Wing Commander (Retd) Dr. K. Ramchand Passes Away at 82
Wing Commander (Retd) Dr. K. Ramchand, a distinguished aerospace engineer and former director of the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), passed away on January 17, 2025, at the age of 82. His pioneering contributions to India’s aerospace sector have left an indelible mark.
Dr. Ramchand earned both his Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. His academic excellence was recognized with the ‘Distinguished Alumni Award’ from IISc.
Serving over two decades in the Indian Air Force (IAF), Dr. Ramchand was a member of the Communications Squadron and participated in missions involving the transport of senior military officials. His dedication and skill were evident throughout his tenure.
In 2002, Dr. Ramchand was appointed as the Director of CABS, where he led the indigenous design and development of the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft. This system was inducted into the IAF in 2017 and played a crucial role during the Balakot airstrike in 2019, providing air cover to Mirage 2000 fighter jets.
Dr. Ramchand authored ‘The Incredible Journey of the Indian AWACS,’ detailing the development of the AEW&C aircraft. The book was released at Aero India 2019. His contributions to aerospace engineering were further acknowledged when he received the ‘Distinguished Alumni Award’ from IISc.
An avid golfer, Dr. Ramchand is survived by his wife, Meera Ramchand, and daughters Srilatha and Ramya. His mortal remains were cremated with military honours at the Wilson Garden Crematorium in Bengaluru.
| Why in News | Key Points | Relevant Information |
|---|---|---|
| Wing Commander (Retd) Dr. K. Ramchand passes away | Dr. K. Ramchand, ex-director of CABS, passed away on January 17, 2025, at 82. | Wing Commander (Retd) Dr. K. Ramchand |
| Contributions in Aerospace | Led the development of Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft. | AEW&C system inducted into IAF in 2017. |
| Military Career | Served in the Indian Air Force and participated in key missions. | IAF, Communications Squadron. |
| Educational Background | Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from IISc, Bengaluru. | IISc – Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. |
| Author | Authored ‘The Incredible Journey of the Indian AWACS’. | Book released at Aero India 2019. |
| Recognition | Awarded the ‘Distinguished Alumni Award’ by IISc. | IISc Alumni Award. |
| Personal Life | Survived by wife Meera Ramchand and daughters Srilatha and Ramya. | Personal details. |
| Final Rites | Cremated with military honours in Bengaluru. | Wilson Garden Crematorium, Bengaluru. |
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