Safo 155

small vol. 39 no.
3 (155)
F
January 2016
air forces
observer
US $5.00
Canada & Mexico $6.00
All others $7.00
NKPAF “Group Z” in the Vietnam War

Northrop F-5 Abroad (Part 1)
Argentine Fw 44J Stieglitz
Gonney Birds: Mali
Exotic Birds #5
vol. 39 no. 3 (155) January 2016

Production line of the Fw-44J at the Fábrica Militar de
Aviones in Córdoba. Archive Santiago Rivas. Ee.104 after 1945. The plane was stored for some years
before being put into service and it saw only three years of
service. Archive Santiago Rivas.
A line of Fw-44J ready for delivery to the Argentine Army

Aviation. Archive Santiago Rivas.
Fw-44J c/n 04 with serial 24 at the Escuela de Aviación

Militar in the late 30’s or early 40’s. This is a mystery, as
the 04 was assigned the serial 14. Archive Francisco
Halbritter.
A factory fresh Fw-44J flies over the Fábrica Militar de

Aviones, with the Escuela Militar de Aviación, in the
background. The plane still hasn’t any serial applied.
Archive Santiago Rivas.
Fw-44J serialled 21 during its early days of service.

Archive Santiago Rivas.
Argentine Fw 44J Stieglitz. See article beginning on page 77.
74 Small Air Forces Observer Vol. 39, No. 3 (155) January 2016
SMALL AIR FORCES OBSERVER
The Journal of the Small Air Forces Clearinghouse
E-Mail: safo@redshift.com
CONTENTS Order, by. a check in US dollars, COPYRIGHT: Copyright ©

