M.S. Nadgir, an expert on Russian aircraft

M.S. Nadgir, an expert on Russian aircraft
The Hindu

New Director of Design and Development, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., Bangalore, has won many awards

DHARWAD: Mohan Shivarao Nadgir, who has been commended for his work on MiG aircraft and helped develop the first prototype of the upgraded MiG-27, has taken over as Director of Design and Development, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), Bangalore.

Mr. Nadgir, who hails from Dharwad, told The Hindu here on Thursday that it is a privilege to head the unit, which has many important tasks on hand, such as developing multi-role transport aircraft, light combat helicopter, twin-engine combat trainer and upgrading the Jaguar.

Mr. Nadgir obtained a BE degree from Karnatak University in 1970 and studied computer-aided matching of turbojet engine characteristics for his M.Tech. from IIT Bombay (1974). He was deputed in 1979 to Cranfield Institute of Technology, U.K., for an M.Sc. in aircraft design.

Mr. Nadgir, who joined the HAL Design Department in 1971, became General Manager and headed the Aircraft Upgrade R&D Centre in 2001. He then became General Manager of HAL's Aircraft Division in Nasik, the biggest division of HAL, which is responsible for supersonic aircraft production, planning and administration. He moved to Bangalore in June 2004 to head the Aircraft R&D Centre.

First prototype

The first prototype of the MiG-27M upgraded aircraft developed under his leadership at the Aircraft Division, Nasik, was test flown March 25, 2004, ahead of schedule.

The citation for the National Aeronautical Prize, awarded to him in 2004, made a special mention of his specialised knowledge of Russian aircraft design, philosophy, technology and material. It said Mr. Nadgir had played a key role in indigenising spares, raw material and consumables requited for keeping Russian aircraft and helicopter fleets in flying condition. Some of the modifications were appreciated by Russian specialists, who incorporated them in aircraft produced in Russia. Technology developed by him to extend the life of the main landing gear of the MiG-27 resulted in a saving of Rs. 25 crores.

Awards

Among the awards that have come his way are commendation medals from the Chief of the Air Staff in 1997 (for modifications introduced on MiG-29s) and in 2002 (for support extended to the Indian Air Force), the Biren Roy Trust Award from the Aeronautical Society of India for outstanding work in design, a gold medal in the aerospace group for a paper presented on MiG-21 aircraft problems and solutions from the Institution of Engineers at the 9th National Congress held in Calcutta in December 1994 and Outstanding Engineer Award from the Institution of Engineers, Nasik. He is the only civilian to receive two commendations from the Chief of the Air Staff for his innovative work on wing rib modifications on the Mig-29 fighter and for sustained support to various aircraft types of the IAF.