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INS HANSA
Sulur airfield lies on the outskirts of Coimbatore town, which nestles at the
foothills of the Nilgiris. Used as an aircraft yard by the Royal Navy in World
War II, it had little to offer in terms of accommodation or support services.
Therefore, not surprisingly, the RN Officers after work would retire into the
hills to reach Connoor in time for a "Sun downer". Abandoned by the RN after the
War, Sulur was taken up as a storage depot by the IAF. This was the place where
INS Hansa was to take birth a few years later.
Our Naval Air Arms came into being on 17th Dec 1952 when the first Sealand Mk 1
L was accepted into service at RAF Sydenham. Based at INS Garuda, Cochin, these
aircraft were joined over the next few years by other piston engine types like
the Firefly target tugs and the HT2 trainers. It was only in September 1957 that
air arm received its first jets; three Vampires Mk 52 and a trainer. This
quarter comprised the newly formed jet training flight (JTF) commanded by Lt Cdr
BD Law. Since Cochin was unsuited for the jet operations, the JTF was based at
Sulur.
In 1961, it was decided to amalgamate all Naval contingents and detachments at
Sulur and Coimbatore under one establishment. Thus on 5th September, INS Hansa
was commissioned under the Command of Lt Cdr T Chakarvarti. It soon became
evident that Sulur was not suitably located or equipped to support new aircraft
carriers squadron. In December 1961, after the liberation of Goa, it was decided
that the former Portuguese airfield at Dabolim would make an ideal base for
disembarked carrier aircraft. Thus as soon as minimum operational facilities
were established, INS Hansa prepared to move to its permanent abode near the
sea. On 18th June 64, INAS 551 and all administrative facilities were shifted
and Hansa's commissioning pennant flew at Dabolim.
The Bangladesh War of 1971 provided an opportunity for our squadrons to practice
in war, what they had learnt over years of peacetime training. Operating from
INS Vikrant in the waters of the Bay of Bengal, Sea Hawks and Alizes of INAS 300
and 310, repeatedly attacked targets ashore and at sea with divesting effect.
Airfields, harbors, ammunition dumps, gun boats and merchant ships were set
ablaze in a sustained offensive which played a vital role in bringing about fall
of erstwhile East Pakistan. Off the West Coast also Naval Aircraft maintained a
constant vigil against intrusions by enemy ships, submarines and aircrafts.
The squadrons returned triumphantly to Dabolim in early 1972 to be received as
heroes. They had won one Mahavir Chakra, eleven Vir Chakras, one Nao Sena Medal
and three Mentions-in-Dispatches. Unfortunately, the war took its toll when a
PAF Starfighter off Jamnagar shot one of our Alizes down with all crew.
With the induction of IL-38 & Dornier aircraft, the eyes and ears of the Navy
now extended thousands of miles across the seas. No ship or submarine can be
deployed in the Arabian Sea or Bay of Bengal without one of Hansa's aircraft
watching it. This ability is responsible for providing search cover for ships
and aircrafts, which may be in distress over the sea. In March 1993, yet another
bird was added to Hansa's growing aviary when we commissioned a squadron of
twin-engine Kamov-28 ASW helicopters, designated INAS 339.
From a small beginning in 1961, INS Hansa has come a long way over the past 43
Years to assume an eminent position, not only as the premier Naval Air Station,
but also as one of the largest military air bases in the country. Our aircrew
fly a wide variety of complex helicopters and fixed wing aircrafts many of which
are amongst the most advanced in the world. In Hansa's workshops can be found
some of the most sophisticated pieces of machinery and avionics which are ably
maintained by our engineers and technicians. There can be little doubt that INS
Hansa today is a front line unit and a vital link in the nations maritime
defence.