Abstracts 76 or via PayPal to 2015 by Small Air Forces
Argentine Fw 44J (Rivas) 77 safo@redshift.com (add 7% for Clearinghouse. All rights reserved.
NKPAF in Viernam (Dildy) 83 PayPal fee). New subscriptions The content of this publication
F-5 Abroad (Callaway) 91 begin with the next issue
Exotic Birds 5 (Kozak) 99 published after payment is cannot be reproduced in whole or
Mali C-47 (Koppel) 101 received. If you desire otherwise, in part without the written consent
Books 102 specify which back issues are of the publisher and the author.
Fokker C.5 desired. Send remittance to Jim
Air Battles over North Vietnam
Sanders, 27965 Berwick Dr., The Sydney Award. This is a
LeO 45
Peru during Putumayo Campaign Carmel, CA 93923 USA. quarterly award given to a
Rhodesian Air Force member who has consistently
Greek Aviator in USAAF & RAF BACK ISSUES: Back issues are provided excellent articles for
Letters 105 available for all issues of the publication in SAFO. The awards
Hagedorn SAFO. Original issues (when
Kozak, consists of a one-year subscription
available) are free - you pay only
Koppel for p&p. Out-of-print issues are to SAFO and is funded from the
available two ways: (1) As high- Richard E. Cross and Naidene
SAFO EDITORIAL POLICY: quality Xerox copies for $3.00 Denton Cross Memorial Fund.
The purpose of the Small Air plus p&p. (2) Via e-mail as .pdf The honoree this quarter is Frits
Forces Clearinghouse (SAFCH) is documents (when available) for Gerdessen (SAFCH #12) of the
to "promote interest in the history $3.00. Note: All .pdf issues after Netherlands who has authored
and modeling of the aircraft of the #137 are in color. For a list of all
smaller countries". In support of numerous SAFO articles on early
issues, their content, and their Dutch military aviation.
this goal, the SAFCH encourages availability send an e-mail request
international cooperation in Congratulations Frits.
or $2.00 for snail mail to the
researching aviation history, both editorial office.
military and civil, from all periods COVER COMMENTS:
of time, and for all the smaller SMALL AIR FORCES Argentine Fw 44J 1-I-3 (I1Av.N-
countries. The results of this OBSERVER (USPS 439-450) is 161) of the Museu Asas de Um
research are published in our published quarterly for $20.00 Sonho in 2012, after its
quarterly journal, the Small Air (USA) $24.00 (Canada & restoration. The plane is the
Forces Observer (SAFO) Mexico), and $28.00 for all others, former LV-ZAS from Argentina
by the Small Air Forces and received, on the right side, the
SUBSCRIPTION RATE: Clearinghouse, 27965 Berwick
Annual subscription to four issues colours of the Brazilian Naval
Dr., Carmel, CA 93923. Periodical
of the paper edition costs $20.00 Postage Paid at Carmel CA and Aviation, while on the left side is
in the USA, $24.00 in Canada and additional mailing offices. with civil German colours and
Mexico, and $28.00 for airmail to POSTMASTER: send address serial D-2692. Photo Museu da
the rest of world. Four issues of changes to Small Air Forces TAM via Aparecido Camazano
the cyber editions cost $12.00. Clearinghouse 27965 Berwick Dr., Alamino.
Payment may be made in Carmel, CA 93923.
currency, by International Money
Small Air Forces Observer Vol. 39, No. 3 (155) January 2016 75
-abstracts-abstracts-abstracts-abstracts-abstracts-abstracts-abstracts-abstracts-abstracts-
AUSTRIA color profiles (Ta-3bis). “Le Mystère Italy. Emai1: jp4@dueservice.com.
OFH NACHRICHTEN (Oesterrichishe Lataste” 3 pages, 2 photos, and 2 Website: www.ediservice.it.
Flugzug Historiker, Pfenninggeldf drawings of this aviation pioneer’s Luglio 2015 (100 pages) Color photos:
18/2/14, A-1160 Wien. Write for free ‘Gyroscope’. “Super Etendard 40e RAAF Boeing E-7a; Brazil Douglas AF-
sample. anniversaire” 6 pages and 14 photos. 1B; India Mirage 2000; & Lithuania
3/15 (44 pages) “BO Lt.i.d.Res. Franz #63 Janvier-Fevrier-Mars 2015 (80 S365 Dauphin. “Incidti Militari: one page
Adelsmayr” 9 pages inc. 9 photos (one pages) “Les Polikarpov Po-2: pionnier de inc. 5 photos
Aviatik D.1). “Otto Tschabuschnigg” 3 l’aviation est-allemande” 8 pages, 14 Agusto 2015 (100 pages) Color photos:
pages inc. 5 photos (one CR.32). “Projekt photos, 7 color profiles. “Ivan Byelorussian Yak-130. “Aviación
MiG21UM” 4 pages on receiving a MiG- Nikitovitch Kojedoub” 13 pages, 35 Policial Colombiana” 6 pages inc. 17
21UM for restoration inc. 10 photos ``(2 photos, one color profile (La-5), and a list photos (DC-3, UH-60L Blackhawk,
in color). of his 32 victories. “La Brigada Aérea Cessna TU206G, Bell 407, ATR 42-300,
4/15 (48 pages) “Östrreicher in der Hispana durant la bataille de Teruel (2éme DHC-6 Twin Otter, Beech 19000,Air
Deutschen Luftwaffe: RK-Träger Major partie)” 15 pages, 35 photos, one map, 6 Tractor AT-802, Piper PA-31-350
Rudolf Mons” 3 pages inc. 6 photo color profiles [Nationalist He 46, He, 70, Chieftain, Bell 412EP, & Bell UH-1H
(Austrian Ca 133 & Ju 52). S.79 (3), & Ro.37bis] “Sur les traces du Huey II).
sous-lieutenant Czaplinski” 3 pages, 5 Settembre 2015 (100 pages) Color
FRANCE photos, and one color profile (FK 58). photos: Finland NH90. “Dassault Rafale
AIR MAGAZINE: Artipresse, 119 rue “North American T-2 Buckeye” 29 consegnato all’Egitto” one page inc. one
Anatole France, 93170 Bagnolet, France. pages, 72 photos [USN 58, Venezuela 4, photo. “In volo col 51o Stormo” 8 pages
Six issues a year. 55 euros in France, 60 & Greece 10], 7 color profiles (USN 5 & on Italian AMX inc. 7 photos. “Fuerza
euros in Europe, 80 euros for the rest of Venezuela 2), one color 5-view drawings Aérea Boliviana” 7 pages inc. 15 photos (
the world. Email: artipresse@yahoo.fr. (Greece), a 3-page multi-view scale T-33, Beech T-34, DA40C, Bell UH-1H,
#61 April-Mai 2014 (80 pages) “Aichi drawing, 2 pages of sketches, and one Hongdu K-8VB, Pilatus PC-7A, EC145,
D1A1 & A2” 9 pages, 27 photos, 14 page of reviews of available 1/72-scale Fokker F-27, Beech 300C, Beech King
color profiles, and 2 pages of multi-view plastic model kits.. Air, C-130B, NA AT-6D, Dassault
scale drawings. “Le Nieuport Delage Falcon 900EX, Harbin Z-9). “MiG-
121C.l au Perou” 6 pages, 6 photos, 2 AVIONS: Toute l'Aeronautique et son 31BM” 6 pages in. 12 photos (one
color profiles, and one color 3-view Histoire (Lela Presse, 29 rue Paul Bert, Kazakhstan). “Whitehead flew … or
drawing. “Le Bombardier Liore Olivier 62230 Outreau, France. 71 euro for 6 dudn’t he?” 4 pages on reconstruction
LeO 20” 24 pages, 33 photos, 13 color issues). Website: www.avions- inc. 8 photos. “Cartolina dal Pakistan” 2
profiles, and a page of multi-view scale bateaux.com. E-mail: contact@avions- pages w/ 8 photos (C-130, Embraer 100,
drawings. “Le Mirage IV de l’opération bayeaux.com. Cessna Caravan, Harbin Y-12, CASA
Tamouré” 6 pages, 10 photos, one color #208 Novembre/Decembre 2015 (94 CN-235, Il-78MK, An-12, & F-104).
profile, and one color 3-view drawing. pages) “Spitfire contra Zero: Le dernier “Incidti Militari: one page inc. 4 photos
“La psychose des MiG dans la guerre de combat” 8 pages inc. 14 photos, and 5 (Russian An-12K &Greece CL-215).
Guinée” 19 pages, 22 photos (Portuguese color profiles [Spitfire (3) & Zero (2)]. “6 Ottobre 2015 (100 pages) “In volo con il
T-6 & F-86), 2 color profiles (Guinea Juin 1944: Le jour plus long (5e partie)” 51o Stormo” 8 pages inc. 9 photos of
MiG-17 & Portuguese T-6G), and one 21 pages inc. 34 photos, one map, and 5 Italian AMX. “Rool-out dello Junkers F
map. “Anton Grössler” 4 pages, 7 photos, color profiles (C-47, P-51, Halifax, 13” 2 pages inc. 5 photos. “L’F-51 del
one color profile (Hansa Brandenburg Hamicar, & Horsa). “Charles Nungesser Museo dell’Aeronautica” 2 pages inc. 4
C.I). à Verdun” 14 pages inc. 26 photos, and 4 photos of Italian Mustangs. “Incidti
#62 Septembre-Octobre 2014 (80 color profiles (Ni-16). “NC-3021 Militari: 1½ pages inc. 4 photos (Brazil
pages) “La Brigada Aérea Hispana durant Belphégor (2e partie)” 8 pages inc. 15 Embraer C-95 Bandeirante, Saudi AH-
la Bataille de Teruel” 14 pages, 26 photos, and a one-page scale 3-view. 6D Apache, India MiG-21).
photos, one map, and 3 color profiles “GAO 548 (1re partie)” 17 pages inc. 41 Novembre 2015 (100 pages) Color
(Nationalist He 45, CR.32, & Ju 52). photos, one map, and 7 color profiles photos: Kuwait Eurofighter & Kenya
“Bristol Brigand, Buckingham et [Mareaux 115 (6) & one Bf 109E]. “Amy Fokker 70. “La VVS contro ISIS” 2
Buckmaster” 35 pages, 51 photos, one Johnson, la romantique de l’air (1re pages inc. 7 photos (Su-34, Su-25, & Su-
color 5-view drawing (Brigand), 24 color partie)” 12 pages inc. 25 photos. “ERC 26). “I Phantoms ellenici” 6 pages inc. 9
profiles (inc. one Pakistan Brigand), and 572 + ERC 574 = GC III/5 (+ GC I/10) photos (Greek F-4). “Incidti Militari: 1
a 2-page multi-view scale drawings (2e partie)” 9 pages inc. 15 photo, and 2 page inc. 3 photos (Spain AS532 Cougar,
(Brigand w/ side views of Buckingham & color profiles (MS.406). Syria Mi-8/17, & Taiwan AT-3).
Buckmaster). “Les avions Tairov” 15
pages, 23 photos, 3 pages of multi-view ITALY
scale drawings of OKO-1 civil transport JP4 Menslie di Aeronautica e Spazio.
and Ta-3 twin-engine attack a/c, and one Via XX Settembre, 60-50129 Firenza,
Argentine Fw 44J Stieglitz
Santiago Rivas
More than 200 examples of the Focke Wulf Fw-44J Stieglitz were built under license in Argentina. These served
to train pilots for military and civil service many of whom became famous for their aerobatic displays using the
Stieglitz.
On 7 April 1936, the need for the Argentine were handed over in September. The first ten Fw-44Js
military to replace its old Avro Gosport trainers had Focke Wulf construction number, while from the
resulted an international tender for the purchase of 20 eleventh Fw-44J on they had FMA construction
basic trainers and 30 advanced trainers. The final number, starting from 1.
contenders, the Bücker Bü-131 Jungmann and the
Focke Wulf Fw-44J Stieglitz,. were extensively tested Local production
by the Escuela de Aviación Militar at El Palomar, On 5 October 1937, the steamer Westerwald
near Buenos Aires, and by the Fábrica Militar de arrived in Buenos Aires’ harbor with the wooden
Aviones (FMA) at Córdoba. The Fw-44J was parts necessary to start the assembly of the first
declared the winner and an order for twenty Fw-44Js, locally-built aircraft. These parts arrived at the FMA
including the demonstrator, D-ENOY, was placed in in Córdoba two weeks later. On 11 October, the
mid 1937. steamer Cap Norte arrived with the remaining parts.
Initially, on 26 August 1936, D-ENOY was Once the material was approved by the FMA
registered R-321 in the old Argentine civil registry. laboratories, assembly of the first Fw-44J started on 5
When the registration system was changed in January October. This airplane was ready within 34 days. It
1938 it was re-serialled LV-NDA. This airplane was was fitted with the first metal propeller built in Latin
stored after the tests and was officially transferred America. An initial batch of ten metal and 50 wooden
from Focke Wulf Fluzeugbau AG to the Argentine propellers was built.
Army Aviation and was given the serial 1. Finally, on 16 December, the first Fw-44J claimed
After the negotiations ended, it was agreed that as built by the FMA (in fact most of the airplane was
the first ten Fw-44Js would be completely built in built in Germany, but assembled locally), made its
Germany, while the second batch of ten would be first flight, commanded by Sergeant Santiago
assembled by FMA using parts provided by Focke Germanó, who would later become famous flying the
Wulf and some locally-built parts. In addition, a Fw-44J on aerobatic displays. This Fw-44J received
license was acquired to produce the Stiegltz for both the serial 21 and construction number 11.
military and civilian use. An order was made for Deliveries continued through 1938, with increase
ninety Siemens Halske Sh-14a engines of 150hp, use of locally built parts. Ten were delivered to the
instruments, wooden parts for the wings, and the steel Escuela de Aviación Militar, replacing the old Avro
tubes for the fuselage to assemble seventy airplanes, Gosports. The first Fw-44J was used by the FMA for
bringing the total to ninety. However, the plan was to tests. Twenty Fw-44Js were delivered to the
ultimately obtain a total of 500 examples, something Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC), an
that became impossible when the supply of parts was organization controlled by Army Aviation, but
restricted because of the war in Europe. dedicated to promoting civil aviation by delivering
The demonstration aircraft, together with the first Fw-44Js to the aero clubs. The first six of these
three Fw-44Js from the first batch of ten, were received serials R-95 to R-100, in the old registry, but
officially handed over to the Escuela de Aviación all received new serials from 1938, being LV-OCC,
Militar on 9 July 1937, Argentine Independence Day. PCC, QCC, RCC, SCC, TCC, UCC, VCC, WCC,
The Fw-44J serialled 2 was allocated the serial LV- XCC, ZCC, ADC, BDC, CDC, DDC, EDC, FDC,
NDB in 1938, but this was never used. During July, GDC, and HDC. The first ten civil Fw-44Js were
three other Fw-44Js were delivered, followed by eight delivered in August and the others in December.
more in August and the remaining of the first twenty
The Fw-44J proved a very reliable and robust obtained from Germany, it was possible to deliver
airplane and very few accidents occurred despite five more Fw-44Js during 1940, all to the Dirección
being used by inexperienced cadets. The first fatal General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC).
accident occurred on 17 August 1938, when Sub Lt. The first locally built Siemens engine, called I Ae
Ángel Hernández and Sargento Ayudante Martín Sh14, was successfully tested on 2 October 1940.
Mongragón were killed when Fw-44J serialled 29 This lead to a series of 50 built locally. Also, fifty
crashed at Córdoba. Warner Super Scarab of 145hp were purchased in the
In 1939, deliveries continued until finishing the United States, but further attempts to buy more of
series of 90 Fw-44Js delivered (20 built in Germany them were vetoed by the US government, which was
and 70 partly built in Argentina). Of these, the Fw- not happy with the Argentine neutrality in the war.
44Js 67 and 68 were donated to Brazilian Army During 1940, the first ten Fw-44Js delivered to
Aviation in exchange for two Muniz M-9s. civil operators were returned to the Army and sent to
Because of the war in Europe, Siemens informed the Escuela de Aviación Militar. Also, LV-IDC,
the Argentine authorities that they were not able to despite its civil serial, remained at the military school.
deliver any more engines. As an experiment, the Fw- On 23 November 1941, Carola Lorenzini was
44J with construction number 52 (with serial 62 killed when she crashed LV-DDC (c/n 46) while
allocated, but never used) was built with an 140hp performing an inverted loop at Morón aerodrome.
Argus As 8B four cylinder inline engine. Later, it was The cause was determined that it was the first time
also tested with a de Havilland Gipsy Major II, engine she had flown that particular Fw-44J while
and exhibited with it from 19 October to 11 performing a very dangerous maneuver.
November 1940 at a fair in Buenos Aires. It was The problems of obtaining parts stopped the
retired in early 1943. production, but it was resumed in 1942, when on 22
Another modified Fw-44J was serial 51 (c/n 41) September, Fw-44Js 96 and 97 were delivered to the
which became a single seater for use by the famous Escuela de Aviación Militar. These were followed by
