HAL HF-24
| HF-24 Marut | |
|---|---|
,_HF-24,_Marut_(7585415088).jpg) |
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| Role | Fighter-bomber |
| National origin | India |
| Manufacturer | Hindustan Aeronautics |
| Designer | Kurt Tank |
| First flight | 17 June 1961 |
| Introduction | 1 April 1967 |
| Retired | 1990 |
| Primary user | Indian Air Force |
| Number built | 147 |
 Video overview of the Marut
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News report on the 50th anniversary of the Marut's first flight
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Contemporary silent footage of the Marut at an air show, including an aerial display
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The Hindustan Aeronautics HF-24 Marut (Sanskrit: मरुत्, for "Spirit of the Tempest") was an Indian fighter-bomber aircraft of the 1960s. It was developed by Hindustan Aircraft Limited (HAL), German aircraft designer Kurt Tank was responsible for being the lead designer of the aircraft. The Marut holds the distinction of being the first Indian developed jet aircraft, and also being the first Asian jet fighter to go beyond prototype/test phase, and into successful production and active service (outside Russia/Soviet Union). On 17 June 1961, the type conducted its maiden flight; on 1 April 1967, the first production Marut was officially delivered to the IAF.
While the Marut had been envisioned as a supersonic-capable combat aircraft, it would never manage to breach the sound barrier, being limited to subsonic speeds only. This limitation was principally due to the engines used, which in turn had been limited by various political and economic factors, multiple attempts to develop improved engines or to source alternative powerplants were fruitlessly made. Criticism over the Marut's cost and lack of capability in comparison to contemporary aircraft were often made.
A total of 147 Maruts were manufactured, the majority of which were introduced to service with the Indian Air Force (IAF). While it had been initially envisioned as a capable interceptor aircraft, it was primarily used for ground attack missions instead. In the ground attack role, the Marut saw active combat operations during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, notably participating in the Battle of Longewala. By 1982, the Marut was being increasingly considered to be obsolete, and was gradually phased out during the late 1980s.
During the 1950s, Hindustan Aircraft Limited (HAL) had developed and produced several types of trainer aircraft, such as the HAL HT-2, however elements within the firm were eager to expand into the then-new realm of supersonic fighter aircraft. Around the same point, the Indian Government were in the process of formulating a new Air Staff Requirement for a Mach 2-capable combat aircraft to equipped the Indian Air Force (IAF). However, as HAL lacked the necessary experience in both developing and manufacturing frontline combat fighters, it was clear that external guidance would be invaluable; this assistance was embodied by Kurt Tank, a German aircraft designer who had designed numerous combat aircraft of the Luftwaffe while at Focke-Wulf during the Second World War. Kurt was invited to relocate to India to establish and head the project to produce what would become India's first indigenous fighter aircraft. Upon arrival, he set about directing design work for the prospective fighter.
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Wikipedia