HAL HF-24 Marut 1T BD-888 Periyar Science & Tech Center

The Periyar Science and Technology Center located in the sprawling, well laid-out campus of Kotturpuram in an area of 21.25 acres. The Science center set up to encourage the learning of science and technology  houses a   HF-24 Marut 1T Operational trainer in its premises.  Going to Periyar would cost about 100 Rupees from the city center. You would be lucky if it costs you less than that, thanks to the famous auto drivers of Chennai.

The HF-24 Marut 1T  [BD-888] seen from the rear as on display at the Periyar Technology Center. Displayed on specially made stilts, the aircraft is not in good shape. The Pitot boom bent by ongoers hanging on to it.  Pic Courtesy : Ashit Chakraborty

BD-888 seen here when inducted in service with the IAF in 1976.  It was the first two seater version to be inducted with the IAF seeing service with No.10 Squadron.  Pic Courtesy :Wings of Fame

Another Picture of BD-888 with the Cockpit canopy slid back.   Pic Courtesy : Vayu

BD-888 was the first Marut airframe to be constructed as a two-seat type trainer by the IAF. It was designated as a Mk.1T. HAL went on to produce about 19 such two seater versions of the Marut. It was initially delivered to No.10 Squadron at Uttarlai.  How and when this aircraft had come to be displayed here is not known. Ashit Chakrabory visited Periyar and has sent in the pictures of the Marut.

The HF-24 Marut 1T  [BD-888] from the front. A small portion of the spine just aft of the Canopy is missing.  Pic Courtesy : Ashit Chakraborty

The aircraft was not well maintained. The pitot and airspeed indicator boom had become a subject of people doing chin ups to prove their physical stamina and thus is bent downwards. A portion of the dorsal spine as well as the brake parachute housing is missing. As usual, the engines have been removed from the aircraft.

This view clearly shows the dual cockpit layout. The aircraft does not have ejection seats in place.  Pic Courtesy : Ashit Chakraborty

The aircraft lacks ejection seats, and the canopy is not covered against protection from UV rays. the only effort to conserve the aircraft are the special rigs built to lift the aircraft off the ground and thus remove the weight off the undercarriage.