local female pilot Carola Lorenzini for a tour of the another 62 Fw-44Js, all for Army Aviation. However,
fourteen Argentine provinces (then the country had 14 Army Aviation did not need to operate all of them. so
provinces and nine National Territories, later most were put into storage. Also, LV-HEC, IEC, JEC,
converted into provinces). She had the front seat KEC and LEC were returned to the Army in 1942.
replaced by an extra fuel tank. The first two were delivered to the aviation school
Since the needs of Army Aviation were covered, and the other three to the Agrupación Entrenamiento
thirteen Fw-44Js built in 1938 were delivered to aero at El Palomar, in charge of the advanced training of
clubs, together with the remaining 26 Fw-44Js built the pilots. This last unit also received the Fw-44Js
during 1939. 141-150. Fw-44Js 151-154, the last delivered that
Of the 36 Fw-44Js in service with the Army, year, were destined for Grupo 1 de Observación. The
seven (26, 27, 28, 41, 53, 54, and 55) were delivered remaining 46 Fw-44Js were almost ready at the
to Grupo 1 de Observación at BAM General Urquiza factory, but problems of getting parts and the fact that
in Paraná, while 26 remained at the Escuela de they were not needed, delayed their completion.
Aviación Militar, by then moved to Córdoba. Four Production of Fw-44J was reduced in 1943 since
Fw-44Js were delivered to the Escuela de Mecánica the factory was now fully involved in the
del Ejército for ground training and never flew again. development of the I.Ae. DL 22 advanced trainer.
Only Fw-44Js from 155-168 were delivered during
Production problems the year, the first five to BAM El Plumerillo, at
In 1940, the problem obtaining Siemens engines Mendoza, 161-165 to the Escuela de Pilotos Militares
for the license-built Fw-44J became urgent. as reserve, and the final three to the Grupo 1 de
Therefore, a license to produce the Siemens Sh14 was Observación.
obtained from Germany. In addition, steel parts for By November of that year, the Agrupación
one hundred more Fw-44Js was obtained. Meanwhile, Entrenamiento had 18 Fw-44Js, fifteen were at FMA,
five engines were obtained from Germany and, using 20 at the Grupo 1 de Observación, 13 at the
locally built parts and some that still could be Regimiento 3 de Ataque, 45 at the Escuela de Pilotos
Militares, 38 with the Colegio Militar de Aviación, Last constructions
one at the Escuela de Mecánica del Ejército, and one Before 1945, Ee-30, Ee-48, LV-TDC. LV-IEC,
assigned to Carola Lorenzini, which was still at and LV-WDC had suffered accidents and were
Aeroclub Coronel Suárez. completely rebuilt. With this experience, it was
Finally, deliveries of Fw-44Js 169-190 took place decided to use the extra airframes that had been
during 1944. Fw-44Js 169-171 going to the Grupo 1 delivered from Germany before the war but that
de Observación. (171 was later delivered to the weren’t finished, to complete them. Fw-44Js Ee-29,
Navy.) Fw-44Js 178-180 went to the Dirección Ee-39, Ee-63, Ee-148, Ee-178, LV-TCC, LV-FDC,
General de Material Aeronáutico, which received all LV-XCP, and Ee-182 were rebuilt, while a small
new equipment, as they had no unit assigned. The series was completely new built. Ee-29 and Ee-39
181-188 and 190 were sent to the Regimiento 3 de were delivered to the Military Aviation School, Ee-
Ataque at BAM El Plumerillo, while the 189 went to 148 was delivered to the civil aviation as LV-XCR,
the Agrupación Entrenamiento. Ee-178 went to DAM Tandil, while Ee-182 was the
On 26 August 1944, by Orden Reservada No.15, last to be rebuilt, with works being completed in the
the serials of military airplanes received letters to early fifties.
identify their use. This was to avoid confusion, as On all the rebuilt examples, the former c/n was
many types of airplanes within the force had the same retained, despite in most cases none of the former Fw-
numbers. Since the Focke Wulfs, were destined for 44J’s parts were used. In total, 13 Fw-44Js were
elementary school, they received prefix Ee- (Escuela rebuilt during the forties and early fifties.
Elemental) before their number, so their serials were The new series comprised ten Fw-44Js (Ee-191 to
now from Ee-01 to Ee-190. Ee-198 and Ee-67 and EE-68). The latter two were a
In late 1944, it was decided to transfer 46 Fw-44Js repetition of the serials given to the Fw-44Js exported
from Military Aviation to the aero clubs, but only 30 to Brazil. The constructor number of these last two
were transferred and five (LV-MEC, NEC, OEC, Fw-44Js is unknown. (A curious thing is that all these
PEC and QEC) were returned from the DGAC to the are listed as received on 10 November 1937, which
Air Force. Most of the Fw-44Js delivered by the Air seems to be the date the fuselages were built. Ee-67
Force were from the Escuela de Pilotos Militares, and 68 are marked on the papers of the Air Force as
because it was dissolved at the end of 1944. enlisted on 2 October 1939, when the batch of
airplanes that included the Brazilian examples was
The Fuerza Aérea Argentina delivered.)
In January 1945, the Ministerio de Aeronáutica During 1948, it was decided to distribute some of
was created from Army Aviation and all their the military Fw-44Js to front line Regiments for
airplanes and units were transferred to the new force, training and liaison duties. Ee-143, Ee-159, and Ee-
the Fuerza Aérea Argentina. 162 were sent to Regimiento 1 de Bombardeo at
In 1945, to supplement their aging Curtiss Hawk BAM Coronel Pringles, Ee-117, Ee-122, Ee-128, and
III and 75-O, the Regimiento 2 de Caza, at BAM El Ee-139 to Centro de Tiro y Bombardeo La Rioja, at
Palomar, received three Fw-44Js (Ee-186 to Ee-188). Chamical, and Ee-153 and 155 to DAM Tandil.
Ee-168 became the first airplane assigned to the In 1949, the Air Force purchased one hundred
Destacamento Aeronáutico Militar (DAM) Tandil, Percival Prentice to replace the Fw-44J. The Fw-44J
Buenos Aires province, a new base created to house were still in very good conditions, but they were not
the Regimiento 6 de Caza Interceptora that would the best to train military pilots who would be flying
soon be equipped with Gloster Meteors. monoplanes. By the end of 1949, fifty-one Fw-44J
When the DGAC purchased 130 Miles Magisters, were retired, of which 40 were sent to the DGAC.
40 Taylorcraft, 110 Piper J-3C, two hundred Piper In 1950, only four, Ee-22, 24, 107, and 110)
PA-11 and one hundred PA-12 in 1947, the Fw-44Js continued in service with Army Aviation, all with the
were relegated to the aero clubs and 21 were returned Centro de Tiro y Bombardeo La Rioja. However, the
to the Air Force but three from the later were force still had seven in its inventory and some forty-
transferred back to the DGAC. four more were retired but still stored. About 20 of
these were transferred to the civil aviation in 1951.
In 1952, all remaining Air Force Fw-44Js were Another Fw-44J, former serial Ee-184, which had
grounded. However, shortly after, two including Ee- flown as LV-ZBN for many years, was recovered and
136 were put back in service and sent to the Escuela restored, being donated on 27 June 1985 to the
de Tropas Aerotransportadas for liaison duties. This Brazilian Museu Aeroespacial, as there were no Fw-
Fw-44J remained as the sole Fw-44J with the Air 44J survivors in Brazil.
Force when all the others were retired in 1955. Currently, the LV-YZN and the LV-YYU are the
Meanwhile, the government still had 24 Fw-44J last examples flying in Argentina, although there are
distributed in aero clubs. Many others were handed parts of many others in the country. LV-YZN was
over to the aoro clubs, while some were sold to rebuilt after an accident in 1962, when it was almost
private owners. completely destroyed. It’s the last Fw-44J rebuilt.
On August 1955 the LV-YZM of Santiago Another Argentine example, former LV-ZAS, was
Germanó was shipped to the UK, where it was exported to Brazil in 2001, to be exhibited at the
downloaded at Tilbury on 19 August and taken to Museu Asas de um Sonho of TAM airline painted one
Coventry to take part in the Lockheed International half with Brazilian Naval Aviation livery and the
Aerobatic Competition at the British National Air other half on civil German colors of the thirties.
Races in Bagington on 20 August. However, it was Other Argentine Fw-44J exported include:
eliminated from the competition because it took more LV-YZP exported to Spain and now with the
time than allowed to perform all the required Fundación Infante de Orléans as EC-JSE.
aerobatic maneuvers. LV-ZAV was exported to Germany and restored
LV-YZM returned to Argentina, but was badly with serial D-EMUT, now flying in Frankfurt.
damaged on 20 June 1960 during an aerobatics LV-ZAU was exported to the USA and is now
demonstration at Aero Club San Rafael in Mendoza exhibited with Luftwaffe colors at the Fantasy of
province. Flight Museum in Florida.
In 1956, the last nine of the last ten Fw-44J with LV-YYK was exported to Germany as D-ENDH,
the Air Force were scrapped and their fuselages were later sold as OO-JKT and later G-STIG, until ending
used to build tables. The tenth, Ee-136, continued in in Virginia Beach, Virginia, as N-183FW.
service at least until 1961, when it was reported to Ee-178 is now privately owned in Germany with
have had a minor accident. serial D-ETUF.
In the civil sector, many Fw-44J continued flying
throughout the fifties and sixties, with about ten still The FMA I.Ae.23
surviving into the seventies. At least one was tested Because the war made it difficult to get parts from
for crop spraying. Germany to extend the production beyond the initial
190 Fw-44Js delivered during 1942, the Instituto
Today Aerotécnico the design office of the Fábrica Militar
In November of 1979, the Air Force acquired the de Aviones developed a version of the Fw-44J with a
former Ee-182, which had served with the Centro monocoque fuselage completely made of local wood,
Universitario de Aviación as LV-FIC. With serial E- instead of tubes and fabric, and locally built metal
100 it was flown from Buenos Aires to Córdoba in pieces. The prototype I.Ae.23, powered by a license-
the hands of José Zurueta. In 1982 it was allocated built Sh-14 engine, was finished by mid 1945. It had a
serial PG-396, destined to the Escuela Militar de blue livery with no serial despite the fact that serial
Aviación, making the first flight on 10 August 1982 Ee-0 had been allocated. On 7 July, the I.Ae.23 made
at the hands of Major Villareal, who continued flying its first flight at the hands of Santiago Germanó.
it until 28 November 1985 when the plane was Tests of the model were successful, but by the
grounded. Despite this, it was taxied on many time it was ready for production, the Instituto
opportunities. After being stored there for about ten Aerotécnico wasn’t interested as the Argentine Air
years, it was finally delivered to the National Force was now looking for a new basic trainer and
Aeronautics Museum in 2001, where it is today with there were too many Fw-44J in storage. After flying
fake serial Ee-122. only 74:50 hours, the airplane was transferred to the
Comando de Institutos Aeronáuticos Militares on 16
April 1947 for ground training. It was officially provided by the Curtiss CW-16E Kelitos, with the
retired on 27 January 1948. pilots later going to the Stearmans for advanced
training. After the Focke Wulf, the new pilots went on
With the Navy to learn instrumental flight with the Junkers W34, two
In 1944, Argentine Naval Aviation training Stinson Reliants and one Waco C. The Fw-44J
consisted of Curtiss Wright 16E.3 Kelito and received the serials 1-E-20 to 1-E-22.
Stearman 76D-1. To increase its training capacity, the The other four Navy Fw-4J (serials 3-Gc-4 to 3-
Navy decided to order thirty FMA-built Focke Wulf Gc-7) were assigned to the Coast Guard and liaison
Fw-44J to be delivered during 1945. But due to the duties with the Fuerza Aeronaval of the Zona Naval
lack of some parts caused by the war, the FMA del Plata, together with two Fairchild 45s and one
informed the Navy it couldn’t deliver these aircraft. Waco C.
However, the Army said they could deliver six On 23 February 1945, the three Fw-44Js of the
examples from their inventory. When the Navy Escuela de Aviación Naval were serials 1-E-16 to 1-
personnel came to ferry the airplanes to Comandante E-18, while the other four were sent to the Escuela
Espora Naval Aviation Base, they rejected the Fw- Naval Militar Flight Department, with three of them
44Js as they were in very bad conditions. in service and the other in reserve.
To save the situation, the Air Force offered to On 31 December 1946, they were all gathered at
deliver seven examples from their latest batch. These the 1º Escuadrilla of the Escuela de Aviación Naval,
were construction numbers 161- 167, having received as the force was organized with seven escadrilles,
the Army aviation serials Ee-171 to Ee-177. having 125 training airplanes and four transports. The
However, only the first had been delivered to the planes received serials 1-E-1 (ex 1-E-16), 1-E-2 (ex
Army and assigned to the Grupo 1 de Observación, 3-Gc-4), 1-E-3 (ex 3-Gc-5), 1-E-4 (ex 1-E-17), 1-E-5
where it had made a forced landing at Paraná on 15 (ex 3-Gc-6), 1-E-6 (ex 3-Gc-7) and 1-E-7 (ex 1-E-
June 1944. The plan also included the delivery of the 18). Shortly after, by the beginning of 1947, a new
remaining Fw-44Js from the factory, to be delivered serial system was established, in use until today, and
to the Navy by 1945. But by then, the Navy was the Fw-44Js received the serials 0095/1-E-1 to
offered a batch of Stearman N2S / PT-17 Kaydet in 0101/1-E-7.
very good conditions and at a very low price, so they The life of the Stieglitz with the Navy was short,
finally decided to end the plan to receive more Fw- as from 1947 began to arrive a big quantity of trainers
44Js. from the US stocks, including sixty Stearman PT-17
Meanwhile, by mid 1944, all seven Army Fw- Kaydet, 29 Vultee Valiants and more than one
44Js were delivered to the Navy. The other six were hundred Texans, leading to the replacement of the
deliverd directly from the factory. Three were older models, so during the year, the seven Fw-44Js
destined for the Escuela de Aviación Naval at were retired from service. The 0099 and 0100 were
Comandante Espora Naval Aviation Base, near the delivered in 1950 to the DGAC and received the civil
city of Bahía Blanca and very close to Puerto serials LV-YZE and YZY respectively, both were
Belgrano Naval Base, which is the main base of the destroyed on accidents in 1952. The other five Fw-
Navy. 44Js were scrapped.
The Navy Fw-44J formed an escadrille to train
new pilots on aerobatics, while the basic training was Santiago Rivas (#1739), Brazil.
Photos begin on page 74 and continue on pages 82.
The FMA I.Ae.23 was a locally built Fw-44 in which the
fuselage was completely built of local wood. The plane
received serial 0 and was tested from 1944 to 1947, after
Fw-44J R321 with Sergeant Santiago Germanó. He which it was used for ground training until 1948. Photo
performed the first flight of a locally assembled Fw-44J Fábrica Militar de Aviones.
and later became famous performing aerobatics with the
model. This plane was the German demonstrator, which
performed a Latin American tour with serial D-ENOY. It
was tested in Argentina receiving the local serial R-321,
and in 1938 it was re-serialled LV-NDA. Shortly after that it
was purchased by the Army and received the serial 1 and
later Ee-1. Archive Santiago Germanó.
The plane with c/n 41 was modified as a single seater, with

