K Ramchand, founder-director, CABS, DRDO, passes away

Bengaluru: Wing Commander (Retired) K Ramchand, the founder-director of the Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS), DRDO, passed away on Friday. He was 82. 

Ramchand led the team at DRDO for the indigenous design and development of the DRDO Airborne Early Warning and Control System aircraft. It was inducted into the Air Force in 2017 and was flown during the air strike on Balakot in 2019, providing air cover to Mirage 2000 fighter jets. 

A recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award of IISc, Ramchand obtained a Master’s degree and a PhD from the Department of Aerospace Engineering, IISc. In the IAF, he served in the COM Squadron and was a member of the crew that flew several VIPs. 

He is survived by Meera Ramchand and two daughters Srilatha and Ramya. His last rites will be performed at Wilson Garden crematorium on Monday.