Thanks to my Tauji, who is a Warrant Officer in the Indian Air Force, I had the rare opportunity to visit the Air Force Station in Bhuj. He arranged special permission for us, making this visit an unforgettable experience. His office was quite big, and from there, we were taken to different parts of the base.
One of the most exciting moments was seeing the runway and the parked aircraft. Some aircraft had grass on top for camouflage, a fascinating technique to make them blend into the surroundings. But the highlight of the visit was the detailed demonstration of a Jaguar fighter aircraft.
Initially, some airmen explained various aspects of the aircraft. Later, a pilot arrived, likely on the orders of the Commanding Officer (CO), whom we met briefly for a simple hi-hello. The pilot’s explanation was an extremely rare opportunity, as he shared intricate details about the aircraft’s systems, avionics, and weapons.
Exploring the Jaguar Fighter Aircraft
The Jaguar aircraft has several unique features. At the very front, there is a big stick-like structure with something hanging like a flag, which helps indicate wind direction or air pressure. Below that, there is a sensor.
The wings contain fuel storage units. Each wing has two holders, which can carry different equipment. The inside holder can hold missiles, weapons, or extra fuel tanks. The extra fuel is used first, and only after it is depleted, the fuel from the wings is consumed. These extra tanks can also be dropped if needed. However, the outside holder can only carry missiles.
Additionally, the aircraft can carry three extra fuel tanks: one under each wing and one below the aircraft’s body. The wings also have small sticks designed to discharge static electricity, which builds up when passing through clouds.
At the rear, there are two engine exhausts that expel fire. These exhaust openings can expand. On the front side of the wings, there is an air intake that was closed on the ground to prevent birds or debris from entering. However, it opens during flight.
A yellow staircase is used by pilots to climb into the cockpit. First, the airman and pilot climbed up, and then I followed. Inside, the pilot began explaining the cockpit controls.
Inside the Jaguar’s Cockpit
The joystick is used for 3D steering, allowing full control over movement. To the left of the pilot’s seat, there is a throttle, which controls how much fuel enters the engine. The more fuel that goes in, the faster the aircraft moves.
The cockpit is equipped with several complex avionics controls. The instruments include a meter that shows altitude, one that indicates horizon tilt, and another that measures drift while turning. There is also a speedometer, an altimeter that displays height above sea level, and a ground proximity meter that measures height from the ground.
For example, if the aircraft is flying at 10,000 meters above sea level while passing over an 8,000-meter-high mountain, the sea-level altimeter will read 10,000 meters, but the ground proximity meter will indicate 2,000 meters, ensuring precise altitude tracking.
The pilot also explained the aircraft’s communication system. It has two connectivity channels: one for ground control and another for a different function. The volume of these communication channels can be adjusted.
Near the throttle, there is a special control where the pilot must insert two fingers to activate a speed boost. This provides a sudden burst of acceleration. When I jokingly asked if this would allow the aircraft to reach Mach 10, the pilot laughed and said it was impossible, mentioning that such speeds are only seen in movies.
To the right of the cockpit, there were more complex controls that I couldn’t fully understand. Below the pilot’s seat is the ejection system, which is extremely dangerous. If triggered on the ground, the pilot would be launched into the air and fall back down, which could be fatal.
The cockpit is very tight and claustrophobic. The instrument panel is positioned flat, with all critical information being projected onto a glass screen at a 45-degree angle. This allows the pilot to view both the readings and the sky at the same time, similar to how Iron Man’s Jarvis appears as a projection in mid-air.
Other Areas We Explored
During the visit, we also got to see the pilots’ dressing room, a mini-museum inside the Air Force office building, a briefing room, and a projector room. Later, we returned to Tauji’s office, where we were served tea and met his subordinate, who was from Mathura.
A Close Encounter with a Commercial Aircraft
One thing I was hoping to see was a commercial aircraft. Initially, there was no fixed schedule for one, so I wasn’t expecting it. However, just as we were leaving, we had an unexpected and intense experience.
Our car was approaching a crossing where the road intersected with the aircraft taxiway. Suddenly, a Vistara commercial aircraft came taxiing towards us, preparing for takeoff. There were no barricades or safety measures, making it a dangerous moment. We were nearly on a collision course before we quickly stopped, watching as the aircraft took off just meters away.
This moment was a complete surprise and made the visit even more thrilling. What started as an opportunity to see military aircraft turned into an experience where I also witnessed a commercial takeoff up close.
Final Thoughts
This visit to the Air Force Station in Bhuj was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From learning about the Jaguar fighter jet in such detail to unexpectedly witnessing a commercial takeoff so close, every moment was incredible. A huge thanks to Tauji for making this possible!