an extra fuel tank, for use by pilot Carola Lorenzini on his
flight across Argentina’s fourteen provinces in existence in
1940. She also used it for a trip to Brazil in 1941. After that
the plane was reverted to its two-seat configuration. In the
photo Lorenzini is seen on board her plane. She was killed
on 23 November 1941 while flying LV-DDC. Archive
Aircraft c/n 52 was built with an Argus As 8B inline engine Santiago Rivas.
instead of the Siemens Halske Sh-14a one. It was called
Focke Wulf con motor lineal. Photo Fábrica Militar de
Aviones.
LV-ZAS after 1953. The plane was the former Ee-159. It

was exported to Brazil in 2000 and is currently at the
Museu Asas de um Sonho. Archive Santiago Rivas.
Focke Wulf con motor lineal was later tested with a Gipsy
Major II engine, as seen in the picture. It was retired in Photos continue on pages 107.
1943. Archive Fernando Benedetto.
KPAF “Group Z” in the Vietnam War
Douglas Dildy
“Fight in the Vietnamese skies as if they are your own.”

Kim Il Sung, pre-departure speech to Group Z pilots, December 1966
One of the least known aspects of the air war over The VPAF’s first fighter unit was the 921st “Sao
North Vietnam (NVN) was that the KPAF Dao” (“Red Star”) Fighter Regiment, established 3
participated by supplying a regiment of “volunteers” February 1965 with the arrival of the first Soviet-
flying MiG-17s and MiG-21s to help defend that trained pilots at Noi Bái AB (aka Phúc Yên), using 36
Communist country from air attacks by USAF and non-afterburning MiG-17 “Fresco-As” and four MiG-
USN fighter-bombers during the fabled (but fatally 15UTI trainers. While eight MiG-17s sat air defense
flawed) “Operation Rolling Thunder”. Although US alert at Noi Bái, the rest of the unit’s two squadrons
Intelligence services were aware of this unit as early deployed to Son Dong AB in southern China for
as December 1966, publicly the North Koreans’ operational and combat training. Despite sporadic
participation in the Vietnam War was largely successes, the “alert detachment” suffered heavy
unknown for 35 years and, until very recently, it was casualties against the more experienced American
not mentioned in any VPAF (Vietnam People’s Air aviators and their more powerful and sophisticated
Force) history that was written in, or has been fighters/fighter-bombers, requiring pilots and MiGs to
translated into, English. The KPAF’s contribution be recalled from Son Dong to replace losses. Finally,
came to light through a series of articles published in the situation became so bad that the whole regiment
various newspapers and articles, one VPAF pilot was recalled for combat operations on 6 August 1965.
memoir, and some BBC broadcasts during 2000- By the end of that month the VPAF had lost 14 MiG-
2008. This mysterious and enigmatic KPAF unit has 17s destroyed and ten pilots killed – with another six
been the subject of investigation by private researcher shot down and killed in October.
and Vietnam War historian Guy C. Bentz, who In August, the regiment was also reinforced with
contributed information for this article. 12 MiG-21PFL “Fishbed-Ds”, forming a third
Additionally, most recently “Doan Z” squadron by transferring nine of the regiment’s
(Vietnamese for “Group Z”) has been included as a remaining pilots, only three of whom were qualified
full chapter in István Toperczer’s excellent Silver on the MiG-21, so a long, local training program was
Swallows and Blue Bandits, the definitive English- begun. Meanwhile, a second group of some 31
language history of the VPAF in the Vietnam War. fighter pilot trainees that were undergoing a three-
This article will provide a balance to the latter by year MiG-17 training program at Son Dong were
checking Toperczer’s information against USAF and recalled to their homeland. These pilots formed the
USN data contained in the previously classified “Red 923rd “Yên Thê” (“Hill of the Peaceful Site”) Fighter
Baron Reports”, a series of in-depth studies and Regiment, established at Kep AB on 7 September
assessments of all American aerial encounters with 1965, receiving 30 of the more powerful MiG-17F
VPAF aircraft from April 1965 through October “Fresco-Cs” from the USSR. Although the fledgling
1967. fighter force’s successes were noteworthy, losses
To place the KPAF’s participation in the Vietnam were high – another 22 MiGs destroyed and 14 pilots
War into context, the VPAF was established 25 killed in 1966 – the loss rate easily exceeding the
January 1959. Initially, it was a training (910th Soviet and Chinese training graduation rates.
Training Regiment) and transport (919th Air Transport Consequently the North Koreans asked if they could
Regiment) organization, but the next year 52 student help.
pilots were sent to the USSR to attend a five-year According to independent researcher Guy C.
program that included pilot training, fighter training Bentz, “Even scaling back the courses to three years,
and MiG-17 qualification. the Vietnamese realized that based on the pilot
attrition incurred during the initial air combats, the
pilot training output would not keep up with their escorted by four bomb-carrying McDonnell F-4C
losses and allow the expansion of further aviation Phantom IIs and accompanied by four F-105 “Wild
regiments as planned. As a stop-gap measure, they Weasels” for SAM suppression. Commanding this
accepted the assistance of the North Koreans. The attack was Lt Col Philip C. Gast (354th TFS
North Koreans began sending their initial ground commander) who led the “Iron Hand” AAA-
cadre in 1965, and (according to Vietnamese sources) suppression flight and, as his four-ship pulled out of
pilots began arriving in 1966. The North Koreans their dive-bombing runs at 4,500ft, he spotted two
flew area familiarization out of Phuc Yen, avoiding four-ships of MiG-17Fs in echelon formation at two
combat until early 1967. From January through April o’clock low, two miles away. Gast and his wingman,
1967, the North Koreans began transferring their Captain (Capt) Max C. Brestel, immediately jumped
MiGs from Phuc Yen to Kep and were placed under the trailing four-ship, Gast shooting (ineffectively) at
the control of the North Vietnamese 923rd Air the lead element while Brestel attacked the second
Regiment. They initially fielded two squadrons of two-ship. Firing from 500-1,000 feet behind the
MiG-17s, and later added a third squadron flying number four MiG-17F, Brestel saw “hits in the left
MiG-21s. The North Vietnamese referred to [them] wing, fuselage and canopy, also a fire in the left wing
as ‘Group Z’; their MiGs all carried North root. The aircraft rolled over and hit the ground under
Vietnamese insignia.” my left wing.” Korean pilot Kim Quang Wook was
killed in the crash. As the engagement continued,
KPAF “Doan Z” Brestel also damaged the number three MiG-17F,
According to Toperczer’s account, VPAF records which was shooting at Gast. USAF Intelligence
show that the Vietnamese Communist Party Central subsequently reported that the damaged MiG crashed
Military Committee officially accepted Kim Il Sung’s during recovery to Kep, so Brestel was awarded two
offer on 21 September 1966 and the details were confirmed victories. (RBI/III-89)
agreed to by the two nations’ military chiefs of staffs Two more KPAF pilots were killed during the
by the end of that month. The North Koreans would first three weeks in April: Kim Yun Hoan on 10 April
wear VPAF uniforms and flight suits and fly VPAF and Tsa Sun He on the 21st. These two pilots appear
aircraft – no KPAF MiGs were shipped to NVN. The to have died in training accidents because, according
113-man regiment, commanded by Lieutenant to USAF/USN records there were no MiG encounters
Colonel (Lt Col) Kim Chang Xon, operated under the on 10 April, and on the 21st the only encounter was a
Vietnamese Air Defense and Air Force Command, “sighting” of two MiG-17s by four Thunderchiefs –
with that headquarters (HQ – known as the “Chief no engagement ensued. (RBI/III-123 and 125)
Command”) assigning the unit’s combat tasks. Three days later “Doan Z” claimed its first
Eventually, over the next two years some 800 KPAF victory. Two dozen USN aircraft attacked Kep and
personnel, including 70 pilots, are reported to have Hoa Lac airfields, covered by six F-4B Phantoms.
rotated through the unit on a “temporary duty” basis. “Chief Command” scrambled two VPAF four-ships
After flying a reported 58 training sorties, “Doan followed by a flight of Korean-flown MiG-17PFs.
Z’s” first combat mission occurred on 10 March The Vietnamese flights engaged two F-4B sections
1967, the day the USAF’s Thirteenth Air Force (two aircraft each, from VF-114/USS Kitty Hawk)
launched a massive strike against the Thai Nguyen and claimed three Phantoms shot down. The F-4Bs,
Iron and Steel Complex, 35 miles north of Hanoi. in turn, claimed two MiG-17s “probably destroyed”
The raiders attacked in two waves with the 388th with AIM-9Ds – no MiGs were lost. One Phantom,
TFW hitting the target first. As the American fighter- reportedly damaged by anti-aircraft artillery (AAA)
bombers hit their target, two four-aircraft flights from fire, failed to make it back to the carrier, the crew
“Group Z” were scrambled from Kep to orbit west of ejecting 20 miles south of Hon Gay and were rescued
the target at 500m (1,640ft), positioned to intercept by a USN helicopter. The KPAF flight also engaged
the second wave of American fighter-bombers as they the egressing Phantoms, claiming one destroyed, but
recovered from their dives. no others were actually lost. (RBI/III-137)
About that time, sixteen 355th TFW Republic F- The USN raiders returned to strike Kep AB again
105D Thunderchiefs (called “Thuds”) arrived, midday on “May Day” (1 May 67). Two flights from
“Doan Z” were launched to defend the base. Two (Maj) Robert G. Rilling (333rd TFS/355th TFW)
Vought F-8E Crusaders (VF-211 from USS Bon spotted two MiG-17 formations flying in “Lufbery
Homme Richard) quickly engaged one flight, with circles” – one high and one at low altitude – and led
one of them shooting an AIM-9D Sidewinder that his wingman in an AIM-9B Sidewinder missile
destroyed the MiG-17 of Lee Chang Il, killing the attack, the pair claiming two more MiG-17s
pilot. Following the Crusaders, the “flak suppression destroyed. Egressing from the Vinh Yen barracks
flight” of four Douglas A-4C Skyhawks (VA-76), strike, another Thunderchief (44th TFS/388th TFW)
firing Zuni 5-inch folding fin aircraft rockets claimed a fifth MiG-17 destroyed with 20mm gunfire.
(FFARs). The Skyhawks each carried four LAU-10 As the entire “strike package” exited the target
rocket pods, with four Zunis in each pod. (RBI/III- area, the escorting F-4C Phantoms (433rd TFS/8th
194 and 197) TFW) – which were ahead, “sweeping the egress
Lieutenant Commander (LCdr) Theodore R. route” – heard the F-105s on the radio, coordinating
Swartz recounted, “During the [attack run] we spotted their attacks and defensive maneuvers, and turned
the MiGs at my two o’clock coming from right to left, back to assist them. Maj William L. Kirk engaged a
I judged [at] about 450 KIAS [knots indicated pair of MiG-17s chasing a Thunderchief, shooting
airspeed]. I had no choice but to complete the firing down one using two AIM-9Bs, while Lt Col Fred A.
run on the flak sites, shooting 13 Zunis in salvo… I Haefner engaged two others, shooting down one with
pulled off left accepting the dogfight with the two an AIM-7E. While the USAF credited the
MiGs inside my turn at my 7:30 position. The two participating crews with seven victories, VPAF
bandits were in close formation, firing 23 and 37mm histories do not mention the air battle at all – because
cannon. I executed a high-G barrel roll and forced it involved the secret Korean unit – and “Doan Z”
them out in front. I continued the roll to their six loss records include no pilots killed this day. The
o’clock and fired the [remaining] three Zunis conclusion is that not all USAF kill credits proved
individually: The first two missed but the third one valid and, in what losses “Doan Z” experienced, all
hit.” The MiG-17PF of Bak Dong Jun was destroyed the pilots were able to eject safely. (RBI/III-233, 234
by the rocket attack and he was killed. and 236)
It was almost two weeks later before “Doan Z” Three days later “Doan Z” did lose pilot Shin Dan
was again involved in an aerial engagement against Ho, who was killed in the crash of a MiG-17, on 16
