Wing Commander (Retd) K. Ramchand, Founder and Director of Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Bengaluru, passed away on Friday. He was 82.

Ramchand lead the team at DRDO for the indigenous design and development of the AEW&C aircraft. The aircraft was inducted into the IAF in 2017 and was flown during the air strike on Balakot in 2019, providing critical air cover to Mirage 2000 fighter jets.

He was the principal author of the book “The Incredible Journey of the Indian AWACS” released at Aero India, 2019.

A recipient of the “Distinguished Alumni Award” of IISc, Ramchand held a Masters Degree and PhD at the Department of Aerospace Engineering, IISc.

During his tenure lasting over two decades in the IAF, Ramchand served in the COM Squadron and was a member of the crew that flew several VIPs. The crew also flew top officers of the Indian Army ahead of the surrender on December 16, 1971, in mark of the end of the Indo-Pakistan war.

An avid golfer, he’s survived by Meera Ramchand, and two daughters Srilatha and Ramya.