[Photos] Army Hang Gliders Landed in Udaipur, claims World Record
It was a moment of pride and joy for Udaipur to witness a world record attempt made by 10 daredevils of the Indian Army, who have travelled across three cities of Rajasthan covering 700k
The Indian Army claimed to set a world record yesterday on 17th February, when Naik Subedar Paramjit Singh glided 380 km nonstop for 7 hours from Bikaner to Sanderao in Pali.
The expedition was flagged off from Sri Ganganagar on 16th February 2012 when 3 gliders took off and were flagged in at Eklingarh Army Camp, Udaipur, today on 18 February 2012.
The expedition was set in 3 steps, i.e Ganganagar to Bikaner, Bikaner to Jodhpur and at last Jodhpur to Udaipur. In second step, Naik Subedar Paramjeet Singh (in photo above) was the one to set the record, and also he was the one to cover maximum distance by air in this overall travel.
Even today, 3 gliders took off, but two of them had to step back because of technical problems as well as height-gaining issues. The expected time of landing in Udaipur was 2.40 pm but was delayed to 6.45pm due to wind turbulence issues.
The Army Adventure Nodal Centre (Hang Gliding), based at the School of Artillery, Devlali, has conducted this unique and adventurous expedition, the first of its kind. A spectacular 700 km cross country flight was undertaken in three days with Powered Harness Hang gliders.
Led by Col Sanjeev Jarial, the team consisting of Maj Raman Mishra, Nb Sub Paramjit Singh, Hav Mangal Debbarma, Nk Gurmeet Singh, Nk AK Singh, Nk Ravinder, L/Nk A Selvam, L/Nk Sanjeev Kumar and Gnr P K Pradhan flew their Hang Gliders with special Harness that have 120 CC, 15 HP Motor and a carbon- graphite propeller attached to it.
These harnesses give the glider pilot the ability to take off from any small clear patch of ground and cruise at a speed of up to 70 kmph for several hours depending on the wind direction.
The Expedition is being undertaken by the Artillery team from Sri Ganganagar to Udaipur, crossing Bikaner and Jodhpur enroute. The total distance covered is approximately 700 kms over a period of three days.
Lt. General Gurdeep Singh, RT School, Devlali (near Nasik), Brigadier R.G. Patil were the Chief Guests. After successful landing, a memento carved in the form of an ‘Eagle’ was presented.
Soaring high in the skies is every person’s dream, but one needs an Eagle’s heart to scale new highs, ride on the air current and most importantly, stay there for long hours. There’s only one team of individuals that are able to achieve such feats professionally and with great ease; they are the Gunner Dare Devils.