the Americans. This time – on 13 May 1967 – it was May 1967. The lack of encounters reported in
against a major USAF strike against the Yen Vien USAF/USN records indicate that Shin most likely
railroad (RR) yard (20 F105Ds, 355th TFW) and Yinh died in a training accident.
Yen army barracks (16 F-105Ds, 388th TFW). USAF The North Koreans battled the Americans again
pilots reported sighting as many as 10 MiG-17s on 20 May when 20 “Thuds” (355th TFW) – escorted
airborne during their attacks. During this period (1- by eight Phantoms (8th TFW) – attacked the Bac Le
12 May) the 923rd Fighter Regiment was heavily RR yard and a similar force (388th TFW) – escorted
engaged, flying 30-40 sorties daily and claiming four by F-4Cs (366th TFW) – hit the Kihn No motor
“kills” (three F-4Cs and an F-105D on 12 May). To vehicle repair facility. The VPAF scrambled 4-5
give the VPAF a brief respite, on this day “Doan Z” MiG-21s and “Doan Z” launched 12-14 MiG-17Fs
got the call – so this battle was solely between the and (USAF estimates; actual numbers unknown), with
KPAF and USAF. the Fishbeds attacking the Kihn No strike force while
Leading the Yen Vien strike was Lt Col Gast the MiG-17s intercepted the F-105s headed for Bac
(354th TFS/355th TFW), who departing the target Le .
spotted three MiG-17s to the left, ten miles ahead, at Leading the Phantoms escorting the Bac Le strike
an altitude of 1,000ft, climbing in a right-hand turn, was Colonel (Col) Robin Olds, a legendary USAF
and turned towards them. The Korean flight turned to fighter pilot and commander of the 8th TFW. Flying
meet them head on and in the split-second exchange top cover for the last four-ship of “Thuds”, Olds later
Gast and his wingman each claimed one MiG-17 shot reported, “We just cleared the last of low hills lying
down with 20mm cannon fire – one MiG pilot north of Haiphong, in and east-west direction, when
reportedly ejected. Egressing after the strike, Major 10 or 12 MiG-17s came in low from the left… They
tried to attack the F-105s before they got to the target. Ten days later the North Koreans once again
We engaged MiG-17s about 15 miles short of the fought USN attackers and this time claimed their first
target… Our [two] flights of F-4s piled into the MiGs victory using the MiG-21 Fishbed. The Do Xa
like a sledgehammer, and for about a minute and a transshipment facility, about 15 miles south of Hanoi,
half or two minutes that was the most confused, was attacked by an “alpha strike” from USS Hancock.
vicious dogfight I have ever been in.” Leading the raiders was a formation of Douglas A-4E
The North Koreans, flying in pairs, went into a Skyhawks (VA-93) attacking AAA and SAM sites
defensive “wheel” ” (jet-age name for a “Lufbery defending the target. The Skyhawks evaded the
circle”) and, as the Phantoms attacked one element initial volley of SA-2 missiles and were climbing
(two-ship) with Sidewinders and Sparrow missiles, through 16,000ft to launch their AGM-45 Shrike anti-
they would, in turn, be attacked by the next pair of radiation missiles when the flight leader, Commander
MiG-17s in the circle. Olds’ wingman – “Tampa 2”, (Cdr) James P. Mehl, was hit by a missile, ejected and
flown by Maj Jack Lee Van Loan and 1st Lieutenant was captured to become a POW. While this loss
(1Lt) Joseph E. Milligan (in F-4C 63-7669) – was hit correlates with the KPAF claim, no USN pilots
and caught fire, both crewmen ejecting to become reported sighting a MiG during this mission and the
prisoners of war (POWs). Meanwhile “Tampa 3” loss is officially attributed to an SA-2. (RBI/III-283
claimed one MiG-17 shot down using an AIM-9B and through 290)
Olds claimed another with an AIM-7E. On 3 June 16 USAF F-105Ds (388th TFW)
The other flight of F-4Cs joined the fray, with attacked the Bac Giang RR yard, railroad and road
“Ballot 1” – flown by Maj Philip P. Combies – bridges – vital links between China and Hanoi – and
attacking a MiG-17 pursuing Olds, about 9,000ft two VPAF MiG-17 flights were scrambled to
behind him. Olds broke hard left and the MiG intercept the raiders. One flight from “Doan Z”
overshot and rolled out heading for Kep AB, allowing followed, the three MiG-17s orbiting at low altitude
Combies to slide in behind him and fire an AIM-9B. waiting for the “Thuds” to pull out of their dives. The
According to Combies, “The missile impacted the leading four-ship was, as usual, an “Iron Hand” flak
tailpipe area of the MiG and it caught on fire. The suppression flight and as they recovered from their
MiG was at approximately 1,500ft at the time of dive bombing attacks, Maj John Rowan (“Hambone
missile launch. The MiG went ‘belly up’ and into an 1”) spotted the MiGs at 10 o’clock, low, two miles
uncontrollable dive and eventually impacted into the away, and immediately turned to engage, with two
ground.” wingmen following.
As Olds concluded, “We attacked again and After one ineffective firing pass, the three
again, trying to break up that defensive wheel. Thunderchiefs circled around and attacked again, this
Finally, fuel considerations necessitated departure. time “Hambone 3” – Capt Larry D. Wiggins – fired
As I left the area by myself, I saw [a] lone MiG still an AIM-9B from 2,500ft at the trailing MiG-17F and
circling, so I ran out about ten miles and [turned followed it up with 376 rounds of 20mm cannon fire,
back]; I got down on the deck, about 50 feet, and causing the MiG to explode into flames. North
headed right for him. I don’t think he saw me for Korean pilot Kim The Dun was killed in the ensuing
quite a while, but when he did, he went mad, twisting, crash. (RBI/III-308)
turning, dodging and trying to get away. He headed Six weeks later (23 July), following a long
up a narrow little valley to a low ridge of hills. I recuperation time as the VPAF recovered from heavy
knew he was either going to hit that ridge up ahead or losses in the late springtime, “Doan Z” was once
pop over the ridge to save himself. The minute he again ordered aloft to engage incoming US Navy
popped over I [got] him with a Sidewinder.” raiders. Vought F-8C Crusaders from VF-24 and VF-
While the official VPAF history (naturally) 211 (USS Bon Homme Richard) provided the MiG
contains no record of this engagement, there is no sweep for a strike against the Ta Xa petroleum, oil
mention of a victory claim (Van Loan and Milligan’s and lubricants facility. Leading the VF-24 division
F-4C) or Korean losses in Toperczer’s account of this (four-ship), Lt Cdr Marion H. Isaacks who later
classic swirling air battle. (RBI/III-252 and 258) reported, “the A-4s were attacked by an estimated
force of ten MiG-17s... [A four –ship of MiG-17s
turned in front of us and I] got above and behind one F-105D/Fs, and eight MiGCAP F-4Ds (8th TFW).
MiG... [After the first AIM-9D failed to guide and Pulling out of their dive bombing attacks and heading
the second did not leave the launcher rail,] The third south out of the target area, the Thunderchief pilots
missile came off the rail and tracked perfectly, right observed four MiG-17s diving on them from about
up the MiG's tailpipe.” Fixated on the resulting 14,000ft. Three of them, using their afterburners and
fireball and falling, flaming debris, Isaacks was in the speed gained in their dives – estimated at
turn attacked by a second MiG-17 (of another 450knots – closed sufficiently to fire their 23mm and
formation of four) which damaged his right wing and 37mm cannon, but no hits were scored. The F-105s
aileron with cannon fire. jettisoned their external stores (bomb and missile
Leading the second section (two-ship) of Isaack’s racks) and accelerated away in excess of Mach 1.
formation was LCdr Robert L. Kirkwood, who also None of the Americans fired any weapons at the
fired AIM-9Ds at Isaack’s MiG-17. When that target MiG-17s, who returned to Kep without Lim Dang An.
exploded, he maneuvered to attack one of the (RBII/IV-29)
wingmen, firing another Sidewinder – the MiG pilot Eighteen days later, “Doan Z” lost another pilot –
“broke left” and defeated the missile. When the MiG- Kim Hyun U – during a USAF attack on the Dai Loi
17 pilot reversed his turn to the right and Kirkwood RR bypass bridge. The “strike package” included 16
“charged his guns” (four Colt Mk 12 20mm cannon) F-105Ds (355th TFW) with four F-105D/F for
and closed to 600ft before firing. He later stated, “I suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) and four
was in good position at his 6 o’clock and not pulling Phantoms for MiGCAP. Typically, “Doan Z”
much G... I squeezed the trigger and closed to 300 ft. positioned four MiG-17s to intercept the “Thuds” as
I could see my shells hitting the MiG’s fuselage.” they pulled out of their dives and began their egress,
Although the second MiG pilot was seen to eject, but three of the four “strike flights” reporting
both Lee Dong Soo and Lee Do In were killed in this encountering the MiGs. One Kim Hyun U, intent on
battle. (RBI/III-345) intercepting the two F-105Ds (Wildcat 1 and 2)
There were few aerial encounters over NVN ahead, flew across the nose of “Wildcat 4”, Maj
during the summer of 1967; the VPAF reported flying Donald M. Russell, left to right at about 2,000ft
only 74 fighter sorties, one third the number flown in range. Russell later stated, “I came out of afterburner,
the three springtime months. The respite was used to extended the speedbrakes, and maneuvered to his 6
develop and practice new low-to-high “pop up” o’clock position. He started a slow left turn to
ambush-type attacks flown using two-ship position himself in an attack position on a preceding
formations, replacing the traditional four-ship fighter F-105. His left turn helped me get into a good firing
tactics. The newly developed “MiG ambush” trap position, and I opened fire at an estimated 1,000 feet.
was “sprung” on 23 August when 20 F-105Ds (388th I noticed flames from both sides of the MiG-17 aft of
TFW) and 12 F-4Cs (8th TFW) ingressed to once the cockpit area. I followed him for a few moments
again strike the Yen Vien RR yards. Two VPAF and saw the fire increase. The aircraft rolled right and
MiG-21s attacked the F-4D flight (“Ford” flight, 555th headed straight down in flames.” (RBII/IV-42)
TFS) covering the “Thud” formation, shooting down Almost two months later (16 December 1967), the
two, while four pairs of VPAF MiG-17Fs attacked the tables were turned as a pair of “Doan Z” MiG-21
F-105D strike flights, damaging one. One flight of pilots claimed a USAF F-4D destroyed. To cover the
“Doan Z” MiG-17s and a pair of their MiG-21s were morning strikes, eight 8th TFW Phantoms mounted a
involved in the mêlée – one of the Fishbeds shooting MiGCAP over Kep AB. Four Korean-flown MiG-
70% of its ammunition at one Phantom, but without 17s and the two MiG-21s were scrambled from Noi
effect. No Vietnamese- or Korean-flown MiGs were Bái AB to engage them. The Fresco’s attacked one
lost. (RBII/IV-11) flight of Phantoms – in an inconclusive engagement –
During a major USAF strike against Kep AB and and the Fishbeds attacked the other as they began
the Dap Cau RR bridge on 30 September KPAF pilot their egress, firing R-3S (AA-2 Atoll) heat-seeking
Lim Dang An was killed while flying a MiG-17F. missiles. One hit the F-4D (66-7631/555th TFS)
The “strike package” was composed of 28 F-105Ds flown by Maj James F. Low (nine “kill” Korean War
(355th TFW), 12 AAA and SAM suppression ace) and 1Lt Howard J. Hill, forcing both to eject
approximately five miles west of Kep. The American 20mm rounds impacting in his fuselage and his right
airmen were both captured and became POWs. wing root area. [After passing over the damaged
(RBII/IV-73) MiG] I looked back at my target one last time and
Three days later “Doan Z” again launched four saw him rolling further right into 120º bank turn and a
MiG-17s and a pair of Fishbeds, joining four VPAF 30º dive from about 7,000 feet altitude.” Although
MiG-21s and two flights of Frescos that attempted to Henley’s “kill claim” was denied by Seventh AF HQ,
disrupt two large USAF strikes – one against Viet Tri Toperczer reports that all three MiG-17Fs were lost;
and Tien Cuong RR yards and the other attacking the however, fortunately all three pilots ejected safely.
Dai Loi RR bridge. They were successful against the (RBII/IV-77)
first strike force (“Alpha Force”: 16 F-105Ds escorted The Korean-flown MiG-21s scored again in the
