HAL Ajeet
Ajeet was an Indian development of the Folland Gnat Fighter purchased from the United Kingdom.
Origin
The Indian Air Force (IAF) issued a requirement for a Gnat Mk 2 in 1972. Although the original requirement called for an interceptor, it was later modified to include a secondary ground-attack role. HAL (Hindustan Aeronauticals Ltd.) modified two Gnats to act as test-bed aircraft for subsystems; these first flew in 1975, followed by the first flight of production aircraft on the 30th of September 1976. The aircraft was given the name "Ajeet", Sanskrit for "Invincible," or "Unconquered".
Changes from basic Gnat
The changes from the original Gnat were considerable. They included:
- Improvements to the hydraulics and control systems (these had been a source of difficulties in the Gnat).
- Fitting of improved Martin-Baker GF4 ejection seats.
- Upgraded avionics.
- The addition of slab tail control surfaces.
- Improvements to the landing gear.
- Additional internal fuel capacity.
- Installation of two more underwing hardpoints.
Visually, the Ajeet appeared similar to the Gnat, with the presence of two extra hardpoints being the only obvious distinguishing features from the older aircraft.
Service History
The Ajeet entered service with the IAF in 1977 and was retired in 1991.
The Ajeet never saw combat; had it done so, its small and nimble airframe, together with heavy armament (given the size of the aircraft) may well have made it a tough adversary.
Developments
A HAL project for a trainer based on the Ajeet was begun, leading to the initial flight of a prototype in 1982. Unfortunately this aircraft was lost in a crash later that year. A second prototype flew the following year, but a lack of government interest led to the eventual demise of the project.
Variants
- Gnat Mk 2 : The original Indian Air Force designation for the Ajeet Mk 1.
- Ajeet Mk 1 : Single-seat lightweight ground-attack and interceptor fighter aircraft.
- Ajeet Trainer : Two-seat advanced jet training prototype. Also known as the Ajeet Mk 2.
Operators
Specifications (HAL Ajeet)
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
Performance
Armament
- 2× 30 mm ADEN cannons
- Up to 1985 lb (900 kg) of external stores on four underwing hardpoints