India's Completely Forgotten First Jet Fighter

14 Nov,2023

Credit: Google Images

Credit: Google Images

The HF designation in HF-24 Marut stands for Hindustan-Fighter. While the name Marut means ‘Spirit of the Tempest’

Credit: Google Images

Its first flight took place on 17 June 1961, within six years of the specifications for the fighter being drawn up. Things moved quite fast back then.

A total of 147 examples were produced, including 18 two-seat trainers.

Credit: Google Images

Credit: Google Images

The plane was designed by German aeronautical engineer Kurt Tank. After the Second World War, he moved to Argentina and then came to India to help with the Marut design.

Credit: Google Images

Although originally intended to have a top speed of Mach 2 (twice the speed of sound), the Marut could not even manage to do half that. It wasn’t for the lack of trying, but the lack of a suitable engine and also the sanctions after India’s first nuclear test.

Credit: Google Images

Since its speed was limited, it was mainly used in a ground attack role.

Credit: Google Images

It took part in the 1971 war and though none were lost in dogfights, a few were lost on the ground. The Marut even had a kill to its name. Sqd. Ldr. K K Bakshi recorded the only known aerial victory when he shot down a Pakistani F-86 Sabre on 7 December 1971.

Credit: Google Images

After the war was over, three Marut pilots were awarded the Vir Chakra for bravery.

Credit: Google Images

Although it never got a powerful enough engine for itself, the Marut was used as a testbed by Egypt for its own engine development programme.

The Marut served with three squadrons of the Air Force, the No. 10 squadron, No. 31 squadron and the No. 220 squadron. Unlike today, where the Air Force is short of aircraft, each Marut squadron had more than the sanctioned strength of the aircraft.

The last Marut was retired from active service in 1990.