It a time when the profession or even A the term was relatively unknown, Sad-anand Kale, now 57, embarked on a Journey to become an aeromodeller.
Starting from building a free flight rubber-powered aircraft from waste material in 1978, Kale has recently built a radio controlled model of the Rafale fighter jet, which will soon be in-ducted into the Indian Air Force.
Kale credits his father with his passion for aeromodelling. He was a science teacher with a keen interest in aeromodelling.
"He made me build my first aircraft using waste material like broomsticks, sparklers' wire, ice cream sticks and thread rubber, for the NCERT Science Exhibition in 1978. I was in the sixth grade at the time. I bagged the first prize in the competition. The then Prime Minister Indira Gan-dhi had inaugurated the exhibi-tion and she also flew the model I had created," Kale recalls.
According to Kale, aero-modelling was popular dur ing the World War II period, but dipped after. The next big opportunity for Kale came in 1982 when the country celebrated the golden Jubilee of Indian civil aviation.
"JRD Tata flew from Karachi to Mumbai in a re-enactment of the country's first commercial flight. My father and I presented him with a model of the Puss Moth Aircraft which he used on the occasion," Kale said.
After such achievements under his sleeve, there was no turning back for Kale. "My father
During the WWII period, balsa wood parts were available in markets for aero-modelling . However, it became a relatively unknown concept until the late 1970s Sadanand Kale
would take workshops on aeromodelling in schools and I would often accompany him. We started conducting shows later. We have con-ducted over 500 shows using radio-controlled model alrcraft since. Even the third generation of my family is associated with the same passion. Due to the lack of open fields and space in Pune, my family moved base to Satara 10 years ago so that my children could train. My elder son is now working on drone technology while my younger son works with me," he said.
During a show held recently in the city, Kale and his son Atharva, displayed 12 aircraft. "We had made a flying eagle, which was funnily attacked by birds in the air during the show. Then we had a radio-controlled electric glider, the electric motor of which was shut once airborne. We then had a flying saucer, flying fish, a banner towing and flower dropping aircraft. The high-lights, however, were the models of the fighter aircraft which are used by the Indian Air Force. We had MIG 21, Mirage 2000, Sukhoi Su-30, Tejas and Rafale," he stated.
A LONGSTANDING MISSION
Ka ale said he wants to give wings to A children so that they can take to the skies. "Apart from encouraging children to get associated with aeromodelling or flying, radio control aircraft teach important lessons of preciseness, decisiveness, patience and courage. Aeromodelling also lets children experiment and be creative. We are doing our bit to ensure that children develop interest in the field. Children in India have heaps of talent which can be utilized in the ever-growing drone technology and aviation sectors. This must be promoted as a hobby and become a part of the syllabus in schools," he added.
CHANGE IN MODELS
ccording to Kale, the type of material Aused for creating the models has also changed over the years. Kale said, "The models in the olden days were made using Balsa wood only. This was then replaced by high density thermocol. Currently, a combination of foam sheets and corrugated plastic is used for making the models. If engines have to be used, it is generally made of light weight wood like Balsa or Deodar. However, electric motor is. a safer option and these are readily available in the market. It now takes nearly Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 to make a model."
DRAWINGS ARE IMPORTANT
ale said the top, front and side view Ka drawings of these aircraft play an important role in creating the models. "Each part of a real aircraft plays a different role. For example, longer wings help in increased flying time while larger width would help the aircraft achieve greater height. We employ the same techniques on our aircraft so that they resemble the real aircraft completely," he said.