by eight 8th TFW F-4Ds), forcing the “Thuds” to new year – on 5 January 1968 – when a pair of them
jettison their bombs and begin defensive intercepted the “Wild Weasel” flight providing SEAD
maneuvering, one of the escorting Phantoms for a strike against the Dong Luc RR bridge, near
damaging a Korean-flown MiG-17F with 20mm Kep. The flight leader had just launched an AGM-45
gunfire from its belly-mounted SUU-23/A “gun pod”. Shrike against an SA-2 site when the “Doan Z”
Minutes later the second “strike package” (“Bravo Fishbeds attacked, one of them damaging the F-
Force”: sixteen 355th TFW F-105Ds with four F-105F 105F’s left wing with cannon fire. The “Thud”
“Wild Weasels” and escorted by eight 8th TFW F- caught fire, forcing the two crewmen to eject – both
4Ds) arrived in the area. The “Wild Weasels” led the died of their injuries. (RBII/IV-86)
strike force and, as the leading Phantoms turned back Almost two weeks later (18 January 1967) “Doan
to face a “threat” approaching from the rear, the F- Z” MiG-17s intercepted one of three large “strike
105F pilots spotted and engaged four MiG-17Fs packages” penetrating deeply into NVN territory.
ahead, including the one damaged by the Phantom’s “Alpha Force” (four 8th TFW F-4D “strikers” with
gunfire. According to Maj William M. Dalton, “The eight F-4Ds and F-105Fs providing SEAD and a pair
mission progressed as normal until approximately 35 of Phantoms as MiGCAP) was headed for the Bac
miles southwest of the target. At that time bomb Giang thermal powerplant, about 20 miles northeast
smoke was noted to the right of course, indicating the of Hanoi, at approximately 12,000ft altitude. “Alpha
strike planes [ahead] had jettisoned their bombs. Force” was engaged by the North Koreans while
Shortly after, I saw a MiG pull up on a steep climb “Bravo Force” – primarily “Thuds” headed to bomb
approximately five or six miles [ahead] at 12 o’clock the Ha Gia RR siding – was intercepted by a pair each
and called it out. As we continued several aircraft of VPAF Frescos and Fishbeds.
came into view: F-4s, F-105s, and four to six MiGs.” The Koreans – flying two pair of MiG-17Fs –
Leading the flight, Maj Robert R. Huntley (“Otter were positioned in an orbit at 2,000m (6,560ft) and,
1”, 333rd TFS) engaged one of the MiG-17Fs, after the SEAD flights passed overhead and to the
damaging it with 20mm fire. Dalton (“Otter 2) east, they began climbing as the “strike flight”
continued, “I was flying… approximately 1,500- (“Otter” flight, 435th TFS) approached. After the
2,000 feet to the rear of lead, and at this time I saw a Phantoms released their AGM-62 Walleye TV-guided
MiG-17 low and [to the] right, apparently going after glide bombs two to three miles from the target, Maj
Huntley. I called him and started slowing down and Kenneth A. Simonet began a right-hand climbing turn
turning right to get behind him. I closed as much as I as two MiG-17s closed from right 1-2 o’clock low,
could and started tracking and fired… As verified by with a second pair following two miles behind and
my gun camera film, I observed impacts on the left 2,500ft below the leaders. However, Simonet – with
wing and left side of the fuselage under the cockpit, at 1Lt Wayne O. Smith in the rear cockpit – had spotted
which time the MiG broke up and left. I turned to a MiG-17 at left 10 o’clock and immediately turned
follow him but he rolled and started down inverted to left – never seeing the pair of MiGs approaching from
my left.” the right – to engage with a Hughes AIM-4D Falcon
Following the lead element, Capt. Philip M. Drew heat-seeking missile. As he was tracking the target in
(“Otter 3”, 357th TFS) engaged a third MiG-17F, front of him, the leading MiGs attacked “Otter 1” (F-
firing 756 rounds of 20mm and “saw numerous 4D 66-8720) with cannon fire, causing severe damage
that eventually forced Simonet and Smith to eject “Buick 3” fired two AIM-7Es, but failed to obtain
approximately 15 miles southeast of Kep AB. any hits, the MiG-21 “broke left and down” and was
Meanwhile Simonet’s wingman (“Otter 2”/F-4D last seen “going supersonic toward Phuc Yen [Noi
66-7581) was shot down by the second MiG-17F, Bái AB]” – Lang gave chase and “close[d] to 9-10
both crewmen ejecting as the aircraft crashed about miles, but we had to break off the attack because
one to two miles east of the target; all four Phantom aircraft number 4 was minimum fuel.” (RBII/IV-111)
crewmen were captured. Although Simonet and
Smith were officially credited with a victory, no Conclusion
KPAF (or VPAF) pilot was killed, so the actual result It is fitting that the 12 February combat was both
is unknown. (RBII/IV-97A) the last loss by “Doan Z” and its last victory claim (a
Four weeks afterwards (12 February 1968) “Doan “shared kill” with a VPAF MiG-21 pilot was recorded
Z” scrambled two MiG-21s from Noi Bái AB to on 23 February). While “Operation Rolling Thunder”
intercept a small USAF “Commando Nail” raid. The continued until 1 November 1968, on 31 March
radar-bombing attack was aborted due to bad weather President Lyndon Johnson began progressively
and, after escorting the four F-4D “strikers” from the moving the “bomb line” southwards, eliminating
target area, the two flights of MiGCAP Phantoms USAF/USN attacks on Hanoi and Haiphong and,
(435th TFS/8th TFW) returned for a “MiG sweep”. By consequently, reducing MiG engagements to zero.
this time the Fishbeds, having reported making one By the end of the year the VPAF considered “Zoan
firing pass on the “strike flight” – during which D’s” mission complete and the North Koreans
wingman Kim Ghi Hoan claimed to have destroyed returned home, transferring their remaining MiG-
one Phantom (no USAF crews witnessed any attack 17Fs to the 925th Fighter Regiment (which was
by MiGs that day, or were damaged or lost due to equipped with 36 MiG-19s and four MiG-15UTIs).
MiG attack) – climbed to 40,000ft altitude and began Bentz concluded, “With the advent of the U.S.
a left-hand orbit, about 75 miles east of Hanoi, with bombing halt [2 November 1968], and the graduation
Kim approximately three miles behind his leader. of several more classes of North Vietnamese pilots,
Led by Lt Col Alfred E. Lang and 1Lt Randy P. the North Korean Group Z was disbanded and their
Moss, “Buick” flight approached from the east at pilots departed North Vietnam in February 1969. The
30,000ft and obtained radar contact with the MiGs at North Koreans fared poorly and lost at least 14 MiGs
22 miles. At nine miles Lang visually acquired both (according to my research). According to Vietnamese
Fishbeds, identified them as such, and Moss locked sources, the North Koreans claimed 26 kills in air
onto the trailing MiG (Kim) at six miles – Lang combat between March 1967 and mid/late 1968.
assigned the leading MiG-21 to “Buick 3”. Closing Cross-referenced with US loss records, I can only
rapidly (overtake 600kts) from the target’s 8 o’clock, correlate/verify nine of these. The North Koreans
Lang began firing AIM-7Es at 4.5 miles while suffered the loss of 14 Air Force personnel killed; 12
climbing through 34,000ft at Mach 1.3. Later he pilots and 2 ground crew.”
related, “Lieutenant Moss and I… observed the first The 14 “Korean soldiers” are buried in a cemetery
missile to explode in the MiG’s 7-8 o’clock position in Bac Giang province, about 37 miles northeast of
and the second missile explode[d] in the MiG’s 10 Hanoi. Every year, on 30 April, members of the
o’clock position. As the MiG flew through the DPRK Embassy visit the cemetery to pay tribute to
explosion he rolled inverted, yawed 30-40 degrees their fallen heroes.
right and then entered a tumbling spin. The pilot did
not eject…” Toperczer reports that Kim “ejected Douglas Dildy (#844), USA.
from his damaged aircraft but died descending by
parachute.”
Sources
Correspondence with Mr. Guy Chris Hobson’s Vietnam Air War, Oxford, UK: Osprey
C. Bentz, independent researcher Losses: United States Air Force, Publishing Limited, 2001,
and historian, Navy and Marine Corps Fixed- Istaván Toperczer’s Osprey
Aces & Aerial Victories: The Wing Aircraft Losses in Southeast Combat Aircraft 29: MiG-21 Units
United States Air Force in Asia, 1961-73, Hinckley, UK: of the Vietnam War, Oxford, UK:
Southeast Asia 1965-1973, Midland Publishing, 2001, Osprey Publishing Limited, 2001,
published by The Albert F. Istaván Toperczer’s Air War and
Simpson Historical Research Over North Viet Nam: The Istaván Toperczer’s Silver
Center, Air University, Maxwell Vietnamese People’s Air Force Swallows and Blue Bandits: Air
AFB, AL, 1976. 1949-1977, Carrollton, TX: Battles over North Vietnam, 1964-
Roger Boniface’s MiGs over Squadron/Signal Publications, 1975, Bagnolet, FR: Artipresse,
North Vietnam: The Vietnam Inc., 1998, 2015.
People’s Air Force in Combat, Istaván Toperczer’s Osprey
1965-75, Mechanicsburg, PA: Combat Aircraft 25: MiG-17 and
Stackpole Books, 2010, MiG-19 Units of the Vietnam
Seventeen KPAF pilots, plus their VPAF “advisor”, Phan Khac Hy from the VPAF Command Committee
(sitting fourth from the right), of the Korean People’s Air Force “Group Z”, deployed to Kep AB, North Vietnam,
4 June 1968. (Photo: Guy Bentz)
Editor’s Note: A review of Istvan Toperczer’s book, Silver Swallows and Blue Bandits: Air Battles over North
Vietnam 1964-1976, appears on page 103 of this issue of SAFO.
The F-5 Abroad (Part 1)
Tim Callaway
Northrop F-5E of the Brazilian Air Force. Keith Draycott
[Editor’s notes: Tim Callaway of Aviation Classic extracted the information on the F-5 that appeared in his
Aviation Classic #19, and submitted it for publication in SAFO. This is the first of two parts – the second part
will appear in the next issue of SAFO. It is hope that these articles will give you a good idea of the high quality
of Tim’s excellent magazine.]
Aside from the United States, thirty seven other 5D) 5B)
countries have used the F-5 and T-38, a remarkable 30
record of success for the aircraft. Many remain in (NF-
service today, and are likely to remain so until at least 5B)
2030 due to the original fighter’s remarkable F-
performance and reliability; and a number of 5C
equipment and capability upgrades by users around F- 792 85 48 242
the world. This is a list of all the countries that have 5E (KF
operated the F-5 and T-38 and includes the upgrades -5E)
and variants produced during the types 54 years of RF- 12
operational service, as well as a table of the total 5E
numbers built by Northrop and under licence in F- 146 6 20 66
various countries. 5F (KF
-5F)
Ty Northr Cana Switzerl Kor Taiw Spai T- 1,139
pe op da and ea an n 38 T-38A
F- 624 89 18 A/ built
5A (CF- (SF- AT with
5A) 5A) - 47
75 38 other
(NF- B/ versio
5A) T- ns.
RF- 89 18 38 562 T-
5A (SR C 38A/A
F- T-38B
5A) upgrad
F- 200 26 34 ed to
5B (CF- (SF- T-38C
Austria
Having been flying the Saab J35Ö Draken as their
front line fighter since 1985, in July 2002 the
Austrian Air Force selected the Eurofighter Typhoon
to become their new air defence fighter. The first
Typhoon was not delivered until July 2007, so
between July 2004 and July 2008, twelve Northrop F-
5E Tiger IIs were leased from the Swiss Air Force as
the last Draken was retired in December 2005. The F-
5s fulfilled the air defence role and were returned to
Switzerland as the Typhoon delivery progressed.
A Northrop F-5F of the Bahrain Amiri Air Force. Dave
Jeffreys
Botswana
The Air Wing of the Botswana Defence Force
purchased ten upgraded ex-Canadian Armed Forces
Canadair CF-5As and three CF-5Ds from Canada in
1996 to replace their BAC Strikemasters. Three more
CF-5As and two CF-5Ds were purchased in 2000 to
replace losses in the single seat force and supplement
the training capability. Nine CF-5As and all five two
seaters remain in service today.
Brazil
Brazil ordered 37 F-5Es and 6 F-5B two seat
aircraft in October 1974, the F-5Bs being the last of
the version to be built by Northrop. The aircraft
entered service in March 1975, replacing the Gloster
Meteor F8 and Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star as
Brazil’s front line fighters. In 1987, the fleet was
Before and after – A Saab J35Ö Draken with a Northrop F-
supplemented by 22 ex-USAF F-5Es and four F-5F
5E Tiger II of the Austrian Air Force. Luigino Caliaro two seaters assembled from spare parts so essentially
brand new aircraft. These four F-5Fs replaced the F-
