INSPIRATIONAL STORY By Wg Cdr Nasir Hanfee (Retd)
INSPIRATIONAL STORY By Wg Cdr Nasir Hanfee (Rtd) I can't resist sharing the story. This was way back in 1998. Our PSLV missile program was in full swing. But it was being done clandestinely to avoid detection by US spy satellites .The program director was Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who we did not recognize at that time. The cryogenic engines used were secretly shipped to Chennai port from where they were airlifted by our heavy lift helicopter.. If this helicopter was to fly straight from Chennai it would have taken only 2 hours to reach the launch-site.But to avoid detection by US satellites,a zig zag route was worked out involving long halts at unscheduled places.A 2 hour flight due to this would take us 8 hrs of flying and 8 hours halt, but ensure no detection - a small price to pay. Due to heavy load, our passenger carrying capacity was significantly reduced.We were able to carry only 12 supporting staff from missile program,including 2 sweepers to sweep and mop the constantly leaking...