AIR COMPONENT
The Air Department is responsible for the safe and efficient conduct of training
and operational flying of all air units based at INS Hansa. It constitutes the
following sub-departments:-
Air Traffic Control
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The Air Traffic Control provides services to all military and civil flights
operating from this airfield including International Flights. This Airfield is
equipped with the latest radio, navigational aids viz ILS, DVOR, NDB, PAR, VASI,
PAPI, and surveillance radar for conduct of flying during day, night and bad
weather. The ATC is also equipped with the latest type of crash fire tenders for
rescue and fire fighting operations.
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Aircraft Direction Room
The Aircraft Direction Room (ADR) was set up in 1973 by Lt Cdr HPN Singh the
first officer-in-charge of ADR. The ADR is equipped with Radar ATCR - 22, IFF
Mark-X and STAR 2000. The ATCR-22 and IFF Mk-X are likely to be replaced with
new 3D ARSR and IFF Mk XI radar. The role of ADR is to provide Radar cover for
all Aircraft flying in the local flying area upto a range of 200 NM from Dabolim.
In addition interception training for ab-initio fighter pilots is carried out
from ADR with the help of this Radar.
Safety Equipment Section
This section provides fully serviceable safety and survival equipment to all
types of Naval aircraft operating from this Air Station. It is also responsible
for the training of all crew in the use of these equipment, in case of an
emergency landing at sea or over land.
Photographic Section
This section is equipped with aerial, cine and ground photographic for
operational/technical use and has facility of developing and printing of all
types of films including construction of mosaics. It also has facility of colour
films processing, printing and making of colour slides.
The White Tigers - INAS 300
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INAS 300, the first carrier based Air squadron of the Indian Navy, was
commissioned on 07 Jul 1960 at RNAS Brawdhy, UK under the command of Lt Cdr BD
Law. In Jul 1961, the Squadron embarked Vikrant with 11 Sea Hawks, sailed for
India and disembarked at Sulur on 11 Nov 61 after which it continued operating
from Sulur till the Squadron shifted to Dabolim along with Hansa in Sep 1964.
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The White Tigers proved their mettle in the 1961 Goa operations and 1965
Indo-Pak war. During the 1971 war with Pakistan, operating from Vikrant, they
pounced time and again on enemy target in East Pakistan. The gallantry of the
Squadrons was recognised by the award of one MVC, four Vir Chakras and one NM.
By 1978, time had come for the aging Sea Hawks to be laid to rest. The White
Tigers were rejuvenated with the induction of the formidable Sea Harrier Fighter
on 16 Dec 1983 under the command of Cdr Arun Prakash. In a relatively short span
of time, these sophisticated machines have been integrated into the service and
the squadron when embarked in Viraat is now in the forefront of fleet air
defence.
The Cobras - INAS 310
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INAS 310 was commissioned at Hyeres-St Raphel, in France on 21 Mar 1961 under
the Command of Lt Cdr MK Roy. Alizes, the Anti Submarine Recce & Strike
aircrafts embarked their mother INS Vikrant on her maiden cruise from the UK to
India. They were initially based at Cochin & later shifted to INS Hansa, Goa
in Apr 1970 |
The Squadron saw action in the 1961 Goa Liberation, the Indo-Pak Conflicts of
1960 and 1971 and later in Ops Pawan against the LTTE. The Cobras spot their
deadly venom at the enemy and for their bravery & gallantry they were decorated
with 1 MVC, 7 VrC, 9 Nau Sena Medals and 7 Mention-in-despatches.
Having served the nation with valour and pride for three glorious decades, the
battle honoured Alizes bade adieu to the Indian Navy and thus paved the way for
the Indian Navy's newest induction namely the Dornier 228 aircraft. The first of
these state of art aircrafts were flown in on 26 Aug 91 at a solemn function
held in INS Hansa.
Dornier 228, the highly versatile multipurpose light transport aircraft is
manufactured at HAL under a license agreement with M/s Dornier of Germany. This
highly fuel efficient, rugged, reliable aircraft with turbo prop engines,
combines well proven features with advanced technologies in design and
production and has been developed specifically to meet manifold requirements of
utility and commuter transport. The Naval variant of the Dornier 228 aircraft
has been specifically modified to meet the requirements of the air arm of the
Indian Navy.
