The Indian Air Force (IAF) has a unique distinction of flying various types of aircraft from across the world. More, very few air forces fly in as many different terrains ranging from deserts to rainforests, tropical islands to the highest of the mountains. No other air force operates from the high Himalayas like we do. Both civilians and soldiers alike are awed by the courage of our pilots.
As the spotlight is usually at the frontline aviators, there is another breed of pilots who fly tirelessly to answer the worst ‘what ifs’ of the squadron pilots. These daring aviators from the Aircraft Systems and Testing Establishment (ASTE) fly at the frontline of innovation. The test pilots of ASTE not only evaluate new aircraft joining the fleet, but also test integration of both hardware and software alike on aircraft across our aircraft fleet. The prove and help improve systems that have been only cleared in theory, at their own peril, so that others may fly safe. The establishment is also forever deployed on the frontlines of Atmanirbharta.
The ASTE draws its roots to the Aircraft & Armament Testing Unit (A&ATU) raised in 1957, in Kanpur, which itself traces its heritage to the Armament Testing Unit (1948). The air force was quick to realise the need for testing systems in country, early on. The A&ATU worked extensively on the evaluation trials of legendry fighters of the IAF such as the Gnat, Mystere and Hunter. The unit made its foray into rotary wing aviation when it tested the Saunders Roe P-53 scout helicopter.
The raising of the establishment gave the air force a level of strategic autonomy and a new fledgling nation less dependent on others; all this before Self-Reliance became a buzzword.
The 60s was a crucial decade both for the services and for the armed forces. In a span of just nine years, starting 1962, three wars were thrust upon the nation. The A&ATU tested various indigenous aircraft such as India’s first supersonic fighter the HF-24 Marut, the trainer aircraft Kiran and the AOP Krishak. Besides these platforms, extensive testing and evaluation was conducted on the Chetak and Cheetah helicopters.
With the advent of advancements in combat aviation technology such as Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), FR cameras, Gyro Gunsights and improved V/UHF radios, need was felt for more extensive flight testing. This led to the formation of the Aircraft Systems and Testing Establishment in August 1972 in Bengaluru. The IAF Test Pilot School (IAFTPS) was raised a year later to have trained manpower for ASTE.
Before IAFTPS’ raising India sent pilots to other nations such as UK to get test pilot certification.
India’s test pilot school is one of only eight accredited schools and is held in high esteem by other similar schools in UK, U.S., and other nations. India’s only astronaut Wg Cdr Rakesh Sharma, plus the
currently selected four astronaut designates, are all alumni of IAFTPS. ASTE has been intrinsically involved with India’s space quest and has recently helped in the testing phase of the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV). Pilots from ASTE flew the Chinook helicopter, used for testing the landing and handling characteristics of the test vehicle that will be developed to form India’s own space shuttle.
Contract management plus induction and upgrade of platforms and systems in the IAF is the raison d’etre of the establishment. ASTE advises the IAF on the formulation of requirements on future platforms and integration and tests those systems on the basis of the laid down requirements. It actively engages OEMs, both foreign and domestic, on improvements needed in their system(s). Once all tests are considered satisfactory it files a report on the basis of which aircraft or system are given air-worthiness certification.
In recent times, ASTE has tested Bio-Jet Fuel on platforms such as An-32 and Do-228, prototype testing of HTT-40, LCA Tejas, ALH, ULH and LCH. Development plus integration of Astra Air-to-Air Missile (AAM), Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) and Brahmos are key highlights. The premier establishment is currently working on developing and integration of Uttam radar, new guided bombs, counter-measures and Rudram anti-radiation missile, among others.
The Aircraft Systems and Testing Establishment has paid the price for keeping India abreast on the frontiers of technology. So far, a total of 32 lives have been lost in the quest of keeping the nation ahead. With 26 IAF personnel laying down their lives during various flight test activities. This number is higher than the fatalities suffered by any single aircraft squadron. It reflects the inherent dangers of flight testing, taking aircraft to their limits so that others may live.
Dhruv Yadav
