Crest: The figure of a kneeling archer with drawn bow has been chosen for its suggestion of poised readiness. Its significance as a crest is that it is symbolic of the aim for fine training and absolute preparedness for the appointed task. The classic form of the human figure has been chosen for the qualities of dignity and physical and mental strength which are essential ingredients of the classic rendering of features, skill and physique. In the final drawing, however, the features have been omitted in order to preserve the symbolic dignity. To accentuate the classic times, no dating accoutrements have been made.

The archer is also indicative of the zodiac sign of Sagittarius, the symbol which covers the period during which the squadron was formed (18th December 1959).

The device itself has been rendered in black and white, as it is felt that the resulting simplicity is appropriate tribute to the classic form, and lends itself to easy reproduction in embriodery, in paint of the aircraft, as an enamelled pin without the need for base-relief.

Motto: The motto "Karmani Vyapurutham Dhanuhu" may be translated as "My bow is stretched for its task," thus continuing the symbolism of the device. The line is taken from the kalidas drama "Sakuntala", where in king Dushyant before leaving for Swarga, hands over the governing of his kingdom to his Pradhans and instructs them in the duties of Kshatria. One of these instructions is "Karmani Vyaprutham Dhanuhu" your bow always stretched for its task.

Brief History: No. 47 Squadron, Air Force was formed on 18 Dec 1959 at Halwara as an amalgamation of the best officers & men picked up from various units of the Air Force. the first Squadron Commander was Sqn Ldr DA Lafontaine, who later rose to become the Chief of Air Staff. The Squadron adopted a kneeling Black and Archer as its Squadron Insignia. With its bow stretrched to perform the task, the Archer signifies ever ready state of the Squadron personnel to perform the task given with utmost efficiency. The squadron was first equipped with Toofani aircraft. The first aircraft to arrive in the Squadron No 871, brought in by Flying Officer S subbaramu (who retired as an Air Vice Marshal). Shortage of personnel, equipment, working tools and other teething troubles faced by an infant squadron were minor hurdles which the Archer gang easily accomplished and which did not stand in the way of squadron performance was so good that within a fortnight of its formation, the squadron had the honour of presenting the skills of the Air Force at the Republic Day parade. Soon after the fly past, in Mar 60, the squadron took part in the 27the aniversarydisplay at Bombay. The excellent show in these displays ensured that the Squadron more or less permanently got the task of carrying out fly past for the Republic Day parades.

In 1961, the Sqn moved to Kalaikunda. At the new base, the Sqn soon established itself and carried out extensive flying. The sudden move and other problems could never were the Sqn's prime task of achieving Operational efficiency in the air. Every month the task was met and yet the pilots wanted more. In Aug 63 the Sqn moved to Bagdogra and also operated a detachment from Gorakhpur.

In Apr 64, Sqn was tasked to perform the Tri Colour loop over Rajpath during the Republic Day parade. A 4-ac detachment left for Palam in Dec 63 and after a few practices, performed a by the book loop which stole the hearts of the millions of watchers.

In Apr 64, the squadron achieved another feather in its cap when at Jamnagar, Fg Offr S Subbaramu got the highest individual shoot and aggregates in F/G. Such was the training level that the entire squadron average was adjudged one of the best af all the participating units.

In Sep 64, the squadron moved to its new location at Hasimara. In Jan 65 squadron was tasked to repeat the performance of Jan 64. On 20 Apr 65 Sqn carried out a 12-ac flypast at Shillong, consisting of 3 vice of 4-ac each. The flypast was so accurate that it won the applause of the Governor and Chief Minister.

ROLE IN OPERATION

The squadron took part in both the Indo-Pak conflicts since its formation. During the 1965 war the sqn was called up to show its mettle in the Eastern sector.

1965 Indo-Pak operations: The Sqn was led in to this operation by Sqn Ldr P Venugopal who later rose to become Air Mshl and was appointed as SASO HQ(TC). On 02 Sep 65, five Toofanis proceeded for the air defence of Tezpur. Thus with the total strength of nine Toofani aircraft, the Sqn operated detachments at Guwahati & Tezpur. A lone Toofani was left behind because of certain snags. The remaining crew of the Sqn stayed back at Halwara for army co-operation and helping the local administration to take on the enemy in the Western sector. The Sqn started geeting back on 29 Sep 65 and by Oct, it was back at Halwara in full strength. The tremendous experience gained by the Sqn came handy while undertaking operations in 1971 conflict.

