A highflying president

PUNE: On Thursday, President APJ Abdul Kalam, the father of India’s missile technology, will have a long-cherished, secretly nurtured dream fulfilled. He will take to the skies seated in the front cockpit of a fighter aircraft (SU-30 MKI) and participate in mild manoeuvres, simulated air-to-air attacks and air-to-ground strikes.

Wing Commander Ajay Rathore, commanding officer of Number 20 Squadron (Lightnings) will get the unique honour of ‘co-piloting’ the aircraft along with the President during the 45-minute flight from the Lohegaon Air Force Station in Pune. The President will spend three hours at the air force station.

According to sources, the President will be given a brief refresher course before the flight, to familiarise him with the aircraft and its working. During the flight the fighter aircraft will attain supersonic speeds and give the President a glimpse of the extensive capabilities of the aircraft. Kalam will also be given a chance to do some minor controlling at the dual controls of the aircraft. The manoeuvres include steep turns, a loop and barrel rolls. Interestingly, the President had failed to qualify as a pilot for the Air Force in 1958.

Though a number of exercises have been lined up for the President, he will participate in those he is comfortable with. Kalam, as the head of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), was the prime mover in developing various weapons systems.