The 114 Helicopter Unit, known as the “Siachen Pioneers,” holds the distinction of being the IAF’s longest continuously operational unit among all services. It has consistently confronted challenges posed by nature and enemy fire, even during peacetime. This unit stands as a unique entity within the aviation world.
Pre Siachen days
On December 18, 1962, the 114 Helicopter Unit (HU) received its official designation as the Indian Air Force’s first all-Chetak unit, initially equipped with 8 helicopters.
On April 1, 1964, the 114 HU was formally established, commencing its journey with only two aircraft. It established Leh as its home base, replacing the Mi-4 detachment of the 107 HU, which had been stationed there since the Indo-China conflict of 1962.
Notably, 114 HU marked another first by becoming the Indian Air Force’s inaugural permanent unit at Leh, where it has continued its operations to this day. This establishment and its subsequent operations have left an indelible mark on the history of aviation in the region.
Squadron Leader Arvind Dalaya assumed command of the unit, leading a team of pilots. Apart from those experienced pilots transitioning from Mi-4s, the unit also included five aviators from the 83rd Pilots Course, who had received their direct commissions in helicopters following training in France. The 114 Helicopter Unit established Leh-Srinagar-Jammu as its permanent home for the next two decades.
The unit selected the French Alouette III as its initial workhorse for its exceptional qualities. It gained renown for its agility, lightweight design, unwavering reliability, and impressive power reserve, even though it had a slightly lower cargo capacity. The enduring service of the Alouette III, with its upgraded versions serving in various parts of the world, stands as a testament to the exceptional design of this aircraft.
Ironically, the Alouette III’s service ceiling, as noted on Wikipedia at 10,500 feet, nearly matches the elevation of Leh. In theory, it shouldn’t have been able to take off from such a high-altitude location. However, this incongruity embodies the remarkable tale of 114 Helicopter Unit— a story of unwavering determination, courage, and gallantry displayed daily. Yet, this journey was far from a walk in the park, and the unit had to pay a considerable price to overcome the challenges it encountered.
In its early days, the unit swiftly encountered the unforgiving demands and unyielding courage required by the challenging terrain. One aircraft faced a harrowing crash while attempting to cross Khardungla due to engine failure, while another had no choice but to make a forced landing at the high-altitude Murgo, standing at a staggering 16,000 feet above sea level. These episodes became a testament to the unit’s resilience and adaptability as they frequently found themselves tasked with engine changes in remote and demanding locations.
During the 1965 war, the 114 Helicopter Unit played a crucial role in conducting Casualty Evacuation (CasEvac) and mercy missions. They adorned some of their Chetak helicopters with a Red Cross livery to distinguish them for these vital operations. In a remarkable display of dedication, the unit accumulated over 81 flight hours, with 80 of them dedicated to evacuating personnel, primarily from the regions of Charwa and Haji Pir.
In addition to these critical missions, the unit also carried out VIP sorties and intelligence gathering missions. Their unwavering commitment to service came at a price, as one of their aircraft sustained damage from shrapnel during an enemy raid.
Between the 1965 and 1971 wars, the unit expanded its establishment to encompass a total of 10 helicopters. This growth also included the establishment of a detachment at Baramulla, which provided essential aerial access to the Haji Pir area. Despite these developments, Ladakh remained the primary operational area for the 114 Helicopter Unit.
In a noteworthy achievement, in August 1968, a helicopter from the 114 Unit successfully cleared the Chandigarh-Kulu-Keylong-Leh route, marking a historic milestone as the first such operation conducted by the Indian Air Force.
During the 1971 war, the unit once more undertook demanding tasks such as CasEvac and mercy missions, often operating in the midst of enemy fire, primarily within the Kargil and Uri sectors. On December 5, a helicopter, piloted by Flight Lieutenant BS Chandel and Flying Officer SS Ramarao, came under enemy fire from an F-86 aircraft near the Srinagar airfield. Incredibly, both crew members survived the harrowing incident.
On December 11, Squadron Leader KL Bajaj and Flying Officer RR Patel, while on a flight from Kargil to Dras, sought refuge in a valley to evade enemy shelling. In the process, their aircraft collided with high-tension cables. Tragically, Squadron Leader KL Bajaj lost his life in the accident.
During the war, the unit’s remarkable valor earned recognition, with two of its members receiving the Vir Chakra (VrC) awards. Flight Lieutenant Bartan Ramesh received the VrC for his exceptional service across 45 missions, while Sukhdev Dhillon was honored for his exceptional dedication, conducting an astounding 87 CasEvacs, often jeopardizing his personal safety.
