दुश्मन के इलाके में गिरा पायलट कैसे बचता है? US Air Force के ‘सर्वाइवल सिस्टम’ की इनसाइड स्टोरी – US Fighter Pilot SERE Training to survive in enemy territory after ejection iran war ntcpdr
The most dangerous moment of a war is when a fighter plane flying in the sky loses control due to some malfunction or missile attack or any other reason and crashes in enemy territory. Because in such a situation the pilot has to eject and come out. As reported, two pilots have been ejected after an F-15E crashed in Iran. There is still suspense over whether they have been caught or not. But their chances of survival depend on the system that the pilots carry with them in the plane. Iran’s army has said that whoever catches these pilots will be given a reward.
The most difficult time for a fighter pilot is to keep himself alive in enemy territory. For such situations, the United States Air Force has prepared a state-of-the-art “survival system” for its pilots, which is a unique combination of technology, strategy and training.
After being expelled, special training is given for survival.
This system of the US Air Force is not limited to any one bag or equipment, but is a comprehensive structure spread at many levels. This includes a survival kit installed under the ejection seat, a survival vest worn on the pilot’s body, and other essential equipment such as helmet, radio and weapons. The combined objective of all these is “Escape, Evasion, Survival and Rescue” i.e. to get out safely after the accident, stay alive while avoiding the enemy and ultimately reach the rescue team. By combining these four points, SERE training is given to the pilot. In this training they are taught how to survive in difficult situations, escape from the enemy, remain mentally strong if caught and reach safe rescue. This training does not allow the pilot to depend only on equipment, but prepares him to take decisions and adapt to every situation.
What is pilot survival kit?
When a pilot ejects, the most important thing that comes to the ground with him is the survival kit located under the ejection seat. This kit is attached to the parachute and becomes a lifeline for the pilot as soon as he lands on the ground. In this kit, the first attention has been given to communication and navigation. The survival radio enables the pilot to contact the rescue team, while the compass, signal mirror and modern GPS beacon help him understand and communicate his location. This equipment becomes especially important when the pilot lands in a forest, mountainous area or in an area under enemy control. If we understand the Iran episode, the American pilots are somewhere between the Zagros hills. If they have not been caught, then there is a war going on between Iran’s IRGC and American forces to search for them.
Also read: Suspense on American fighter pilot, claim of catching him first…
How do ejected pilots give signals?
A complete set of signaling equipment is present in the survival kit of fighter pilots. Devices like flares, smoke bombs, strobe lights and glow sticks help the pilot to make his presence known to the rescue team. Many times, in dense forests or in the dark of night, these small tools decide the difference between life and death. When a helicopter or search plane passes nearby, it is through these signals that the pilot is able to give his location.
What are the arrangements for food and drinks?
The challenge of survival in enemy territory is not limited to security only, but availability of food and water is also an equally big problem. Keeping this in mind, survival kits include water packets, water purification tablets and high energy emergency food packs. These meals are light and contain enough calories, so that the pilot can maintain his energy for several days. Typically this kit is designed to last three to seven days, although in actual circumstances the pilot may have to operate for much longer.
Arrangement of first-aid in case of injury
Injuries are almost certain to occur during an ejection or crash, so first aid equipment is also included in the kit. Equipment like first aid kit, bandage and tourniquet help in providing initial treatment to the pilot. A tourniquet is especially important in stopping bleeding and in many cases can be life-saving. Such equipment keeps the pilot safe until he can receive professional medical attention.
What else for emergency…
This kit also contains things to fight the weather. Be it cold, rain or bright sunshine – there is something for every situation. The thermal blanket helps retain body heat, while the poncho provides protection from rain and wind. Fire sources such as flint or matches provide the pilot with heat, light, and the means to cook food. All this together gives it the ability to survive in difficult geographical conditions.
If the pilot falls into the sea, the situation completely changes and the kit is also prepared accordingly. It has an inflatable life raft, which helps in floating in water. Apart from this, there is a special chemical called “Sea Dye”, which when added to water spreads a bright color and helps the search team from above to identify the location of the pilot. This equipment proves to be very useful in marine conditions.
weapons for self defense
Although the main objective of the pilot is to escape from the enemy, he is also kept ready for self-defense. Earlier pilots were given only pistols, but now a compact survival rifle has also been included in the kit, which can be easily carried by keeping it in different parts. It can be used by combining it if needed. Yet this is used only as a last resort, as the primary strategy is to escape by hiding.
These US systems are modular and flexible
Over time the US Air Force has made this system more advanced and flexible. Now modular kits are used, which can be changed according to the mission and geographical conditions. Extra warm clothing and snow gear are added for arctic regions, while more water and sun protection are provided for desert areas. Different types of equipment are included for maritime missions. This flexibility makes this system more effective.
Ultimately, a pilot downed over enemy territory may be alone, but he is not helpless. He has a combination of technology, equipment and training that gives him the ability to survive even in the most difficult situations. This survival system of the US Air Force brings out the truth of modern war, in which victory is not achieved only by powerful weapons, but by understanding, preparation and patience. The whole world is watching how long all these facilities and training will be useful to the pilot of the US plane that fell in Iran.
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