[IAF] HAL HF-24 Marut [Weapons DLC]

The HF-24 "Marut" (Spirit of the Tempest) was the first indigenously developed and built Indian fighter aircraft, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), with the assistance of Focke Wulf designer Kurt Tank.

The Marut came about through an Indian Air Force requirement for a Mach-2 capable combat aircraft. HAL, an established indigenous aircraft company that had previously built the HT-2 trainer, sought to expand their capabilities and took on the task. Recognizing their lack of experience, they called upon the help of Kurt Tank, who was a renowned aircraft designer of the former Focke Wulf company, and was forced to move to India in 1955 after the fall of Argentinian President Juan Perón, for whom he had previously designed the FMA IAe 33 "Pulqui" fighter. The project would be beset on all sides by troubles, from a lack of direction and management, to poor coordination and communication between the involved organisations, to disputes between Tank and the HAL design team.

These internal disputes would be compounded by two major problems. The lack of infrastructure and experience in developing supersonic fighters and the reliance on many foreign-made parts, combined with the only engines that could be procured for the project being Bristol Siddeley Orpheus 703’s, the same engines that powered the Folland Gnat trainer, led to a fighter that was too expensive, too reliant on foreign material, and too underpowered to even reach Mach 1.

Despite all of these hindrances, the first powered HF-24 prototype took flight in 1961, and the aircraft entered service in 1967, equipping the Indian Air Forces 10., 31., and 220. Squadron. While its underwhelming top speed would confine it to ground attack duties, the Marut performed excellently in these. Pilots complimented its low-level flying characteristics and survivablity, which it owes to its two engines and manual controls in case of a hydraulic systems failure, but pointed out that the underpowered Orpheus engines limited its maneuverability. Maintenance and supply issues would continue to plague the type during its service.
Maruts later saw combat during the Indo-Pakistani war, primarily flying low-level ground attack missions. Its survivability and durability would be its sole blessing, leading to multiple incidents where despite severe damage, a Marut still found itself able to safely return to base.
A group of Maruts provided close air support during the Battle of Longewala on the 5 December 1971, where alongside a flight of Hawker Hunters, the Maruts destroyed a large portion of Pakistans tanks. On 7 December 1971, Squadron Leader KK Bakshi of No. 220 Squadron shoots down a PAF F-86 Sabre, accounting for the Marut’s sole aerial victory.

Throughout its service life, only three Maruts would be lost to anti-aircraft fire, one would be destroyed on the ground by a strafing run from a pair of Pakistani F-104’s, and none would be lost in air-to-air combat. The 1950’s design, first put in service in 1961, was finally phased out in 1982 due to massive cost overruns, poor performance and increasing obsolescence.

This particular aircraft is based on aircraft D-1256, currently on display at the Museum für Luftfahrt und Technik in Werningerode.

– Gyroscopic gunsight
– 4x hardpoints, 2x wet
– Built-in MATRA rocket pack
– Adjustable Radio transciever
– Flaps
– functional Airbrake

Note: Manual will continuously be updated through user input
# Flight parameters #

– Maxiumum speed : 110m/s
– Cruise speed : 85m/s at 2.5km
– Cruise altitude : 2.5km
– Stall speed : 69m/s
– Fuel Capacity : ~2400L
– Max. Safe Range : ~60km
– Operational radius : ~30km

# Cold Start Procedure #

– (0) – Engaging the parking brake is advised, but not necessary.
– 1 – Disconnect ground utilities (Generators, refueling hoses, Airstairs)
– 2 – Set throttle to 5.
– 3 – Activate "Fuel Pumps #1" switch.
– 5 – Press and hold "Engine #1" until 0.5 RPS is reached and the engine fires up.
– 6 – Repeat procedure with Engine #2.
– 7 – Disengage Parking brake.
– O – [Optional] Shut canopy with "Canopy" key on the left side of the cockpit

# Shutdown Procedure #
– 1 – Deactivate "Engine Pump" switch.
– 2 – Throttle down to 0
– 3 – Wait.

# Hardpoint operations #
– 1 – Activate "Master Arm" switch on the left-side weapons console.
– 2 – Use [2] key or arrow buttons to cycle through hardpoints.
– 3 – Press [1] to deploy ordnance.

# MATRA pack operations #
– 1 – Locate MATRA Rocket Pack Switch on the left-side weapons console
– 2 – Activate "Master Arm" switch on the left-side weapons console, if not already active.
– 3 – Activate switch to extend Rocket pack
– 4 – Press [3] to deploy rockets.

# Further Notes #
– It is advisable to deploy the MATRA pack before firing a rocket. Not doing so will result in a possible loss of the airframe.
– Be careful when taking off. This aircraft is prone to tailstriking if you pull up too hard.
– No heating on board. Wrap yourselves up if you’re taking her anywhere cold. Like anywhere above 3k, for example.

– Sid V – A flexible, functioning hardpoint system.
– Lazakamikaza – Gunsight script – https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2633425909
– MrNJersey’s tutorials – For helping me understand how to build things in this game.
If I have forgotten to credit anything, please inform me so I can adjust the Credits accordingly.