Pramesh S Jain
I
n a landmark event, on 12 January 2024, Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) in collaboration with Indian Air Force Test Pilots School successfully hosted a Test Crew-Industry Interaction Seminar on “Role of Flight Test Crew towards Atma Nirbharta in Defence Aerospace Sector.”
Air Marshal CR Mohan,Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance,an alumnus of ASTE,was the Chief Guest. In his address, he emphasized the need to comprehend contemporary challenges and align all efforts to facilitate ab-initio hand holding of the industry towards product development,flight testing and evaluation.
The seminar opened with a welcome address delivered by Commandant ASTE,Air Vice Marshal Tejpal Singh.
Other distinguished speakers from ASTE,Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification,National Aeronautical Laboratory, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and private industry delivered talks highlighting the importance of joint efforts and teamwork in the niche field of flight testing and aerospace product development.
Speakers also covered the topics like the challenges and opportunities inherent in achieving Atma Nirbharta in the defence aerospace sector.
Discussions ranged from historical imperatives to the changing dimensions of flight testing amidst Atma Nirbharta efforts and emerging certification requirements with exchange of professional ideas and fostering stronger working relationships being the catalysts.
The role of AI as a solution generator to achieve cost effective solutions in meeting the operational needs of IAF was also deliberated.
The event saw large participation from the Air Force Officers.Beside the IAF officers, the participants included representatives from Defence Research and Development Organisation,Defence PSUs,stakeholders from private defence aerospace industries and certification agencies.
The closing address was given by ACAS Projects Air Vice Marshal Tarun Chaudhry,wherein he urged all the participants to continue their valuable efforts to support the Atma Nirbharata initiative.
He also informed the gathering that the IAF is actively pursuing the case for creation of National Aerospace Testing and Evaluation Division under the aegis of Department of Military Affairs.
