This is a thread on a maverick fighter pilot nicknamed "mad Mally". Surinder Singh Malhotra was commissioned with 88 Pilot Course in 1964 and was removed from service in 1975. Enough to build a lasting reputation, including earning a Vir Chakra during the 1971 war. (1/6)
Mally flew the Su-7 for a fair part of his career. One fine day in 1970, while on a DACT between 26 Sqn (Su-7) and 1 Sqn (MiG-21 Bis). Mad Mally from 26 went for a 1 vs 1 with Allen Alley of 1 Sqn. From the famous abreast position 'combat combat go' was called. (2/6)
After about 30 seconds Sqn Ldr Alley called out, " hey Mally call it off, we seem to have lost each other." Mally replied, " Sir continue I am 800 m behind you closing in." It was clear what he was capable of, but no one wanted to be the one authorizing him to fly! (3/6)
During 1971 war, he was sent on a single aircraft PR mission to Sargodha airfield. He was flying along the airfield when he saw a PAF MiG -19 directly opposite coming towards him. Mally abandoned the PR part and opened up at the Mig-19 with his NR-30 30mm guns. (4/6)
What transpired thereafter was not known to him as the whole incident happened in a flash. He had in fact from that distance shot down the MiG-19 was known well after the war. His citation bears the details - bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/8… (5/6)
Mad mally was fearless and unpredictable and had his share of disciplinary issues. After IAF, he went to Dubai and made some money. Came back to India and started a truck company. He was spotted by friends riding in his lungi and sharing meals with his truck drivers! (6/6)
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