| Jalil Zandi | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1951 Garmsar |
| Died | 2001 Tehran |
| Buried at | Tehran |
| Allegiance | Iran |
| Service/branch | Iranian Air Force |
| Rank | Brig. General |
| Battles/wars | Iran-Iraq War |
Brig. General Jalil Zandi was an ace fighter pilot in the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force, serving for the full duration of the Iran-Iraq War. His record qualifies him as an ace and the most successful pilot of that conflict.[1][2]
Described as "brazen," he began in the IIAF and stayed on to serve in the IRIAF when it was somewhat dangerous for pilots to continue their military service. While a Major, he often clashed with his superior Col. Abbas Baba’ie, the officer responsible for keeping Iran's Air Force in the skies.[2] He spent at least two periods in prison, one under a threatened death penalty that was decreed by revolutionary Mullahs.[3]
His fame came as a F-14 Tomcat pilot. He has been reliably credited with shooting down 9 Iraqi aircraft.[2] He is additionally credited with 3 probable kills, bringing his total to 12 air victories. These include 2 MiG-23s, 2 Su-22s, 1 MiG 21 and 3 Mirage F1s.[4] This makes him the most successful F-14 Tomcat pilot ever.[2] Finally, he was shot down once, in February, 1988, when his Tomcat was hit by several R550 Magic and a single Super 530d missiles fired from Iraqi Mirage F-1EQ. He tried to return to base but his remaining engine failed.[5]
His last official post, before his death, was 'Deputy for Planning and Organization' of the Iranian Air Force.
Little is known about his personal life. He rose to the rank of Brigadier General and died in 2001 in a car accident near Tehran.[2]