh and Thoise, far in excess of the aircraft manufacturer's published limits of performance. Gp Capt Sharma's profile can be found here: http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/16050More about the Do-228 can be found here: https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/aircraft/specs/573-dornier-228.html and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dornier_228

This week, we speak to a veteran of the IAF's transport fleet - light, medium and heavy transport aircraft like the Dakota, Dornier-228, HS-748, AN-32 and IL-76, Gp Capt RK Sharma. He was an instructor and examiner on many of these types, and landed the first Dornier 228 at Leh and Thoise, far in excess of the aircraft manufacturer's published limits of performance.  Gp Capt Sharma's profile can be found here: <a href="http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/16050" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/16050</a> More about the Do-228 can be found here: <a href="https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/aircraft/specs/573-dornier-228.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/aircraft/specs/573-dornier-228.html</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dornier_228" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dornier_228</a>

RK Sharma: High Altitude operations in a Do-228

In the final interview of the series on the LCA Tejas, we interview Wg. Cdr. Rajiv Kothiyal, KC, the test pilot who was at the controls at the first flight of the aircraft. Trained at the USAF Test Pilot's school at Edwards Air Force Base, Wg. Cdr. Kothiyal was awarded a Kirti Chakra for the first flight, and the prestigious Ivan C. Kinchloe Award for outstanding professional accomplishment in the conduct of flight testing by the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, SETP. A full video of his first flight is here: https://youtu.be/U_7HGD61wLQWg. Cdr. Kothiyal's profile is here: http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/15696

In the final interview of the series on the LCA Tejas, we interview Wg. Cdr. Rajiv Kothiyal, KC, the test pilot who was at the controls at the first flight of the aircraft. Trained at the USAF Test Pilot's school at Edwards Air Force Base, Wg. Cdr. Kothiyal was awarded a Kirti Chakra for the first flight, and the prestigious Ivan C. Kinchloe Award for outstanding professional accomplishment in the conduct of flight testing by the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, SETP.  A full video of his first flight is here: <a href="https://youtu.be/U_7HGD61wLQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/U_7HGD61wLQ</a> Wg. Cdr. Kothiyal's profile is here: <a href="http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/15696" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/15696</a>

LCA Part 8 - Rajiv Kothiyal - test pilot of LCA's first flight

Part 2 of the interview on the LCA with Cmde Jaideep Maolankar focuses on the requirements, challenges and journey of the Naval version of the LCA. View a video of his first deck landing here: https://youtu.be/WgcAQrTvs8gAnd the first takeoff here: https://youtu.be/Iw6tLOMZzbI

Part 2 of the interview on the LCA with Cmde Jaideep Maolankar focuses on the requirements, challenges and journey of the Naval version of the LCA.  View a video of his first deck landing here: <a href="https://youtu.be/WgcAQrTvs8g" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/WgcAQrTvs8g</a> And the first takeoff here: <a href="https://youtu.be/Iw6tLOMZzbI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/Iw6tLOMZzbI</a>

LCA Part 7 - Jaideep Maolankar - Naval LCA - Part 2/2

Former Guest and Naval Fighter / Test pilot Cmde Jaideep Maolankar joins us for the last few episodes on the LCA. In his usual lucid style, he speaks about his experiences test flying the LCA, how he leveraged his experience of the Limited Upgrade of Sea Harrier (LUSH) program for integrating the Derby missile on the Tejas, and the essence of flying demonstrations, especially the Bahrain flying demo that can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9W23mLABs5oMore about the LCA project can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HAL_Tejas

Former Guest and Naval Fighter / Test pilot Cmde Jaideep Maolankar joins us for the last few episodes on the LCA. In his usual lucid style, he speaks about his experiences test flying the LCA, how he leveraged his experience of the Limited Upgrade of Sea Harrier (LUSH) program for integrating the Derby missile on the Tejas, and the essence of flying demonstrations, especially the Bahrain flying demo that can be seen here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9W23mLABs5o" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9W23mLABs5o</a> More about the LCA project can be found here: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HAL_Tejas" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HAL_Tejas</a>

LCA Part 6 - Jaideep Maolankar - test flying the LCA - Part 1/2

Continuing our miniseries on the LCA Tejas, we change gears slightly to interview Wg. Cdr. PK Raveendran, SC, a past guest on the program. Wg. Cdr. Raveendran was the Flight Test Director at the time of the LCA's first flight, and for many years thereafter. The full video of the LCA first flight, where he was the Flight Test Director who gave the "Clear to Go" command, can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_7HGD61wLQ&amp;t=388sWg. Cdr. Raveendran's profile can be found here: http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/12821

Continuing our miniseries on the LCA Tejas, we change gears slightly to interview Wg. Cdr. PK Raveendran, SC, a past guest on the program. Wg. Cdr. Raveendran was the Flight Test Director at the time of the LCA's first flight, and for many years thereafter.  The full video of the LCA first flight, where he was the Flight Test Director who gave the "Clear to Go" command, can be viewed here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_7HGD61wLQ&amp;t=388s" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_7HGD61wLQ&amp;t=388s</a> Wg. Cdr. Raveendran's profile can be found here: <a href="http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/12821" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/12821</a>

LCA Part 5 - PK Raveendran - Flight Test Engineer for the LCA

In Part 4 of the miniseries on the LCA Tejas, we speak with Gp Capt Ritu Raj Tyagi, a former Jaguar pilot and test pilot who flew more than 650+ test flights on the LCA, the most by any pilot. Given his Jaguar background, he was involved with a significant portion of testing Air to Surface weapons, but also got to fire many Air to Air weapons too, including this breathtaking dual firing at Iron Fist 2013, which he describes in the interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXGV9o8L_sYGp Capt Tyagi's profile can be found here: http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/18571We apologise in advance for poor audio quality. This was the only way we could get him on record... The alternative was to drop him the miniseries which we were loath to do. However, a transcript is available here: https://blueskiespodcast.com/transcripts

