Английская Википедия:Amar Jit Singh Sandhu

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Шаблон:Copy edit Wing Commander Amar Jit Singh Sandhu VrC, VM (23 January 1933 – 24 September 1971) was an Indian Air Force officer and fighter pilot. He was awarded the Vir Chakra award and the Vayusena Medal. He is credited with shooting down a Pakistan North American F-86 Sabre in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.

Early life

Sandhu was born on 23 January 1933 in Layllpur, Punjab, British India. His family moved to Sirsa, Haryana (then Punjab), India after the Partition of India in 1947.

Military career

Sandhu was commissioned in May 1954 in the Indian Air Force's Flying Branch as a fighter pilot. He was promoted to flying officer one year later.

Vayu Sena Medal

Файл:Wing Commander Amar jit Singh Sandhu2.jpg

Squadron Learder Amar jit Singh Sandhu receiving the Vayu Sena medal from the head of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Arjan Singh

In 1964, Sandhu was a flight lieutenant who was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for carrying out a deadstick forced landing in March 1964 after his Gnat aircraft experienced an engine flame out, followed by electrical failure. He chose to land the plane rather than ejecting. This was the first successful deadstick landing of a Gnat.

The citation for the Vayu Sena Medal noted that by landing the plane, Sandu not only saved the plane but also allowed the diagnosis of the cause of the flame out.

Indo-Pakistani War of 1965

Sandhu took active part in Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 from September 1–22, 1965 as part of No. 23 squadron.

He was part of the four aircraft formations sent out to ambush Pakistan Air Force aircraft on 3 September, where the first IAF aerial victory occurred, and took part in several aerial skirmishes.[1]

Sandhu was flying the Folland Gnat at that time, which was not armed with 30mm ADEN cannon. The Pakistan Air Force had F-86 Sabers and a squadron of F104 Starfighters. Both these PAF aircraft were armed with missiles.

In Indian Air Force museum, New Delhi

IAF Folland Gnat ("Sabre slayer")

On 18 September, Sandhu was able to outmanoeuvre and shoot down a Pakistani Sabre. He was awarded the Vir Chakra award for this action.

Vir Chakra

The citation for the Vir Chakra Medal notes that he flew "repeated missions in the Chhamb sector and over the Pasrur and Lahore areas, all the time seeking out enemy aircraft and engaging them," and cites his "admirable skill, courage and judgment" in shooting down the Sabre jet.

In Victor Bingham’s book, Folland Gnat: Sabre-Slayer and Red Arrow, published in 2000, he credits Sandhu with two kills on 18 September:

The opposite combat view was that on interception the Gnat section led by Squadron Leader A Sandhu, carried out a half roll, built up speed and climbed out. Sandhu aimed for a deflection shot on the first Sabre and saw shots strike home; then seeing another Sabre he reversed to the left and within 270 degrees in the turn came in line with the enemy aircraft, a quick burst … and the Sabre burst into flames and exploded.

Command of a fighter squadron

Sandhu was promoted to wing commander and given command of No. 23 Squadron on 30 November 1970.

Death

Sandhu was flying in a Gnat at night out of Pathankot airbase on 24 September 1971; he was killed when his aircraft crashed. He was 38.

Legacy

A chapter is dedicated to Sandhu in Wing Commander Dhiredra S Jafa's book, Death Wasn't Painful: Stories of Indian Fighter Pilots from the 1971 War, where he is referred to by the nickname “Kala Sandhu."

Several articles have also been written about him and he is mentioned in several other articles about the IAF.

In official history of the Indian Air Force of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, he is mentioned as being the third pilot from No. 23 Squadron to have shot down a Sabre.

External links

• Video – Heroes of the 1965 War — His name is mentioned in documentary published by IAF. This clip is part of complete documentary by PIB Government of India about Air war in 1965.