SOURCE: AFI
Group Captain Suranjan Das (1920–1970), one of India’s most revered test pilots, left an indelible mark on the nation’s aerospace history through his fearless contributions to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). As Chief Test Pilot at HAL, Das played a pivotal role in the development of India’s first indigenous fighter aircraft, the HF-24 Marut, and was instrumental in the acquisition of iconic aircraft like the Canberra, Hunter, and Mystere for the IAF.
Tragically, his life was cut short on January 10, 1970, during a test flight of an HF-24 prototype, but his legacy endures, honored by the posthumous conferment of the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award. This article explores Das’s extraordinary career, his contributions to Indian aviation, and the enduring impact of his sacrifice.
Born on February 22, 1920, in Kolkata, Suranjan Das, affectionately known as “Dasu” in the IAF, was drawn to the skies from a young age. Despite initial parental skepticism about his suitability for a piloting career, Das’s passion prevailed. He joined the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) during World War II, earning his commission in 1943. His early service included flying with No. 8 Fighter/Bomber Squadron and participating in operations in Kashmir in 1946.
Das’s exceptional flying and mechanical skills led to his selection for the 8th course at the Empire Test Pilots School (ETPS) in the United Kingdom in 1949, alongside Flight Lieutenant Roshan Lal Suri. This training marked a turning point, equipping him with the expertise to become one of India’s first experimental test pilots. Upon returning, Das was deputed to HAL in 1951, where he began a storied career that would shape India’s nascent aviation industry.
At HAL, Das quickly established himself as a test pilot of unparalleled skill and courage. His first major assignment was the experimental flight testing of the Hindustan Trainer-2 (HT-2), India’s first indigenous trainer aircraft designed by Dr. V.M. Ghatage. Das pushed the HT-2 to its limits, ensuring its safety for trainee pilots. In a notable incident, he was forced to bail out when the aircraft failed to recover from a spin, earning him membership in the “Caterpillar Club” for pilots who survive parachute ejections. His meticulous testing ensured the HT-2 served the IAF for over three decades, training thousands of pilots.
In 1953, Das commanded the Aircraft Erection Unit in Bombay, overseeing the assembly and testing of the Dassault Ouragan (Toofani) aircraft. He was among the four pilots who ferried the first batch from France, demonstrating his versatility. His expertise also extended to testing license-produced Vampire jets at HAL, cementing his reputation as a cornerstone of India’s aviation testing framework.
Appointed Chief Test Pilot at HAL in 1961, Das took on the most ambitious project of his career: the HF-24 Marut, India’s first domestically designed fighter-bomber, led by renowned German designer Kurt Tank. After an initial aborted takeoff by his predecessor, Wing Commander Roshan Lal Suri, Das successfully conducted the Marut’s maiden flight on June 24, 1961. He continued to perform numerous development flights, refining the aircraft’s performance despite its underpowered engines. Das also piloted the maiden flight of the HJT-16 Kiran, a jet trainer, on September 4, 1964, which remains in service with the IAF today.
Beyond his contributions to indigenous aircraft, Das played a critical role in modernizing the IAF’s fleet during the 1950s and 1960s, a period when India sought to transition to jet and supersonic aircraft. As a test pilot, he evaluated several foreign aircraft, serving as the first test-flyer for platforms that would become IAF mainstays. His evaluations were instrumental in the acquisition of the English Electric Canberra bomber, the Hawker Hunter fighter, and the Dassault Mystere IV-A fighter-bomber, all of which enhanced the IAF’s combat capabilities.
Das also contributed to the selection of the Folland Gnat, a lightweight fighter that proved its mettle in the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pakistan wars, and the MiG-21 FL, which became the IAF’s first supersonic fighter. His rigorous testing and feedback ensured these aircraft met the IAF’s operational requirements, strengthening India’s air defense during a critical era.
On January 10, 1970, Das’s illustrious career came to a tragic end while test-flying the HF-24 Mk 1R prototype, an afterburning variant intended to address the Marut’s engine limitations. During takeoff, the aircraft’s canopy unlatched, and the right engine likely lost power, preventing the plane from gaining sufficient speed. Unable to eject because the canopy remained attached, Das perished in the crash, just weeks shy of his 50th birthday.
The accident was a devastating blow to HAL and the IAF. Das’s son, Sudipto, recalled the stress of the period, as he was preparing for IIT entrance exams at the time. The crash also halted the HF-24 Mk 1R project, stalling India’s fighter aircraft development for over a decade. Despite the Marut’s eventual limited operational success in the 1971 war, Das’s death underscored the risks test pilots undertake to advance aviation technology.
Group Captain Suranjan Das’s contributions to Indian aviation were recognized with the posthumous award of the Padma Vibhushan in 1970, making him one of the few military personnel to receive this honor. Earlier, he had been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) for his work on the HF-24. His legacy is commemorated in several ways: a 4.1-km stretch of road connecting Old Madras Road and Old Airport Road in Bengaluru is named Suranjan Das Road, and the IAF’s Test Pilots School awards the Suranjan Das Trophy to its top trainee annually.
Das’s personal life reflected his multifaceted character. Married to Veronica Loveless, whom he met in the UK and wed in Bengaluru in 1961, he was a passionate aero-modeler, gunsmith, and cook. Veronica, who passed away in 2010, kept his memory alive through social service, earning the Order of the British Empire. Their home, named “Suranica,” symbolized their shared legacy.
Das’s work laid the foundation for India’s indigenous aviation industry, despite the setbacks following his death. The HF-24 Marut, though underpowered, was Asia’s first jet fighter to enter active service, remaining operational for nearly 25 years. His testing of the HT-2 and Kiran ensured robust training platforms for generations of IAF pilots. His evaluations of foreign aircraft shaped the IAF’s transition to a modern air force, capable of defending India’s skies during critical conflicts.
However, the loss of Das highlighted the challenges facing HAL at the time, including technological limitations and the risks of pioneering indigenous designs. The HF-24’s cancellation underscored the need for sustained investment in R&D, a lesson that informs HAL’s current projects like the Tejas LCA and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Das’s sacrifice remains a poignant reminder of the human cost behind India’s quest for aerospace self-reliance.
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