#IAFHistory

On a crisp November day in 1948, history unfolded on the tarmac of Palam Airfield in Delhi. Three sleek De Havilland Vampire jets, gleaming in the Indian sun, marked a monumental moment—the arrival of the jet age in Indian aviation. This signified the IAF’s modernisation efforts and made India the first Air Force in Asia to embrace this revolutionary technology.

The journey of these state-of-the-art jets from the United Kingdom to India was an impressive feat of aviation prowess. Piloted by an elite team comprising Mr Roger W Jamieson from De Havilland, Squadron Leader Leo DeVigno, and Flight Lieutenant George F Thornton of the Royal Air Force, the Vampires roared across continents. In just 19 flying hours, they covered a staggering 6,000 miles, with ten pit stops along the way. The longest leg, pushing the Vampire’s limits, stretched a near-maximum 960 miles from Sharjah to Khambalia.

The Vampire itself was a marvel. Powered by the mighty de Havilland Goblin engine, it was touted as the undisputed speed king – the world’s fastest single-engine jet fighter. It boasted unmatched acceleration, climbed like a homesick angel, and danced in the skies with unmatched manoeuvrability. Its arrival was a spectacle that captivated not only the military leadership, including Air Commodore A.M. Engineer and dignitaries like Mr Corby, the Far East representative of De Havilland, but also left a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.

Vampire Aircraft Testing Unit

Following an agreement with the Indian Government, 286 single-seater Vampires were to be acquired. The first batch of thirty-nine Vampire FB 52s were to be produced at Hatfield, and the subsequent 247 were to be built under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd in Bangalore. This move bolstered the IAF’s capabilities and laid the groundwork for India’s indigenous aerospace industry.

To prepare Indian pilots for this jet revolution, three Vampire F3s, bearing serial numbers VV209 to VV211, were diverted from the Preston production lines. For the ferry journey, they were given temporary registrations VT-CXH to VT-CXJ, and eventually, upon landing in India, they were numbered HB544 to HB546. Their unique markings—a blend of civilian VT registrations, Chakra markings, and new IAF Serials—underscored the unique juncture in the IAF’s journey.

In an unconventional move, these three aircraft were assigned to the newly created No. 1 Aircraft Testing Unit based at Kanpur. Typically, new acquisitions are allocated to operational squadrons; however, these F3s were earmarked for eventual return, as the IAF’s procurement focused on acquiring the FB52 variant. This nuanced approach underscored the primary objective of these jets: to serve as transitional platforms, enabling pilots to gain invaluable experience with jet technology rather than integrating these specific airframes into active service. For the eagle-eyed observer, the F3s were easily distinguished by their rounded wingtips, offering a slightly larger wing area than the square-cut tips of the FB52s.

The IAF carefully handpicked four of its most distinguished fighter pilots for conversion training in the UK. These seasoned veterans, who had already proven their mettle during the 1947 Kashmir War, with three even honoured with the Vir Chakra (India’s third-highest wartime honour) for their bravery, were poised to become the IAF’s first-ever jet pilots. Squadron Leader Devaiah Subia led this elite group, including Flight Lieutenant Michael Patrick Owen Blake, Flying Officers Verghese Kuriyan and George Douglas Clarke. Rounding out this team was Pilot Officer Gian Singh, a recently commissioned officer and a seasoned airman who would lead the technical team supporting this momentous transition.

On November 22nd, the skies over Palam roared with the power of the Vampire. In a spectacular display attended by the Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and dignitaries, Squadron Leader Subia and Flight Lieutenant Blake put on a show unlike any other. Special arrangements were made so that the citizens of Delhi could witness this momentous occasion. The crowd roared with awe and excitement – India was a jet nation now! The display earned them cheers and praise from Prime Minister Nehru himself.

The First Tour of the Country

The ensuing months were a period of rigorous acclimatisation as the pilots familiarised themselves with the Vampire’s operation within the diverse climatic conditions of India. February 1949 marked the beginning of an ambitious endeavour—a two-week-long training flight stretching across Peninsular India. The objective was multifaceted: to immerse the Vampire pilots in high-speed, long-range cross-country flying, to acquaint them with the logistics of operating from and maintaining the aircraft in unfamiliar territories, and to assess fuel consumption under varied altitude and temperature conditions.

This journey would traverse the four principal cities of southern India—Poona, Bombay, Bangalore, and Madras—providing a unique spectacle for the general public and service personnel. It was an opportunity to showcase the cutting-edge technology and unparalleled speed of the “Vamps,” offering a glimpse of their spectacular aerial performance. Wing Commander Moolgavkar, then Commanding the 1 Wing at Jammu, was deputed. Although not part of the flying contingent, he was entrusted with the overall command of this significant flight.

The journey commenced in Poona on February 21, captivating onlookers with an exhibition of precise aerobatics and masterful flying. The tour’s next highlight unfolded at Santa Cruz airfield in Bombay on February 27, drawing thousands of spectators. The crowd was electrified as the Vampires showcased their prowess through complex formations, breathtaking aerobatics, and daring low-level sprints. The esteemed attendees, including H.E. the Governor of Bombay, Raja Maharaj Singh, and Major-General D.S. Brar, watched in awe, spellbound by the spectacle before them.

Wing Commander Moolgavkar educated the spectators about air combat manoeuvres and the advanced features of the Vampire as a modern interceptor through a live commentary, adding a layer of engagement to the awe-inspiring performance. Following the demonstration, the pilots—Squadron Leader Subia, Flight Lieutenant Blake, and Flying Officer Clarke—were introduced to the Governor, who congratulated them on their exceptional skill and bravery.

