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http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_1965-1971-war-jets-will-be-back-in-action_1533072

1965, 1971 war jets will be back in action
Apr 17, 2011

Now the ordinary civilian would be able to wonder at fighter jets which flew and fought in the 1965, 1971 wars.

Indian Air Force (IAF)’s vintage aircraft, old ones which were pulled out of action in the 1950s to those which retired in the 1990s, will be restored into fly-worthy condition soon, to be used for ceremonial and display purposes.

The UK-based Hawker vintage restoration company, which specialises in restoration of vintage flights, has been in talks with IAF and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), for the Rs80-crore project. The project might take upto a year, which includes pilot training, propellers, avionics and engine restoration.

Three aircraft are being crated-up to be sent to UK. The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) has a squadron of such aircrafts, called the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which are used for ceremonial flights and displays on special occasions, one such event being the wedding of Prince Williams and Kate Middleton on April 29.

Some of these super special aircraft, a mix of fighter and transport, are Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIIIe NH631— decommissioned in early 90s, De Havilland DH82a Tigermoth — decommissioned in 1959 and North American Harvard. Most of the crafts played a decisive role in the 1965 and 1971 wars. The Hawk Hunter which fought during the 1971 war won India the famous Longewala battle with Pakistan.

The IAF is sending two senior wing commanders for training. “Some of these aircraft are really old and need to be handled very carefully, especially those types which have just one left. They warrant special training and maintenance, as there are some aircraft which are made up of wood, and some are heavy piston fighters and trainers. These pilots would have to do 25 flying hours of training on these aircraft,” an IAF officer said.

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HAWK21M · Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2011 4:13 pm Post subject:

Would be great to see the Spitfire back in action.

Maybe the DC3 could be used to fly the Indian skies again as a tribute to one of the Aircraft that served well.
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Think of the Brighter side !!!

shivendrashukla · Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2011 4:25 pm Post subject:

If I remember correctly, there is a spitfire that is currently airworthy and it did fly with the Hunter leading it to retirement with it.

Cheers
Shivendra

The_Goat · Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 1:41 pm Post subject:

Harvards and Spitfires being used in the 1965 and 1971 wars ?? Rolling Eyes

Idiotic reporting again!