Post 1965 Era: In Jan 66 the Sqn once again performed the Tri-colour loop at Rajpath. By this time the Sqn's hard work had started showing results. In Apr 67, during Ex ALERT, the Sqn performance was exceptional. Sqn delivered the armaments loads so accurately over TISTA range that the visiting dignitaries were awe-struck. 23 Mar 68 was a golden day in the history of the Sqn. The Sqn finally said, "THANKS A LOT OLD BOY AND ON TO SUPERSONICS". The Black Archer launched its new bow and arrow and at a new base. The Sqn converted from the ageing Toofanis to the new thundering supersonic Mig 21 Fls. Sqn also moved out from Hashimara to Chandigarh. The Sqn set up too changed and came in a new set of officers & men. A touching moment but then the "OLD ORDER CHANGES YIELDING PLACE FOR NEW". WITHIN NO TIME, It was once again one family and the pilots quickly became operational on the new aircraft. While the technicians became quickly at ease, with the simple equipment. In Feb 1969, the Sqn moved to its new location at Hindon. Having operated from Palam earlier the air space around was not new. The Sqn stayed here for next two years.

1971 Indo-Pak Operation: The Sqn was led in these operations by Wg Cdr HS Gill VrC(Posth), VM. the main role of the Sqn during these operations was Air Defence. The Sqn was virtually spread over entire Northern & Central India. It manned detachments from four different places, namely Jamnagar, Halwara, Palam and Hindon. Other than Air Defence, a host of counter air missions were also undertaken over Badin airfield. At Jamnagar, Wg Cdr HS Gill who was leading one of the counter air missionss was shot down by ground fire. There was no news about him over next three years. Finally in 1974, he was declared a martyr and awarded VrC posthumously. The strike over Badin airfield , however continued and Pakis found it hard to launch any mission from that airfield as it was rendered virtually unfit. . In an aerial combat of Jamnagar coast, on 12 Dec 1971, Sqn Ldr BB Soni shot down a Starfighter(F-104). He was also awarded VrC for the 1971 operations. Flt Lt V Kapila fired a volley of rockets on an opposing Starfighter. The aircraft was seen to smoke vigorously and crash. The Sqn earned a total of two Vr C and VSM and four Mentioned in Despatch. It was proved beyond doubt that the Black Archers Bow was stretched in absolute readiness.

In Nov 1973, Sqn moved to Halwara, its formation base. There was ecstasy and joy in the air,because sqn came back finally at the very base the Sqn was born. For next five years Sqn stayed here while pilots and men kept on doing the good hard work. The proximity of Sidhwan Khas range gave the opportunity to the pilots to hone their skills & achieve a high level of proficiency in air to ground work. And the results of the hard work did show. In Jan 78, the Sqn moved on to its new location at Chabua where it was to stay for next seven years. During the same year the Sqn pilots brought laurels to their unit by winning the 1978 EAC gunnery meet. And just to prove that the Black Archer were not only a bunch of rowdies good at Destructive " Payload Delivery", the Sqn notched up the 1979 Instrument Flying Trophy also. In Nov 80, while operating from Chabua airfield Wg Cdr MS Vasudeva VM intercepted, identified and photographed an intruding Chinese IL-18 ac. The photograph was developed and sent to Air HQ. The nice job was commended by the Air HQ. Thus, Eastern borders were in safe hands with the Black Archers keeping a constant vigil for any intruders in the valleys and blue skies. In May 85 Sqn moved to Hashimara. Within no time the unit was at peak performance despite the move and place another feather tn the cap by once again winning the 1985-86 EAC Gunnery meet.

In 1986, when the Govt finally cleared the procurement of the latest state of art technology ac MiG-29, the honour of being the first unit was bestowed upon the Black Archers. This was a befiting award for the hard work put in over the years. The Black Archers have built a reputation of being the pioneers in many fields. Thus in Oct 86, Sqn pilots were sent to USSR to convert on to the most sophisticated ac the world had to offer. In May 87, Sqn moved to Pune and converted on Mig-29. While at Pune, the Squadron under went exhaustive training to prepare a viable pilot fleet for the new aircraft.Along with this, being the first to operate the modern generation ac, it had a mammoth task of reviewing all the tactics and develop them for the sound operational effectiveness. Once the tatics were defined, the squadron participated in enough exercises to hone their skills and were fully geared to meet any challenge to prove their worthiness. In Feb 96, the squadron received new aircraft which comprised of four fighters and a trainer. These ac had an additional facility of carrying the wing drop tanks and thus had an increased Radius of Action. Sufficient number of sorties were flown to understand the limitation and advantages of the new aircrafts.

In Mar 97, the squadron moved to Adampur under the command of Wg Cdr KP Nair. This move was completed in record time and the Sqn was operational within 7 days of its coming to Adampur. Inspite of various shortcomings the squadron was able to complete its alloted task.

Republic day and Air Force day flypast have became an annual affair now and the squadron has been performing excellent in them.

Locations and Aircrafts flown