The enthusiasm was palpable, with large crowds of students and enthusiasts flocking to the pilots and their jet aircraft, eager for photographs and a closer look. In a moment of sheer spectacle, Squadron Leader Subia piloted his Vampire in a low flypast over the Marine Drive, drawing the eyes of thousands more spectators to the skies.

Completing their journey, the Vampires returned to Palam on March 10, 1949, after visiting Bangalore and Madras, leaving behind trails of inspiration and wonder. The tour encompassed over 12 hours of flying, covering an impressive 3,000 miles by each aircraft, with their longest single hop stretching to 650 miles at an average altitude of 30,000 feet above sea level.

This tour, reminiscent of the role played by the Surya Kirans today, was not just about demonstrating the Vampire’s capabilities; it was about connecting the IAF with the people of India, showcasing the progress and prowess of the nation’s air force. Air Marshal Vir Narain, who was in training then, recollects, “Some of us in the 53rd Pilots course were flown from Coimbatore to Bangalore to watch the newly-inducted Vampires in action. For us, it was a great experience.”

The Pilots and Operational Unit

The groundbreaking tour of 1949 showcased the IAF’s foray into jet-powered aviation and set the stage for a legacy of excellence and innovation. Squadron Leader C. Subia, Flight Lieutenant M. Blake, and Flying Officers G.D. Clarke and V. Kuriyan gained invaluable experience and confidence from operating these high-speed jets. Their ventures into high altitudes, sub-zero temperatures, and long-distance flights tested their skills and endurance and affirmed the Vampire’s capabilities as laid out by its manufacturers. This rigorous field testing validated the aircraft’s performance and reliability.

The behind-the-scenes heroics of Gian Singh and his crew of twelve airmen in maintaining the operational readiness of all three aircraft throughout the tour were commendable. Their dedication ensured the success of this ambitious cross-country demonstration, proving the Vampire’s adaptability and serviceability across the diverse Indian landscape.

The dissolution of the Aircraft Testing Unit (ATU) on July 22, 1949, marked the end of a chapter and the beginning of a long operational phase for the Vampires within the IAF. The aircraft and pilots were absorbed into No. 7 Squadron, IAF, with Squadron Leader Subia assuming command of the Squadron.

Squadron Leader Subia’s journey from leading the inaugural Vampire flight to retiring as an Air Marshal in 1978 after serving as the Vice Chief is a testament to his leadership. Flight Lieutenant Michael Patrick Owen Blake, affectionately known as “Micky” within the IAF circles, became a revered figure, eventually commanding No. 7 Squadron in 1953 before retiring as a Group Captain.

Flying Officer Verghese Kuriyan left a distinct mark before retiring as a Wing Commander in 1966, having commanded No. 29 Squadron. Meanwhile, George Douglas Clarke, known as “Nobby,” carved out a niche as one of the IAF’s earliest and most distinguished Pilot Attack Instructors. He commanded No. 1 and No. 27 Squadrons and the Pilot Attack Instructor School in Jamnagar and retired in 1966. Gian Singh was associated with the Vampire for a long time and retired as a Group Captain in 1972.

The first Indian jet pilots, those who tamed the fiery De Havilland Vampires, are revered in IAF circles. Air Marshal Philip Rajkumar fondly recounts an anecdote shared by his first commanding officer in 47 Squadron, Sqn Ldr Charles David Fernandez, about the original Vampire pilots. They jestingly claimed to carry a large bent nail in their overalls, a whimsical tribute to the extreme ‘g’ forces they withstood, a testament to the blend of humour and heroism that defined their era.

A few records and a relic

Their legacy extends far beyond daring tales. The initial Vampire pilots laid the groundwork for the IAF’s formidable testing and evaluation capabilities. Established in its wake, the No. 1 Aircraft Testing Unit (ATU) eventually evolved into the modern-day Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) at Bangalore. Though not conventional test pilots or engineers, these early jet jockeys played a pivotal role in shaping this crucial branch of the IAF.

Another fascinating chapter unfolds in September 1950. Group Captain Kanwar Jaswant Singh, alongside Flight Lieutenants RL Suri, DE Bouche, and KM Ram, led the first-ever IAF Jet ferry operation to bring the first four of the thirty-nine flyaway Vampires contracted initially. They flew Vampires across ten countries, culminating in a triumphant landing at Palam. Intriguingly, footage exists of this historic event, though often mislabelled as the original November 1948 delivery. If the recent ferry of the Rafale jet caught the nation’s frenzy, imagine the boys doing it in 1950.

Yet, amidst the annals of celebrated flights and technological triumphs, the saga of the initial three F3 Vampires is mysterious. Contractually bound to return to the United Kingdom, their fate lingered in the shadows of uncertainty until the indefatigable curiosity and scholarly diligence of IAF historian Jagan Pillarisetti brought light to the enigma.

Jagan’s quest led him to a Vampire that had long stood under the guise of a Pseudonym (T-27) at the Air Force Technical College in Jalahalli, a silent sentinel whose true identity beckoned the keen-eyed historian. Through meticulous research and the careful peeling away of layers of history and paint, a revelation emerged. Hidden inscriptions unveiled the aircraft’s true lineage as VV211, or HB546 – one of the original trio of F3 Vampires. This discovery in 2005 did not merely amend a footnote in the IAF’s storied legacy; it reconnected the present with the pioneering dawn of jet aviation in Asia, preserving a tangible relic of a monumental era on Indian soil.