In Part 4 of the miniseries on the LCA Tejas, we speak with Gp Capt Ritu Raj Tyagi, a former Jaguar pilot and test pilot who flew more than 650+ test flights on the LCA, the most by any pilot. Given his Jaguar background, he was involved with a significant portion of testing Air to Surface weapons, but also got to fire many Air to Air weapons too, including this breathtaking dual firing at Iron Fist 2013, which he describes in the interview: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXGV9o8L_sY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXGV9o8L_sY</a> Gp Capt Tyagi's profile can be found here: <a href="http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/18571" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/18571</a> We apologise in advance for poor audio quality. This was the only way we could get him on record... The alternative was to drop him the miniseries which we were loath to do. However, a transcript is available here: <a href="https://blueskiespodcast.com/transcripts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://blueskiespodcast.com/transcripts</a>

LCA Part 4 - Ritu Raj Tyagi: Developing lethal ground attack capabilities

In Part 3 of the miniseries on the LCA Tejas, we speak with Air Cmde Harish Nayani, a past guest on the program. He talks about the first flight of PV-3, developing the MFDs for the Tejas, demonstrating the aircraft at Aero India, and firing the R-73 All Aspect Air to Air Missile. Air Cmde Nayani's profile can be found here: Air Cmde Nayani's bio can be seen at this link: http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/17135

In Part 3 of the miniseries on the LCA Tejas, we speak with Air Cmde Harish Nayani, a past guest on the program. He talks about the first flight of PV-3, developing the MFDs for the Tejas, demonstrating the aircraft at Aero India, and firing the R-73 All Aspect Air to Air Missile.  Air Cmde Nayani's profile can be found here: Air Cmde Nayani's bio can be seen at this link: <a href="http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/17135" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/17135</a>

LCA Part 3 - Harish Nayani: MFD development, breathtaking demos, weapon delivery

In Part 2 of our series of interviews on the LCA Tejas, we speak with Gp Capt Suneet Krishna, a test pilot who was in the rear seat of the chase aircraft and filmed the first flight. He went on to participate extensively in the testing of the LCA, survived a dangerous dual hydraulic failure, performed various trials such as formation flying, carefree maneuvering, firing various weapons such as R-73 Air to Air missile using a Helmet Mounted Display, and firing a Laser Guided Bomb.Gp Capt Krishna's profile can be found here: http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/20472

In Part 2 of our series of interviews on the LCA Tejas, we speak with Gp Capt Suneet Krishna, a test pilot who was in the rear seat of the chase aircraft and filmed the first flight. He went on to participate extensively in the testing of the LCA, survived a dangerous dual hydraulic failure, performed various trials such as formation flying, carefree maneuvering, firing various weapons such as R-73 Air to Air missile using a Helmet Mounted Display, and firing a Laser Guided Bomb. Gp Capt Krishna's profile can be found here: <a href="http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/20472" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/20472</a>

LCA Part 2 - Suneet Krishna: from filming first flight to weapons release 

In Part 1 of a miniseries on the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), christened Tejas, we speak to Air Marshal Philip Rajkumar, PVSM, AVSM, VM, who was closely involved with the development of the aircraft in multiple roles, most importantly as head of the National Flight Test Centre (NFTC) that was dedicated to the flight testing of the aircraft.Air Mshl Rajkumar co-authored an authoritative book on the project, "Tejas: Radiance in Indian Skies", produced by Desidoc, which can be ordered here or the first few pages downloaded for free.More about the LCA project can be found here.

In Part 1 of a miniseries on the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), christened Tejas, we speak to Air Marshal Philip Rajkumar, PVSM, AVSM, VM, who was closely involved with the development of the aircraft in multiple roles, most importantly as head of the National Flight Test Centre (NFTC) that was dedicated to the flight testing of the aircraft. Air Mshl Rajkumar co-authored an authoritative book on the project, "Tejas: Radiance in Indian Skies", produced by Desidoc, which can be ordered <a href="https://www.drdo.gov.in/monograph/radiance-indian-skies-tejas-saga" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here </a>or the first few pages downloaded for free. More about the LCA project can be found <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HAL_Tejas" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

LCA Part 1 - Philip Rajkumar: Overview of the program

We return to one of our earliest guests, Air Mshl Philip Rajkumar, PVSM, AVSM, VM. His episode on the Sargodha raid during the India-Pak war of 1965 was covered here and remains the most popular Blueskies episode to date.In this episode, we discuss his test flying career, including training at EPNER, France, test flying early versions of the MiG-21, various evaluation trials he participated in, such as MiG-23, Advanced Jet Trainer, etc. Our interview continued into his involvement with, and leadership of the Flight Test effort on, the LCA, which will be released next weekend as part of a series on the LCA / Tejas.Air Mshl Rajkumar's profile can be found here. 

We return to one of our earliest guests, Air Mshl Philip Rajkumar, PVSM, AVSM, VM. His episode on the Sargodha raid during the India-Pak war of 1965 was covered <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1714513/8179490" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> and remains the most popular Blueskies episode to date. In this episode, we discuss his test flying career, including training at EPNER, France, test flying early versions of the MiG-21, various evaluation trials he participated in, such as MiG-23, Advanced Jet Trainer, etc. Our interview continued into his involvement with, and leadership of the Flight Test effort on, the LCA, which will be released next weekend as part of a series on the LCA / Tejas. Air Mshl Rajkumar's profile can be found <a href="http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/6748" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

Philip Rajkumar: A lifetime of test flying

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