IAF Fighter Controllers Hone Skills at Indradhanush 2007

New Delhi, July 20 (UNI) Even as the Su-30 MKIs, F3 Tornadoes and Eurofighter Typhoons of the Indian Air Force and the Royal Air Force battled it out in the English skies during the Indo-UK Joint Air Exercise 'Indradhanush 2007', elsewhere -- discreetly and unseen -- at the 'Control and Reporting Centre' of RAF Scampton, a team of 'Fighter Controllers' from both the Air Forces remained closeted deeply engrossed in front of computer screens maintaining a close watch over the proceedings.

Of a marked significance during the exercise was the role of FCs accompanying the IAF contingent. In an airspace that is normally bereft of any liberties, fighter pilots invariably depend on them for manoeuvering tactically when engaging enemy targets in the air, said reports received here today from UK.

"It is team work," informed Wing Commander Jaswinder Singh, a Master Fighter Controller (MFC) on the IAF side. FCs undertake the crucial job of airspace management by coordinating and controlling the conduct of missions while providing regular updates on target information.

IAF FCs hone their 'controlling skills' while their winged colleagues manoeuver in all the dimensions in the air.

Their exposure to the Airborne Warning and Control (AWAC) systems was expected to go a long way since the IAF -- with its modernisation plans of inducting new radars, aerostats and AWACs in place -- is all set to enhance its existing surveillance and control capabilities.

Some of the MFCs had some prior exposure to the scenario during the last 'Indradhanush' exercise held in India. They keenly observed the E3D Sentry's controlling prowess from the air during the current exercise also.

"Since they have been at it for more than 20 years, we have a great deal to learn from their experience," said Squadron Leader Achin Pillai, an MFC. "The RAF controllers have been very forthcoming in sharing their experience and we are coping very well too," he further added on the quick assimilation, adaptation and professional acumen of the IAF FCs -- a fact acknowledged by the RAF FCs also.

The missions undertaken during Indradhanush 2007 mostly conformed to the NATO/RAF methods of operations. The missions were vastly diverse and included the conventional 1vs1 to large force engagements, involving several aircraft of different types.

This increased the challenge for the FCs and required skills extraordinaire. And significantly, they also enhanced flight safety.

UNI