The Dorniers in the Indian Navy are carrying out multifaceted talks which
include but are not limited to the following :-
(a) Maritime patrol.
(b) Air Surveillance
(c) Casualty Evacuation
(d) Search & Rescue
(e) Training
(f) Passenger/Troops/Cargo transport
With the fitment of ESM AES - 210E on one Dornier aircraft and future fitment on
others along with SIMIKHA and C412 (KINO), the envisaged additional roles of the
squadron are as follows :-
(a) ESM surveillance from forward bases
(b) Close and distant ASW support to fleet units.
(c) Comlink and airborne control platform at sea.
The Winged Stallions - INAS 315
The Indian navy acquired three Ilyushin 38 aircraft from the erstwhile Soviet
Union and commissioned Indian Naval Air Squadron 315 on 01 Oct 1977 with Cdr BK
Malik as its first Squadron Commander. With this the Navy acquired the
long-range martime patrol and anti submarine capability. The IL 38 is a
long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti submarine aircraft, which carries
Torpedoes, Depth charges and Sonobuoys for prosecuting a submarine and Air to
surface Missiles for surface attack. It has a sophisticated radar and attack
computer. It is also being retrofitted with Electronic Support Measures systems.
During its service it has displayed an extremely high order of reliability. It
has been deployed from various airfields in the country and abroad at a short
notice. IL 38 has played a stellar role in Operation Pawan. Operation Cactus and
various peacetime exercises.
The Squadron apart from being singularly responsible for evolution and
formulation of MR ASW tactics of the Indian Navy has also been assigned the
duties of providing search and rescue cover over international waters
surrounding the Indian subcontinent. Truly over the years, this squadron has
provided the country the maritime reach essential for sea control.
The squadron has also been assigned the duties of providing search and rescue
cover over international maritime waters surrounding the Indian sub continent,
in addition to its primary role. The IL-38 is a versatile aircraft flying
regularly for long 8-9 hours sorties as a matter of routine, guarding the Indian
territorial waters and also collecting information and intelligence.
The Phantoms - INAS 551 'A'
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The squadron which was set up in Sep 1957 at Sulur existed as Naval Jet Flight (NJF)
with four Vampire aircraft. Lt Cdr BD law was the first flight Commander. The
Squadron shifted to INS Hansa on 23 May 1964, and was re-christened as INAS 551.
It began training on the Sea Hawk (ex INAS 300) in 1966. With the commissioning
of Sea Harrier Operational Flying Unit (SHOFTU) in 1990, the original INAS 551
became INAS 551'A'. Dilution of the Sea Hawk holding and phasing out of the
Vampire commenced in 1971 and was completed by 1976. Meanwhile induction of
Kiran HJT-16 commenced in 1971, which were augmented with the armed version the
Kiran MK IA by 1978. The Kiran MK II, an improved version of the Kiran, which
has a superior avionics fit and additional weapons payload, was inducted next by
mid 1987. |
The squadron is conducting training for pilots of the fighter stream of the
Indian Navy. The squadron also plays a key role in providing flying experience
to the Naval and Coast Guard QFI's before they proceed for the FIS training with
the Air Force. The squadron has an important role to meet the training
requirement of both the fleets. In addition, training of Direction Officers in
interception exercises is also taken up by this squadron.
Presently the squadron operates Kiran Mk I/IA and Kiran Mk II aircraft
concurrently.
The Home Of Teething Tigers - INAS 551 'B'
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The "Cradle of Sea Harrier Pilots" Indian Naval Air Squadron 551 `B' was
commissioned on 16 Apr 90 as Sea Harrier Operational Flying Training Unit (SHOFTU)
known to one and all as the "Teething Tigers". With the commissioning of INAS
551`B' the conversion and operational training of Sea Harrier pilots shifted
from United Kingdom to India at INS Hansa. The squadron carries out the
following functions: |
(a) Conversion of MIG - 21 qualified pilots to Harrier and develop them to Day
Operational standard.