Bahrain 5Bs. In 1998 Elbit of Israel alongside Embraer won a
The Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) was first contract to upgrade the Brazilian F-5 fleet, known as
established in 1977 and was intended as a purely the F-5UP programme. This upgrade includes fitting
defensive force of combined Army, Navy and Air the FIAR Grifo X radar, a new navigation system and
Force units. Their first jet fighters, eight F-5Es and avionics enabling the carriage of a wider range of air
four F-5F trainers were supplied from stocks held in to air missiles. A total of 45 F-5EMs and three F-
United States in two batches ordered in 1982 and 5FMs were produced to this standard by 2007. In
1985. Four more F-5Es were added in 1987, the same September that year, eight more F-5Es and three F-
year the BDF was separated into the Bahrain Amiri 5Fs were purchased from the Royal Jordanian Air
Air Force, Army and Navy. These aircraft remain in Force, to be upgraded to the F-5EM standard. These
service today, alongside twenty two F-16Cs and Ds aircraft are still in service with four units of the
purchased in 1990, and are based at Sheik Isa Air Brazilian Air Force and are likely to remain so until at
Base. least 2030.
A Northrop F-5EM of the Brazilian Air Force on a tanker
exercise. Chris Lofting 419 Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force painted
one of their Canadair CF-5As in this commemorative
Canada Moose scheme. Canadian Forces
Canadair built the F-5 under licence for the
Canadian Armed Forces, the first aircraft being Chile
delivered 5 November 1968. These aircraft were Chile purchased fifteen F-Es and three F-5Fs, the
redesignated CF-5A for the single seat fighters and first being received in March 1974 and delivered to
CF-5D for the two seat aircraft, equivalent to the F- Grupo 7 at Cerro Moreno Air Base. In 1993, Israeli
5A and F-5B respectively. 89 CF-5As and 26 CF- Aircraft Industries began work on an upgrade contact
5Ds were built, 44 of which were placed in storage to fourteen F-5Es and two F-5Fs. This included new
due to defence cuts in the early 1970s. Sixteen CF- multi-function displays and a head up display as well
5As and four CF-5Ds from these stored aircraft were as upgraded avionics, computers, GPS navigation
supplied to Venezuela in 1972. In the same year, air system and most importantly the powerful Elta EL/M-
to air refuelling capability was added to the Canadian 2032B multi-mode pulse doppler radar. The addition
aircraft in service. In 1988, 23 CF-5As and 33 CF- of air to air refuelling probes in 1997 increased the
5Ds were upgraded by Bristol Aerospace in capabilities of what were the best equipped F-5s in
Winnipeg, a programme that was to include the world at that point, now known as the F-5 Tigre
strengthening of the airframe, rewiring, the addition III. In 2003, the aircraft received another upgrade
of a head up display, inertial navigation system, including a new expanded multi-function display and
weapons aiming and computing system and a new the ability to fire the Python IV short range and Derby
central computer. The first modified aircraft, a CF- long range missiles. Now known as the Tigre III Plus,
5D, was delivered in August 1989. This initial ten of the aircraft were still in service in 2009 but
modification programme was followed in 1990 by an were being steadily replaced by eighteen F-16s
avionics suite upgrade to 36 CF-5s to enable the type purchased from the Netherlands.
to be a more effective lead in trainer to the CF-18s
then entering service. Further budget cuts meant that
the CF-5 fleet was retired in 1995, only four years
after the first upgraded aircraft flew. The aircraft were
placed in storage until in 1996, when ten CF-5As and
three CF-5Ds were sold to Botswana, followed by
three more CF-5As and two CF-5Ds in 2000.
designator kits, 500 Mavericks and their pylons. In
March 1979, twelve undelivered Egyptian F-5Es were
deployed to North Yemen at the request of the US
with Saudi Arabian support, along with over 80
Taiwanese pilots and groundcrew to operate them.
Four Saudi F-5Bs were also made available in support
of this operation as continuation trainers for the
deployed Taiwanese pilots. The pilots were recalled
in 1991 during the Gulf War as Yemeni allegiances
had changed. A programme of upgrades during the
1980s included a self defence aids suite and several of
the last aircraft built were modified with enlarged
leading edge extensions and the nose from the F-20
Tigershark with its improved aerodynamics. In 1995,
Northrop F-5 Tigre III of the Chilean Air Force. Chris seven Taiwanese F-5Es were modified to become
Lofting
photo-reconnaissance RF-5E Tigergazers with a
camera nose, the work carried out by Singapore
Technologies Aerospace (STAero). Export
restrictions on new radars from the US led to Taiwan
developing the Tiger 2000 project, covered later in
this magazine. From 1997, the AIDC F-CK-1, the F-
16 and the Mirage 2000 began replacing the F-5 in
Side view of a Northrop F-5 Tigre III of the Chilean Air Taiwanese service, many being placed in storage as a
Force. Keith Draycott reserve force, but a number of the F-5Fs and RF-5Es
were to continue in service until today.
Republic of China (Taiwan)
The Republic of China Air Force placed its first order
for 60 F-5As and Bs in 1963, the first tranche of
aircraft from a total requirement of 115 for the type.
The first F-5s were delivered in 1964, equipping three
squadrons of the 1st Wing at Tainan Air Base. In
1972, 48 Taiwanese F-5s and their associated spares
were transferred to the South Vietnamese Air Force in
return for the US stationing two squadrons of F-4
Phantoms in Taiwan to maintain air defence, and the
supply of 28 T-38s to Taiwan to maintain pilot
proficiency while the aircraft were deployed. Twenty
of the aircraft sent to Vietnam were returned in 1973,
along with 28 additional F-5Es supplied by Northrop
in 1975, at which time the F-4 squadrons and the A pair of Northrop RF-5E Tigergazers of the Republic of
T-38s returned to the US. The Aerospace Industrial China (Taiwan) Air Force on take off. Kim L Seung
Development Corporation of Taiwan (AIDC) also
began producing the F-5E and F under licence in Egypt
1974, delivering the first 100 F-5Es by November A deal for 42 F-5Es and eight F-5Fs purchased
1977. Altogether 242 F-5Es and 66 F-5Fs were from the US was brokered by Saudi Arabia for the
produced by the AIDC by December 1986, a figure Egyptian Air Force, and although training for air and
supplemented by the purchase of 45 F-5s from the US ground crew began at McClellan Air Force Base in
in 1979. These 39 F-5Es and six F-5Fs were fitted 1978, the contract was cancelled in 1979.
with wiring for the Hughes AGM-58A Maverick air
to ground missile and supplied with laser target
Ethiopia
Ten F-5As and two F-5Bs were delivered to the
Ethiopian Air Force in 1966, followed by an
additional four F-5As in 1971. Four more F-5As were
supplied from Iran in 1974, joined by eight F-5Es
from the US in 1975, for the first time with AIM-9B
Sidewinder missiles. These aircraft saw action against
the Somalian forces attempting to occupy the Ogaden
region from 1977 to 1978 claiming a number of air to
air kills while being flown by both Ethiopian and
Israeli pilots. In June 1985, between ten and fourteen
Ethiopian aircraft were purchased by Iran to support
their F-5 fleet in the face of a US arms embargo on
both countries. Many of the Northrop F-5As and Canadair NF-5As were
put out as airfield decoys by the Hellenic Air Force. Chris
Germany Lofting
The Luftwaffe use 35 USAF T-38Cs at their
training facility at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas,
where they provide crew training hours for German
F-4 Phantom, Tornado and Typhoon crews.
Greece
Training of Hellenic Air Force air and ground
crew on the F-5 and its systems began at Williams Air A side view of a Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter of the
Force Base in Arizona toward the end of 1964. Hellenic Air Force. Keith Draycott
Greece would be the first European nation to operate
the F-5, receiving 52 F-5As, 16 RF-5As and nine F- Honduras
5Bs with deliveries beginning in May 1965. One of Tensions between Honduras and Nicaragua during
the F-5As was an ex-USAF aircraft, otherwise they the 1980s prompted the Fuerza Aerea Hondureña
were all brand new. The F-5s were used for air (Honduran Air Force or FAH) to seek more modern
defence in July 1974 during the Cyprus crisis with fighters for air defence. A US arms embargo initially
Turkey. Twelve more F-5As were acquired from Iran blocked their acquisition of the F-5 and later the IAI
in 1974, along with two batches from Jordan, 13 F- Kfir C2, but when this was lifted in 1987 ten ex-
5As and 8 F-5Bs in 1983, then 13 more F-5As in USAF F-5Es and two F-5Fs were supplied with
1989. Norway supplied Greece with nine F-5As in spares and training for air and groundcrew. The F-5s
May 1986, followed by ten Canadair NF-5As and one supplemented the Honduran Dassault B.2 Super
NF-5B from the Netherlands in 1991. The Canadair Mystères in the fighter role until these were
built aircraft lacked a commonality of spares with the withdrawn in 1996. The F-5s were overhauled by
rest of the Greek F-5 fleet, so were withdrawn from Northrop at Palmdale in 1994, but given the return of
service by 1997. On 29 March 2001 the last F-5s were US arms restrictions to Honduras and after 1996 the
withdrawn from service with the disbandment of the aircraft were maintained with the assistance of Chile,
343rd Squadron at Mikra Air Base. but rumours of a transfer of aircraft between the two
countries are incorrect. The aircraft still maintain the
air defence of Honduras to this day.
Iran
The Imperial Iranian Air Force became the first
service outside the US to operate the F-5 when it
received its first eleven F-5As and two F-5Bs in
January 1965 from an order placed the previous year.
Altogether 107 F-5As, 13 RF-5As and 20 F-5Bs were
delivered by January 1971, although some sources
suggest as many as twenty RF-5As were supplied. In
1972, 32 of the F-5As were crated and sent to
Vietnam at the request of the US, in return for more
F-4E Phantoms being supplied to Iran. With the
advent of the F-5E, Iran ordered 141 F-5Es and 28 F-
5Fs in February and July 1972, replacing the F-5As as
A Northrop F-5F of the Fuerza Aerea Hondureña . Juan they were delivered from February 1974 onwards.
Carlos Cicalesi The Iranian F-5Es had Martin Baker ejection seats, an
inertial navigation system and a weapons aiming
Indonesia computer. Many of the F-5As were disposed of to
In April 1980 the first of twelve F-5Es and four F- other countries, four to Ethiopia, 12 to Greece, four to
5Fs were supplied to Indonesia to replace ex- Morocco and 30 F-5As and 6 F-5Bs to Jordan
Australian Air Force CA-27 Sabres. Eight F-5Es and between 1974 and 1975. Plans to replace the F-5E
four F-5Fs were upgraded with improved avionics with the F-16 and F-18 were halted by the Islamic
and radar by SABCA of Belgium from 1995 to Revolution of 1979. The Islamic Republic of Iran Air
increase their commonality with Indonesian F-16s Force continued to operate the reliable F-5, with an
and Hawk trainers and allow the aircraft to act as a estimated 45 still being serviceable by October 1985.
lead in fighter trainer for the F-16, the first modified The type was used extensively in the Iran-Iraq War
aircraft being delivered in 1999. Although the F-16 is of 1980 to 1988 as a fighter and ground attack
in service there are plans to increase the F-5 fleet. In aircraft. Spares were obtained from sources abroad
March 2012 it was announced that both Korea and and from cannibalised airframes, before the Iranian
Taiwan have offered additional F-5s to Indonesia and aircraft industry developed the capability to produce
their current aircraft have sufficient hours to remain parts themselves, claiming to be able to build 55% of
in service until at least 2020. the aircraft in 1995. Between ten and fourteen F-5s
were purchased from Ethiopia in June 1985, but the
aircraft were in a poor condition having been stored in
the open. It is estimated that five units operate the F-
5A, E and F today. Unknown numbers of HESA
Azarakhsh and Saeqeh fighters and the HESA
Simorgh trainer derived from the F-5 design have
been built, probably in small numbers.
Two Northrop F-5Es and an F-5F of the Indonesian Air

