We, the cadets of class 11 visited ASTE(AIRCRAFT SYSTEM AND TESTING ESTABLISHMENT) ,Bangalore on 15th December.
We departed from school at 3:00 am and reached ASTE at 9:30am. First we were authenticated to visit ASTE by issuing an ID card. Eventually we were taken to the auditorium in order to be briefed about the functioning of ASTE by Wg.Cdr. Prashant.
ASTE was first established in Kanpur( in the year 1948) and later shifted to Bangalore( in the year 1973).
The main agenda of ASTE is to train flight test engineers, test pilots, test crew and recommend changes in the weapon system of IAF. They also test different missiles such as BRAHMOS, ASTRA, NGAR, NGCCM, etc. and its incorporation in the defence forces.
We even learnt many technical terms such as:
- SAAW: Smart anti airfield weapon
- NVG : Night vision goggles
- ATU : Aircraft testing unit
- ALH : Advanced light helicopter
Subsequently, we were taken to hangars where we saw a variety of aircrafts and helicopters such as Hawk, Chetak, ALH Dhruv, Kiran, Microlight, etc.
Lastly, we visited the museum where we saw a few models of aircrafts and weapons. We also saw things related to famous personalities such as the helmet of Sqn.ldr. Rakesh Sharma (which he wore during his moon expedition), the cricket bat of MS Dhoni endorsed with the signature of all Indian cricket team players. There were many mementos presented by various nations and private defence institutions to the IAF as a reminder of the joint mock drills conducted. We gained a lot of knowledge regarding the equipment used by IAF.
Overall ,it was an informative and motivating trip.
From the entire class 11, I wholeheartedly thank our school management for providing this opportunity to visit this institution.