(b) Refamiliarisation syllabus of pilots joining flying duties after a break in
flying.
(c) Instrument flying sorties towards instrument rating of Harrier aircrews.
(d) Competent-to-Instruct course on Sea Harrier for Qualified Flying
Instructors.
(e) Night dual checks for Sea Harrier pilots and other dual checks as required.
(f) On-Job-Training for technical personnel of the Sea Harrier Stream.
For meeting these diverse tasks the squadron has one Harrier trainer and three
fighters and is haused in the erstwhile 310 squadron hanger which its shares
with 321-flight.
The Eagles - INAS 339
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INAS 339 was commissioned by Vice Admiral SK Jain PVSM, AVSM, NM on 23 Nov 1990,
at INS Kunjali, Mumbai. Cdr SV Purohit was the commissioning Squadron Commander.
The squadron initially operated Seaking helicopters but later changed over to
Kamov 28s in Mar 1993. The squadron was later shifted to INS Hansa. The unique
antisubmarine helicopter with two co-axial contra-rotating rotors is a potent
ASW Platform capable of independent search and destruction of enemy submarines.
The aircraft is equipped with powerful radar and also dipping sonar for locating
enemy ships and submarines and carries a variety of bombs and torpedoes to carry
out an attack. Since its inception, this aircraft has proved to be extremely
reliable and effective in its role as the "Scourge of the Sharks".
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The latest addition to the squadron is the KA-31, which is an Airborne Early
Warning Carrier System (AEWCS). With the latest radar it can identify low flying
targets both in air as well as on ground. This will give the suadron the status
of the Navy's 'Eyes in the Skies'.
The primary role of the squadron is to train both pilots and observers of both
types of aircraft. The training curriculum is exhaustive covering both flying
and ground training and when these aircrew leave the squadron on completion of
their training they are fully qualified to undertake their duties in operational
billets on ship borne flights.
The Angels - 321 Flight
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INAS 321 was commissioned as the first Helicopter Squadron of the Indian Navy on
15 Mar 1969 at INS Hansa by Admiral AK Chatterji. Lt Cdr V Ravindranath was the
first Squadron Commander. The first two Alouette III helicopters were received
in crates at Bombay and assembled as IN 131 and IN 132 these were later
renumbered as IN 401 and IN 402 in 1967.
On 01 Aug 1980 the squadron was shifted from INS Hansa to INS Kunjali at Bombay.
Commander PP Sharma was appointed squadron commander.
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The primary of role 321 Hansa Flight is to provide Search and Rescue cover and
logistics support to the Naval Air Station. The flight also undertakes numerous
communication duties. Over the years the flight has had the distinction of
having evacuated casualties from not only Indian Naval Ships but also from
merchant ships and also been instrumental in evacuation and rescue of persons
from flood affected areas and drowning cases from the beaches of Goa. The flight
has also had the privilege of flying The President of India, the Prime Minister
and VVIPs/VIPs on a number of occasions.
Sea Harrier Simulator
The Sea Harrier Simulator was installed in 1984 and was updated to Batch II A/C
standard in 1997. Where all the old computers were replaced with state of art
Silicon Graphic computers.
The Simulator is a full motion, 6-axis based and provides entire mission
simulation with dusk/night and day visuals. Ab-initio pilots have their first
taste of the Harrier in the Simulator. Other operational pilots periodically fly
the Simulator to remain current with the aircraft. Simulation provides pilots
with situations they are normally not likely to see in the aircraft such as
fire, engine failure and really bad weather. It also imparts realistic training
in airborne - intercept radar and weapon handling lesser risk factor and cost.
Thus the Sim, as it is fondly called, is an inseparable aspect of the entire
gamut of Sea Harrier operational training.
