Mr. Fixit, AVM Harjinder Singh, First Air Engineer of IAF

AVM Harjinder Singh is the first engineer of IAF who has introduced self-reliance and indigenisation in the Indian Air Force.

Generally, we are know and aware of war pilots and their heroics. To name a few Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, Avani Chatruvedi, Abhinandan, etc., But people like AVM Harjinder Singh never comes to limelight as they are backbone and equally important for these fighter jet operations. AVM Harjinder Singh is truly a patriotic officer, having a good command in engineering skills for the aircraft maintenance.

Today we have TEJES, SUKOIs, JAGWARs, MIRAGEs, RAFAELs, MIGs, Chinoks, AWACS, UAVs, Air-to-Air refuelers, ALHs and what not. A truly advanced machines we have inducted in our Indian Air Force. Imagine during 1940s situation. With the limited resources one was suppose to manage the show. With all the constraints AVM Harjinder Singh challenged the odds.

AVM Harjinder Singh born on 4^th February 1909 in Sirhala-Khurad Village. This comes under the district of Hoshiarpur. He lost his parents at the early age and was brought by his maternal aunt. From the childhood he was brilliant and he completed his engineering at Maclaghan Engineering College, Lahore. In the year 1932, he joined the Indian Air Force as technician.

AVM Harjinder Singh with Wapiti Aircraft

During 1940s couple of accidents occurred. One of the Wapiti aircraft during crashed landing met with a major structure damage. AVM Harjinder Singh with his sheer engineering skills, he repaired the aircraft within three days along with his team, tested and flown successfully. That was his skill. Another accident happened to one more Wapiti Aircraft due to heavy dust storm. For this aircraft, pilot was Sqn Ldr Subroto Mukherjee (Later Indian’s first aircraft named after him. Apparently first aircraft manufactured by AVM Harjinder Singh).  AVM Harjinder Singh went to the crashed site of aircraft and rescued Sqn Ldr Subroto Mukherjee and the aircraft. AVM Harjinder Singh jumped into act, repaired and successfully ferried back to base from a crashed site. Post-independence he stared restoring destroyed British and American aircrafts. In the course of improving and strengthening the base built an entire bomber fleet. 

Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru during
Flight display of AVRO Aircrafts at New Delhi

1961 is the golden era because AVM Harjinder Singh came up with first Indian made Aircraft AVRO Aircraft which was named as “Subroto” and second one named as “Jumbo”. With this inspiration, HAL started producing AVRO aircrafts for IAF. During this period about 60+ AVROs was delivered to IAF from HAL and 17 for Indian Airlines. With the limited resource, he builds first aircraft in a record time of 17 months. The first flight was on flying display at New Delhi during November 1961 where Prime Minister was witnessed and said proud words on this occasion. The speed with which the aircraft was constructed is truly an exhibition of good technical skill by AVM Harjinder. 

AVM Harjinder Singh was also design and built indigenous aircraft prototype named Kanpur-I and

Kanpur – II. Unfortunately, after his retirement in the year 1964, this program was shelved.

For AVM Harjinder Singh IAF was his life. In recognition of his service in the

       

    President Abdul Kalam looking at 

Kanpur II prototype Aircraft

year 1962 he was awarded VSM Class 1 by then President of India Dr. S. Radhakrishnan.

All the good things have to come to an end. On this day 06 Sep 1971, India lost a great visionary, engineer who have put first seed of “Make In India” concept.

Air Warriors of the IAF have shown consistently why the country depends on them in times of crisis. As the IAF turns a new leaf in its journey, it has formidable challenges to overcome and has a greater role to play as an aerospace power.

Our than Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru said during AVM Rajinder Singh’s retirement “I have a very high opinion of AVM Harjinder Singh and I do not want him to retire from Government Services. I should like him to continue for some more years…" What a great word in recognition of his services. 

A million Salute to our great warriors of sky.

Jai Hind