A Thunderbolt of the yesteryears will dominate the sky over the capital on the first Air Force Day in the new millennium. A final salutation to the aircraft that inspired a spirit of camaraderie and pride will be a nostalgic moment for those who found themselves privileged to have flown the Hunter. The Hunter aircraft will be on its last flight on October 8, bidding adieu to the Indian Air Force after its distinguished service for over four decades.

A highly potent and reliable multi-role aircraft of its time, the Hunter epitomised in its class the peak development of the subsonic jet in the early 50s. The Hunters were inducted into service in the IAF in December 1957 as a multi-role aircraft for use during interception ground attack and reconnaissance. Acknowledged as the classic single-seat fighter of the 50s, it was an exhilarating aircraft to fly and a treat to those who would watch it flying. Its excellent handling characteristics at all speeds made it a dream aircraft for aspiring fighter pilots all over the world.

In March 1958, a couple of months after its induction into the Indian Air Force, the Hunters of No 7 Squadron had put up an aerobatic team of five aircraft. This number was steadily increased till one day when nine aircraft took off and disappeared over the horizon only to reappear in a flawless formation. They carried out a loop and dived in again to carry out a breathtaking formation barrel roll, a feat unequalled in the Air Force at that time.

The Hunters, the war-horses of the Indian Air Force proved its mettle in 1965 operations and 1971 Indo-Pak conflict, bringing laurels to the squadrons it served. In the 1965 operations,the hunters operating from Halwara carried out several interdiction missions that were not only destructive but proved decisive in future missions. Pakistan’s first armoured brigade had launched an armour attack with 300 Patton tanks in Khemkaran Sector during the battle of ‘Asal Uttar’ on September 9, 1965. Hunters of No 27 Squadron attacked the Pakistani brigade and dropped one hundred bombs over it, followed by another attack, the next day. The battlefield was virtually converted into a graveyard for the Pakistani Patton tanks. Flying Officer Pingale flying a Hunter shot down the supersonic Sabre in straight battle over Jalandhar on September 16, 1965.

During the war for liberation of Bangladesh in 1971, Hunters escorted by MiGs from Guwahati were the first to attack Tezgaon airfield near Dhaka on December 4, 1971. The PAF lost seven F-86 aircraft in aerial battles over Dhaka. The Hunter pair-piloted by Wg Cdr Sundersan and Flt Lt Tremenhere were hounded over Dhaka by six F-86s. Flt Lt Tremenhere was shot down in the battle, but ejected safely. By noon on the same day, PAF had lost its sting. But Hunters continued their attacks on the enemy supply lines. On the western front, a flight of Hunters single-handedly demolished a tank at Longewala in Rajasthan on the same day. About 37 Pakistani tanks were demolished and a company of the Indian Army held its own against Pakistan’s infantry brigade. On the same day, Hunters from Jamnagar attacked Karachi Harbour and started the burn-out of oil installations at Kiamari. Four Hunters from Pathankot attacked the Mangla Dam on December 5, 1971 putting the Hydel project out of gear. A week later four Hunters from Jaisalmer carried out rocket attacks on the SUI gas plant in Northern Sindh and set on fire a part of the plant.

On December 13, 1971, four Hunters along with Canberras, MiGs and AN-12s attacked the Joydebpur Ordnance Factory and severely damaged it. The Hunters along with MiGs wrecked the East Pakistan Governor’s house and expedited the end of the war. The attack so unnerved the Governor that he along with his cabinet resigned the same day.

In 1981, No 20 Squadron comprising of Itlics moved to Hashimara to form the aerobatic team better known as the Thunderbolts. Throughout the decade, a large number of people enjoyed looking at nine Hunters of IAF flying in a ‘diamond’ formation executing loops, rolls, dives and different aerobatics in a show of skill and precision. They enthralled the crowds at many an air show flying the length and breadth of the country performing their routine again and again. The Thunderbolts made their last public display in March 1989.

The trainer version of the Hunter has been used as an advanced trainer for initial operational training of young fighter pilots. The Hunter has won for the country a large number of gallantry awards and has established a record as the longest serving aircraft with the IAF along with the Canberra. However, the flamboyance of this class of fighter remains as a cherished memory for many days to come. The story of the Hunters cannot be reduced to mere statistics. Excellent handling capabilities, flawless agility, robustness and reliability are some of its characterstics which a generation of fighter pilots will fondly remember. When fighter pilots of the IAF are counted, there will be two distinct categories. One of those who did fly the Hunter and the other who did not.