Aircraft maintainers, eg., engine ground-runners and avionics sailors too, are
trained on the Simulator with none of the risks associated with training on the
real aircraft. The Simulator is a complex computer marvel and training on it
gives the Sea Harrier maintainers an opportunity to master hardware and software
aspects.
THE SUPPORT SERVICES
Executive Department
Flying is the main activity at INS Hansa, but there is a requirement to maintain
an orderly and regulated environment in the air station so that those engaged in
the vital functions of aviation can get on with their jobs. The Executive
Department of INS Hansa is responsible for the administration, security, good
order, cleanliness and routine running of the air station. In addition, seamen
officers of this department also provide specialized advice to the Commanding
Officer on subjects like Communication, Gunnery, and anti-submarine warfare.
With the continuous growth of the air station, the demands on this department
have been increasing rapidly. Whether it is providing welfare services like
canteens, upholding Naval discipline on and off base, running sports activities
or ensuring that the air station wears a spruce look for VIP visits, the
Executive Department is omnipresent and omniscient. Keeping a benevolent but
watchful eye on this community of 3000 servicemen and civilians is the Executive
Departments primary objective.
Base Support Facility
Base Support Facility (G) is formed after the merging of erstwhile ALD (E) / AED
(E) on 01 Aug 97. It is situated on the northern side of Hansa and headed by
Officer-in-Charge, Base Support Facility (G). The department has been formed to
ensure support to all squadrons operating IL 38, KA 25 and KV 28 aircraft and
carryout second line inspections of these aircraft.
The main functions of this department are as follows:-
(a) 150, 300 and 900 hrs inspection of IL 38 aircraft.
(b) 100 and 200 hrs inspection of KA 25 helicopter.
(c) 100 and 200 hrs inspection of KV 28 helicopter.
(d) Minor station level modification on IL 38, KA 25 and KV 28 aircraft
(e) Repair of rotables upto second line level
(f) Providing workshop facilities to NAY (G) for life extension/overhaul of
radio items.
(g) Technical support to outside agencies.
(h) All levels of maintenance and repair of ASW complex of IL 38, KA 25 and KV
28 aircraft.
(i) Providing support to ship borne helos in terms of DI/DR for complex defects
beyond flight's capacity.
Air Engineering Department
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The Air Engineering Department is committed to maintain the squadron aircraft in
their highest state of operational readiness by providing them vital technical,
general engineering, specialist workshops and quality inspection Support. This
department also undertakes the major servicing of Sea Harrier aircraft, the only
VSTOL Jet fighter being operated by Indian armed forces and the basic Jet
trainer Kiran aircraft. In additional structural repairs of Sea Harriers, Chetak
and Dornier aircrafts are also undertaken.
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This department also undertakes following activities:-
(a) Inspection of aircraft and engine components using latest Non Destructive
Techniques i.e, X-ray, magnaflux, ultra sound and eddy current.
(b) Manufacture/Repair of aircraft components in general engineering workshops
and specialist workshops.
(c) Servicing of guns, weapons, missile carriers and ejection seats in armament
workshop.
The department is also responsible for the maintenance of station specialist
vehicles and renders support for aircraft salvage operations.
The Pegasus engine repair shop of this department is only one of its kind in
Indian Navy where in the sophisticated Pegasus engine used on Sea Harrier
aircraft is undertaken for hot end change, assessment/repair Post foreign Object
Damage, DI/DR and if required full strip of the engine. Senior sailors of Indian
Navy who have been specially trained to perform the task exclusively man this
shop.
Air Electrical Department
The Air Electrical Department headed by Station Air Electrical Officer, provides
second line support in respect of Electrical and Air radio systems fitted on
Western / Indian Origin Aircrafts positioned at INS Hansa. The department also
provides technical expertise/assistance to other departments and visiting
aircraft.
