IAF

The IAF started operations with the metal- structure Wapiti in 1933, and used the same till 1942. Antiquated, and known derisively as "What-a-pity." Flown by No. 1 Sqn. Possibly the only surviving Wapiti.

RAF Lysanders with a port-side ladder used to insert agents into occupied France. In IAF service from 1941-43 in ground support role with No. 1, 2, 4 Sqns. Note the doped panels over the landing lights on the spats.

Contemporary of the Spitfire, the Hurricane was also a legend from the Battle of Britain. The Mk. II 'Hurribomber' was an improvement over the Mk. I, intended for use in the ground attack role. In service with RIAF Sqn. Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9 & 10 from 1942-45. Used during the Akyab campaign in Burma. Prefix 'Royal' was bestowed after this in March 1945, until name reverted back to IAF in Jan. 1950. Undercarriage doors removed here.

Stablemate of the Typhoon, the sleek Tempest was one of the fastest day fighters of its time. The Tempest was also used by the RAF to destroy V-1 flying bombs. In India, the Tempest equipped RIAF & IAF Sqn. Nos. 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9 & 10 from 1946 to 1955, and was used in action over Kashmir in 1947-48. Unlike other variants, Mk. IIs had no chin radiator.

Perhaps the most sophisticated aircraft of World War II. Produced in large numbers, and saw action in all theatres. In IAF service from 1948 to 1968. Flown by Sqns. 5 & 6

This Mk. XVIII is a descendant of the legendary Mk. I from the Battle of Britain. Possibly the most graceful fighter ever built with its distinctive ellipctical wings. In IAF service from 1951 to 1957. Other Spitfire variants in IAF service included the Mk. VIII, Mk. XIV and Mk. XIX from 1944 to 1959. Equipped Sqns. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 & 14.

The IAF was the first air force in Asia to equip with jets. Vampires were inducted in 1948 and stayed in service till 1975! The NF model, in service from 1953-1966 with 10 Sqn., gave the IAF night-interception capability for the first time. The Vampire FB.9 was also license built by HAL. Other IAF variants included the F Mk.3, FB Mk.52 & T Mk.55.

In IAF service from 1953 - 1967, the Ouragan or Toofani, as it was popularly called, was used in the 1965 War. Flown by 3, 4, 8, 29 and 47 Sqns.

In IAF service from 1957-1974, the Mystère was used in the 1965 War, notably over Sargodha, and also in the 1971 War. Flown by 1, 3, 8, 31 and 32 Sqns.

In IAF service from 1957 to 1996 , the Hunter was used in the both 1965 and 1971 Wars. Victor of Longewala, where 4 Hunters destroyed a Pakistani armoured regiment. Flown by OCU, 7, 14, 17, 20, 27 and 37 Sqns. Mount of the IAF aerobatic team 'Thunderbolts'.

Large-sized and rugged, the Su-7 was used in IAF service from 1968 to 1986. Served with 26, 32, 101, 108, 221 & 222 Sqns. Performed most of the ground-attack missions in the 1971 War, including the notable Shorkot Raid, though suffered losses to AAA. Normally equipped with drop tanks to enhance range.

In IAF service from 1977 to 1992, the HAL Ajeet was an improvement of the Gnat, in service from 1960-1980. The lightweight Gnat won fame as a 'Sabre-killer' in 1965, and was also used in the 1971 War.

In IAF service from 1963 to date. Equipped numerous IAF sqns. in F, FL, MF, U & bis variants. Performed creditably against PAF F-104 Starfighters in 1971. License-built by HAL.

All hangar pix at the IAF Museum, Palam. A special thank you to Air Marshal Tipnis, Chief of Air Staff, Air Cdre. HV Hariharan, AHQ, Wg. Cdr. JSK Mahajan, Curator and all the IAF airmen who assisted in Jan. 2000.