114 HU at Siachen
Following the war, the unit assumed an additional responsibility by equipping some of its Chetak helicopters with AS-11B Anti-Tank guided Missiles. This role continued until around 1987. By that time, the 114 Helicopter Unit had already embarked on a significant and noteworthy journey. This journey led them to a place often referred to as “the place of wild roses.”
Before his legendary expedition to Siachen, Colonel “Bull” Kumar conducted an aerial reconnaissance mission over the region on August 3, 1978. Squadron Leader Sambyal and Flight Lieutenant AS Mann accompanied him, marking the pioneering steps of the Indian Air Force (IAF) into the world’s “third pole,” Siachen Glacier. The “Glacier Pioneers” ventured boldly into uncharted territory, exploring regions where no pilot had ventured before.
In 1985, the 114 Helicopter Unit earned the title “Glacier Pioneers.” However, around 1990, they transitioned their name to “Siachen Pioneers.” This name endures to this day, underscoring their position as leaders in helicopter flying. But before we delve into their extraordinary journey, let’s rewind to their pioneering beginnings.
The first supply mission to Siachen occurred in September 1978. Squadron Leader Monga and Flying Officer Manmohan Bahadur executed a historic landing on the glacier on October 6, 1978, using Z-1410. This remarkable feat, landing at an elevation of 15,500 feet, remains somewhat underappreciated, given its significance. Their actions played a pivotal role in safeguarding Siachen, preceding the official launch of Operation Meghdoot by six years.
During this period, while the unit continued its essential “civil aid” duties, it garnered extraordinary recognition. Notably, they received an exceptional total of 5 Shaurya Chakras for their daring rescue missions. Among these awards, 4 were specifically for high-risk mountain rescues, showcasing their exceptional bravery. RS Tandon received the 5th Shaurya Chakra for his fearless post-snow storm rescue mission in Antarctica.
The government officially launched Operation Meghdoot on March 31, 1984, with the aim of securing Siachen. However, the date often recognized as the actual commencement of the operation is April 13. This is the day when Indian Army troops successfully reached Bilafond La, situated at the base of Amar and Sonam, which are record-breaking high helipads in the region.
By the end of March 1984, the 114 Helicopter Unit initiated reconnaissance efforts in the Siachen region. They commenced deploying troops to the five to six camps established by the Indian Army. They executed supply drops just short of Sia La and Bilafond La, while they conducted CasEvac operations on treacherous, well-trodden snow routes. On April 13, 1984, Indian Army troops were airdropped at Bilafond, marking the onset of significant hostilities in an area where both sides would witness considerable bloodshed.
Siachen stretches approximately 70 kilometers in length and features subsidiary glaciers to the West, leading to mountain passes (referred to as “La’s”) that provide a vantage point over lower positions held by the Pakistan Army. Notably, Sia La and Bilafond La are the two primary passes in the region.
While Siachen offers strategic observation advantages over certain areas, it’s essential to clarify that the notion of the Pakistan Army ever having a presence on Siachen is indeed a fallacy.
In 1981, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Latif observed the Army Observation Post (AOP) employing the lighter Cheetah helicopters in Darbuk. Impressed by their performance, he promptly issued an immediate directive to change the helicopter type for the 114 Helicopter Unit. Consequently, the unit received its first two Cheetah helicopters.
For the next six years, the unit operated both the Chetak and Cheetah helicopters. However, in 1987, they transitioned into an exclusive Cheetah-only unit, thereby relinquishing their Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) role as well.
They enthusiastically embraced this shift, considering that Siachen presents distinctive challenges. The rugged terrain is characterized by a scarcity of suitable landing spots. Factors like high wind speeds, turbulence, extreme temperatures, and heavy cloud cover further compound the difficulties.
Yet, among all these natural elements, it’s the combination of high altitude and the resultant oxygen deficiency that exerts the most significant impact on both man and machine.
Density Altitude (DA), not Pressure Altitude, primarily determines Siachen’s aviation challenges. In simpler terms, DA represents the altitude at which, in terms of performance, the aircraft believes it’s operating.
The consistently higher DA in this region significantly hampers aircraft performance. For more detailed information on this topic, aviation enthusiasts can explore this resource: tinyurl.com/3ufx4cd2 .
Flying in the challenging conditions of Siachen requires meticulous calculation of the aircraft’s “All up Weight.” In this environment, even a slight excess of a few kilograms in provisions can have severe, potentially lethal consequences.
To address this critical concern, the resourceful pioneers of the unit devised an ingenious “jugaad” calculator, which they affixed to the instrument panel. This simple yet effective tool played a vital role in ensuring flight safety in the region.