The Air Electrical Department houses the following workshops / facilities:
(a) Avionics Centre
(b) Electrical Repair Shop
(c) Instrument Repair Shop
(d) Aircraft Generator testing facility
(e) Aircraft Battery shop
(f) Missile workshop
(g) Calibration Centre for special to Type Test Equipment (Sea Harriers)
(h) Printed Circuit Board Fault Diagnosis/Repair Shop
(j) Electronic Maintenance Room for Kiran and Chetak aircraft.
The department is capable of undertaking effective DI/DR of all Sea Harrier
items and the sailors are suitably trained to meet this challenging task. It
also provides assistance to frontline fault diagnosis on as required basis.
Base Electrical Department
The Base Electrical Department is the technical authority on ground electronic
equipments, test equipments and associated devices.
The functional responsibility of the department is to provide uninterrupted
ground Navigational aids to user of following equipment for safe flying
operation of both civil and military aircrafts.
(a) Surveillance Radar ATCR-23 and IFF
(b) Instrument Landing System
(c) Precision Approach Radar
(d) Non Direction Beacon
(e) Commutated Aerial Direction Finder (CADF)
(f) V/UHF Communication Equipments
(g) Air Field Lighting System
(h) Emergency Alarm System
(j) Broadcast and Public Address System.
Logistics Department
Logistic department plays a key role in maintaining the operational readiness of
INS Hansa by providing it with a wide range of efficient support services. There
are 34 various departments, squadrons and additional units to which logistic
support is extended. The department undertakes procurement, storage, accounting
and distribution of Victualling, Clothing, Naval Stores, Motor fuel, Equipment
and Spare Parts. It ensures smooth and timely disbursement of approximately Rs
1.4 Crore per month to 3,000 service and civilian personnel. The department also
efficiently manages 8 Public Funds. The five galleys in the base provide tasty
and nourishing food to service personnel and thus keep their morale high. In
order to keep the base abreast with the world of Information Technology, the
department also provides latest computer hardware and software support. The
Motor Transport Pool of the department maintains 87 vehicles with a high state
of serviceability to meet various commitments of the base. The department also
meticulously maintains Service records of both civilian and service personnel.
Meteorology and Education Department
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After the liberation of Goa, the Meteorological Office at Dabolim airfield was
taken over by the Navy in 1962. With the shifting of INS Hansa from Sulur to
Dabolim in 1964 the need for augmentation of meteorological facilities and their
manning by Naval Personnel was felt.
Over the years, the meteorological office has kept pace with the growth and
sophistication of Hansa and at present is equipped with the latest
meteorological instruments/sensors like Digicora MW 15, Laser Guided Hand Held
Cloud Base Measuring System, Direct Reception Antenna System (DRAS), Satellite
Imagery Reception & Video Display System (SIRAVDS), Automatic Weather
Observation System (AWOS), AMSS, etc. The department is manned round the clock
and provides meteorological services to the service and civil flying at the air
station and to the maritime operations off Goa. Incidentally, Met Office Hansa
is the only forecasting office in the Goa state. |
The Met/Edn Department administers a Naval Aviation Reference and Ship's Library
at INS Hansa. It houses about 13,000 books of varied subjects ranging from
aviation, technical, language, dictionaries, encyclopedia, fiction, general
reading, computer and textbooks. About 25 magazines / journals of general
reading, aviation and technical are subscribed regularly in addition to the
newspapers. Text papers / question papers with solved answers of various Naval
competitive examinations are also available for issue to the members. In
addition to the computerization of issue/return of books an Internet browsing
facility has been provided for the members of the library.
Medical Department
The physical well being of Naval personnel, their families and the civilians of
INS Hansa is the prime responsibility of Medical Department. Medical Officers,
specialised in Aviation medicines strive hard to maintain the extra-ordinary
medical standards required of the aircrew. This cover is extended to more than
2500 naval personnel and their families. This is achieved by emphasising
personal hygiene, inspection of galleys and regular medical check-ups.
The department is fully equipped with the latest medical instruments to take
care of any emergency. It plays a major role in keeping the aircrew battle
worthy
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