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Throwback: When Ratan Tata Became The 1st Indian To Fly An F-16 Falcon Fighter Jet Over Bengaluru Sky

This is a story that will leave you reminiscing about the late Ratan Tata's daredevil side.

by Sanjana Shenoy
Throwback: When Ratan Tata Became The 1st Indian To Fly An F-16 Falcon Fighter Jet Over Bengaluru Sky

As the world mourns Ratan Tata, a leading businessman and former Tata Group Chairman who breathed his last at the age of 86 in Mumbai, let’s take you back to the time when this gem took to the Bengaluru sky in a fighter jet. At the age of 69, Ratan Tata became the first Indian to fly an F-16 Falcon fighter jet in Bengaluru. And this is a story that will leave you reminiscing about the late philanthropist’s daredevil side.

Ratan Tata Flew An F-16 Fighter Jet In 2007

Back in February 2007, at the age of 69, Ratan Tata went on an unimaginable high-speed adventure. The US defence contractor Lockheed Martin invited the businessman to the Aero India Show in Bengaluru. The late Mr Tata was a licensed pilot who could fly both jets and helicopters. With his co-pilot from Lockheed Martin by his side, Ratan Tata flew an F-16 Falcon fighter jet over the Bengaluru sky.

Under the guidance of the seasoned pilot, the philanthropist, took over control of the 30-minute flight. The dup soared through the clear sky reaching an altitude as low as 500 feet. Describing his experience as nothing short of “exhilarating”, Ratan Tata spoke to NDTV later. He admitted the experience left him feeling very timid. He recalled flying over the topography, climbing over a hill and then descending. Mr Tata called it “unbelievable”.

Also Read: Chairman Emeritus Tata Sons & Philanthropist Ratan Tata Passes Away At 86; Maharashtra Declares Day Of Mourning

He Was A Licensed Pilot Who Was Passionate About Flying

His co-pilot described him as being thrilled during the flying experience. One of the highlights was flying at low altitudes at 600 knots. Mr Tata got a real sense of how fast the aircraft could move. On landing, the officials at Lockheed Martin greeted the businessman with a miniature replica of the F-16. But the billionaire had another conquest the same week. The very next day, the licensed pilot flew Boeing’s F-18 Super Hornet. A larger and more powerful aircraft than the F-16. It’s a key asset in the US Navy’s aircraft carrier operations.

Also Read: Diljit Dosanjh Pauses Germany Concert To Pay Emotional Tribute To Ratan Tata, Said ‘He Lived A Spotless Life’

Long harbouring a passion for aviation, it was nothing short of a dream come true for Ratan Tata to fly two of the most advanced fighter jets in the world.

For us, it was nothing short of an inspiration to see a 69-year-old legend confidently and passionately taking to the skies.

Cover Image Courtesy: ratantata/ Instagram

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First Published: October 10, 2024 12:42 PM