CHANDIGARH: The city-based 48 squadron of the Indian Air Force, which flies Russian-built AN-32 medium lift tactical transport aircraft is celebrating its golden jubilee for completing 50 commendable years.
The squadron has scripted several new chapters in the aviation sector by landing at various strategic locations at high altitudes and inaccessible places.
Famously called - Himalayan Lifeline or camel - the 48 squadron is familiar with each peak, valley, river, lake, and international borders with China and Pakistan.
The squadron was equipped with the Russian built AN-32 tactical transport aircraft for high altitude operations at Allahabad in 1985.
The following year, it moved to Chandigarh and since then, it has been the lifeline for all air maintenance activities in Jammu and Kashmir, para-dropping loads in the Siachen sector and landing at high altitude forward bases in Leh, Thoise, DBO, Fukche and Nyoma, in harsh conditions and inhospitable terrains, often beyond the aircraft maneuvering envelope.
The squadron was raised at Barrackpore, Srinagar, in 1959 and was initially equipped with six Dakotas, workhorse of the IAF at that time. During hostilities in 1962, the squadron operated in the Eastern Sector, airlifting troops and military hardware, besides evacuating civilians from forward locations.
In 1965, it was actively engaged in airlifting of troops and armament in both the western and eastern sectors and was also employed for the movement of fighter squadrons and their associated equipment to their operational locations.
During the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the camel squadron played a major role as they carried arms and ammunition to Agartala, evacuated displaced civilians and airlifted casualties.
The squadron aircraft led by the its commanding officer (CO) group captain SC Chafekar has undertaken several world records like landing at the highest advanced landing ground (short, high altitude, kutcha airstrip) in the world at DBO at 16,200 feet, followed by trial landings at Fukche and Nyoma, both above 13,500 feet.
Driven by the motto - Sahasam Falati Sarvatraha, Shaurya Chakra awardee Gp Capt Chafekar told TOI, "We have achieved these feats because of the efforts put by our team."
The squadron was awarded the Presidents Colours in February 2007 for its contribution to the country.
The squadron has been involved in many military and civil operations - 1962, 1965, 1971, IPKF, CACTUS, Safed Sagar, Parakram, Bhuj and Tsunami relief etc. This is a great moment of pride for the squadron members.
The squadron has scripted several new chapters in the aviation sector by landing at various strategic locations at high altitudes and inaccessible places.
Famously called - Himalayan Lifeline or camel - the 48 squadron is familiar with each peak, valley, river, lake, and international borders with China and Pakistan.
The squadron was equipped with the Russian built AN-32 tactical transport aircraft for high altitude operations at Allahabad in 1985.
The following year, it moved to Chandigarh and since then, it has been the lifeline for all air maintenance activities in Jammu and Kashmir, para-dropping loads in the Siachen sector and landing at high altitude forward bases in Leh, Thoise, DBO, Fukche and Nyoma, in harsh conditions and inhospitable terrains, often beyond the aircraft maneuvering envelope.
The squadron was raised at Barrackpore, Srinagar, in 1959 and was initially equipped with six Dakotas, workhorse of the IAF at that time. During hostilities in 1962, the squadron operated in the Eastern Sector, airlifting troops and military hardware, besides evacuating civilians from forward locations.
In 1965, it was actively engaged in airlifting of troops and armament in both the western and eastern sectors and was also employed for the movement of fighter squadrons and their associated equipment to their operational locations.
During the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the camel squadron played a major role as they carried arms and ammunition to Agartala, evacuated displaced civilians and airlifted casualties.
The squadron aircraft led by the its commanding officer (CO) group captain SC Chafekar has undertaken several world records like landing at the highest advanced landing ground (short, high altitude, kutcha airstrip) in the world at DBO at 16,200 feet, followed by trial landings at Fukche and Nyoma, both above 13,500 feet.
Driven by the motto - Sahasam Falati Sarvatraha, Shaurya Chakra awardee Gp Capt Chafekar told TOI, "We have achieved these feats because of the efforts put by our team."
The squadron was awarded the Presidents Colours in February 2007 for its contribution to the country.
The squadron has been involved in many military and civil operations - 1962, 1965, 1971, IPKF, CACTUS, Safed Sagar, Parakram, Bhuj and Tsunami relief etc. This is a great moment of pride for the squadron members.
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