A cutting-edge vertical wind tunnel (VWT), the first of its kind in the Indian Army, has been inaugurated at a training school in Himachal Pradesh. The VWT offers a controlled environment for military trainees to improve their skills by simulating real-life freefall conditions.
Virtual Inauguration by Army Chief
Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande virtually inaugurated the “Indian Army’s first Vertical Wind Tunnel (VWT),” according to a statement by the Ministry of Defence. The wind tunnel, located at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS) in Bakloh, is designed to refine the Combat Free Fall (CFF) skills of armed forces personnel.
Advancing Training Methodologies
The statement emphasized that the integration of technology into training methodologies is part of the ongoing transformation of the Indian Army. The installation of the VWT is a significant step in this direction.
Functionality and Benefits
The VWT functions as a freefall simulator, generating a column of air at specific velocities to simulate various CFF conditions. This controlled environment enables trainees to enhance their skills by replicating real-life freefall conditions.
The integration of the VWT into the CFF training curriculum at SFTS offers numerous advantages. It allows for the simulation of diverse freefall scenarios, which is crucial in assessing individual responses to different situations in an airborne operating environment. Additionally, it reduces potential instability during freefall and parachute deployment, aiding trainees in becoming accustomed to these conditions.
The VWT is not only beneficial for beginners but also serves as an exceptional resource for providing advanced training to seasoned freefallers and CFF instructors.
Modernizing Training Infrastructure
The installation of the first VWT aligns with the current focus on modernizing training infrastructure within the Indian Army. This project is the first of its kind in the Indian Army and is set to deliver simulated training in combat freefall for special forces.
The VWT promises to significantly enhance the operational readiness of the Indian Army, ensuring that special forces are well-prepared to address contemporary challenges on current and future battlefields. It is expected to yield faster and more precise training results.
This state-of-the-art facility marks a significant advancement in training methods for the Indian Army, providing a valuable resource for enhancing the capabilities of its special forces.