Siachen’s complex landscape featured multiple camps: Camps I, II, III (later named Kumar), IV, and V. Additionally, they established various outposts along branching routes, including Bilafond La, Bhim, Sia La, G3, Zulu, and Hoshiar.
Moreover, they introduced helipads like Soman, Amar, Khanda, and Ravi in 1985, all positioned at elevations ranging from 15,000 to 19,500 feet. These heights, both then and now, are undeniably formidable and challenging from every perspective.
The tiny, matchbox-sized helipads, seemingly perched on pillars, further complicate the pilots’ challenges. Certain weather conditions give rise to a phenomenon known as a ‘White Out,’ which is akin to enveloping oneself in a ping-pong ball, making depth perception virtually impossible. On clear days, the intense glare from the snow can be blinding, causing discomfort to the eyes.
Siachen Pioneer Era
Introduced in 2000, the coveted qualification of becoming a Captain on the Glacier, often dubbed “Champ of champs,” is a significant achievement. The journey to attain this rank is an intensive one, spanning a seven to eight-month period. It commences with Co-Pilots amassing the requisite flying hours to access the highest helipads. Following this, they embark on a comprehensive training program, which includes conversion and clearance under the guidance of a Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI), ultimately marking the Co-Pilot’s progression to the role of Captain.
Besides the formidable terrain, severe weather conditions, and high altitude, the operational zone of Siachen was further complicated by the fact that it was an active war zone, resulting in frequent enemy firing.
During the period from 1985 to 2000, the personnel of 114 Helicopter Unit demonstrated exceptional bravery and dedication. This resulted in the award of 2 Vir Chakras and 5 Yudh Seva Medals, in addition to numerous Vayu Sena Medals (VMs), Vishisht Seva Medals (VSMs), and Commendations for their remarkable service and valor.
Operating on the very edge of their operational limits carried significant risks. Multiple aircraft were lost in the process, tragically resulting in the loss of some of their pilots. Some helicopters were struck by enemy fire, occasionally causing injuries. Nevertheless, the 114 Helicopter Unit persevered.
The citations for their awards are nothing short of hair-raising, underscoring the extraordinary bravery and determination displayed by every member, from corporals to commanding officers.
To truly grasp the unwavering spirit of the 114 Helicopter Unit, one must look at an incident that occurred after an engine malfunction following a landing at Amar, an elevation of 19,500 feet, on July 3, 1990. The situation demanded an engine change, and remarkably, this intricate operation took place right at the helipad.
What makes this episode truly extraordinary is the fact that the helipad was manned by the Sikh Light Infantry, who went the extra mile by physically moving the aircraft to create the necessary space for the recovery helicopter.
The task of changing the engine fell to a technical team, under the leadership of Flight Lieutenant Sreepal from the 114 Helicopter Unit. In a remarkable turn of events, the Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Goli, personally flew the new engine to the location in a stripped-down aircraft, devoid of a battery. His arrival was met with the presence of the Pakistan Army.
While Flight Lieutenant Sreepal and the Sikh troops worked on changing the engine, they were serenaded by the sound of music emanating from the nearby Pakistani Army.
On July 13, Squadron Leader Sinha, who would later earn the Vir Chakra in Kargil, along with Flight Lieutenant Malhi, were dispatched to Amar for the aircraft recovery mission. Luck smiled upon the brave team, as the engine started up without a hitch.
Upon their return to the Base Camp, celebrations and joy abounded. The unit had achieved the seemingly impossible, an accomplishment that sent morale soaring!
Legend has it that you’d have to be either slightly mad or serving in the 114 Helicopter Unit to venture into the skies with single-engine helicopters over Siachen. The essence of the unit’s spirit is perhaps best captured in its motto “We do the difficult as a routine, the impossible may take a little longer”.
In 1996, the 114 Helicopter Unit earned the prestigious President’s Standards. This distinguished achievement took place under the command of Wing Commander Manmohan Bahadur, who had previously been part of the first aircraft to land on Siachen. He also served as the Senior Staff Officer to Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Tipnis during the Kargil War. Wing Commander Manmohan Bahadur later assumed the role of the Commodore Commandant of the 114 Helicopter Unit.
Today, the 114 Helicopter Unit continues its operations in its dedicated “Karmbhoomi,” now with the up-engined Cheetal helicopter. While the aircraft and crew may have evolved, the indomitable spirit of the unit remains unaltered.
During my research for this thread, one striking observation was the modesty of the former Pioneers. They all share a common sentiment – that they were merely fulfilling their duty.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Bahadur and Wing Commander Raju Srinivasan for their unwavering support throughout my research.
Originally published on Twitter
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