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Amar Chitra Katha to launch comic book on HAL's 86-year aviation journey
🇮🇳 India /Culture & Society

Amar Chitra Katha to launch comic book on HAL's 86-year aviation journey

From Hindustan Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Amar Chitra Katha (ACK) is launching a new comic book about Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
  • The comic, titled "HAL: The Force Behind the Forces," chronicles HAL's 86-year history and its role in Indian aviation.
  • It features HAL's aircraft and highlights the contributions of its founders and engineers.

India's beloved comic book publisher, Amar Chitra Katha (ACK), is set to release a new title next month that delves into the history of Bengaluru-based aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Commissioned by HAL itself, the comic, "HAL: The Force Behind the Forces," aims to share the company's 86-year journey and its significant contributions to Indian aviation with a new generation.

Generations of Indians grew up on ACK comics, which still have a cult base. HAL is India’s aviation story, and hopefully it will now reach and guide a new generation of readers.

— Person familiar with the matterDescribing the significance of the new comic book collaboration between ACK and HAL.

Generations of Indians grew up reading ACK comics, which maintain a strong following. This collaboration seeks to present HAL's story as integral to India's aviation narrative. The comic covers HAL's evolution, from assembling its first aircraft, the American Harlow PC-5A, to developing India's first indigenous fighter, the HF-24 Marut, and manufacturing key aircraft like the MiG-21 and Sukhoi-30 in India.

He (Walchand Hirachand) dared to dream of an aircraft factory in India when we didn’t even have a bicycle factory.

— Mr RaoA guide at the HAL Museum explaining the ambitious vision of HAL's founder.

The comic's cover features illustrations of HAL's Prachand light combat helicopter (LCH), HTT-40 trainer, Dhruv advanced light helicopter, and Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA). It also acknowledges the crucial role of Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar, the last ruling Maharaja of Mysore, who supported industrialist Walchand Hirachand's vision by donating land and investing capital in establishing the aircraft company when others refused.

By the 1960s, India wanted more than licence-built jets. With German designer Kurt Tank and HAL’s team, the HF-24 Marut was designed, India’s very first jet.

— Comic book textDetailing the development of India's first indigenous jet fighter.

The narrative begins with students visiting the HAL Museum in Bengaluru, where a guide, "Mr Rao," leads them through the company's history. The comic highlights key moments, such as the first flight of the Harlow PC-5A trainer on July 29, 1941, marking the first aircraft made in India to fly. It also details the development of the HF-24 Marut in the 1960s and the rigorous testing of modern platforms like the Prachand LCH in extreme conditions.

HAL engineers spent years testing the Prachand LCH in hot deserts and icy mountains to make sure it could fight and survive where other helicopters struggled.

— Comic book textHighlighting the rigorous development and testing of HAL's Prachand light combat helicopter.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hindustan Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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