Force sit next to the demonstrator of the RF-5E on the
ramp at Palmdale. Northrop
The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force still operate the
Northrop F-5E, seen here coming in to land. Khashayar Northrop F-5E and F-5F of the Royal Jordanian Air Force.
Talebzadeh RJAF
Kenya
The first order for F-5s was placed by Kenya in
1975 for ten ex-Iranian aircraft, but this did not go
ahead. The following year the US agreed to sell ten F-
5Es and two F-5Fs and deliveries began in March
1978. Two more F-5Es were supplied in 1982 to
A side view of a Northrop F-5E of the Islamic Republic of replace losses. Pilots were trained in the US, taking
Iran Air Force. Keith Draycott part in reconnaissance operations over Somalia in
1996. Financial problems affected the maintenance of
Jordan
the aircraft until a team of US engineers were sent to
In 1973 the US agreed to the transfer of 30 F-5As
Kenya in 2007 to improve the support infrastructure
and four F-5Bs from Iran to the Royal Jordanian Air
for the type. 10 F-5Es, three F-5EMs and two F-5Fs
Force in two tranches between December 1974 and
which were sold to Kenya by Jordan in 2008, fitted
September 1975. Two more F-5Bs were also ordered
with new avionics and communications equipment
from Northrop in 1973. That same year, it was agreed
from Rockwell Collins. From October 16 2011,
to supply Jordan with the first of 61 F-5Es and 12 F-
Kenyan F-5Es supported ground forces fighting in
5Fs which were delivered from Northrop between
Somalia gainst Al-Shabab terrorists and remain in
1975 and 1979 replacing the F-104 in service. In
service today.
January 1989 the first Jordanian F-5E upgraded by
Smiths Industries in the UK was delivered, with a
new head up display, inertial navigation and targeting
system, weapon aiming computer and radar warning
receivers were fitted, and the Selenia ALQ-234 ECM
pod could be carried. In this guise, the aircraft was
known as the F-5EM, four of which were part of the
package of aircraft sold to Brazil in 2007 along with
four F-5Es and three F-5Fs. In 1993, it was decided to
reduce the Jordanian fleet in order to allow and
upgrade of 23 F-5Es with a new radar. To fund this,
four F-5Es were to be sold to Indonesia, but this was
vetoed by the US. Seven F-5Es were sold to
Singapore in 1994, followed by 10 F-5Es, three F- A Northrop F-5E of the Kenyan Air Force. These aircraft
5EMs and two F-5Fs which were sold to Kenya with have seen action over Somalia against the Al-Shabab
spares and maintenance and training support in 2008. terrorists. USAF
Republic of Korea
By far the largest user of the F-5, the first batch of
aircraft for Korea came under the Military Assistance
Programme (MAP), when 88 F-5As and 20 F-5Bs
were delivered between 1965 and 1972. Aside from
these, a further 16 F-5Bs were purchased directly
from Northrop, followed in 1971 by eight RF-5A A side view of a Northrop F-=5E of the Republic of Korea
reconnaissance aircraft. As with other countries, in Air Force. Keith Draycott
1972 the US requested the transfer of 48 F-5As to
Vietnam, the loaned aircraft to be replaced by F-5Es. Libya
This was changed by Korea to sending 36 F-5As to In May 1967, the Royal Libyan Air Force
Vietnam in exchange for the lease of 18 F-4D reached agreement with the US for the purchase of
Phantoms. Korea decided on an expansion of its Air eight F-5As and two F-5Bs. These were all delivered
Force, with the first of 126 F-5Es and 20 F-5Fs being by 1969 when a coup established the Libyan Arab
delivered on August 27 1974. Of the F-5As sent to Republic on September 1.The withdrawal of US
Vietnam, 19 were returned in 1975, but by 1989 all support for the aircraft meant the Greek Air Force
the early F-5s had been replaced in service by the took over training and maintenance support, but a
newer models, three of the F-5As being sold to the lack of spares limited the aircraft in Libyan service
Philippines Air Force. In 1979 the Hanjin and they were quickly replaced by Mirage IIIs. In
Corporation, a division of Korean Air Lines, was 1975, five F-5As and two F-5Bs were transferred to
ready to begin building aircraft under licence. The F-5 the Turkish Air Force, only one F-5A remaining in
was chosen and 48 KF-5Es and 20 KF-5Fs were Libya in a dump at Oki Ben Nafi Air Base.
ordered, the first KF-5F flying on September 9 1982.
In August 2007, the last F-5As and Bs were retired,
the F-5E and F fleet, having undergone a series of
avionics and systems upgrades over their service life,
are likely to remain with the Korean Air Force for
some time. In 2010 174 were still operational, some
having been replaced by the KAI F/A-50, F-15K and
KF-16. In addition to the F-5 models, in April 1999,
Korea leased 30 T-38A trainers which were returned
to the US in 2009 with the introduction of the KAI
T-50 Golden Eagle.
The only known remaining Libyan F-5A is this one in the

dump at Oki Ben Nafi Air Base. Chris Lofting
To be continued
A Northrop F-5F of the Republic of Korea Air Force uses

its drag chute on landing. USAF
Exotic Birds 5
Greg Kozak
Kurdish Peshmerga EC-135. The Kurds in Iraq have gained a greater

level of autonomy in the wake of developments in the Middle East. One
manifestation of this is expansion of the Peshmerga, the armed forces of Syrian Navy Mi-14. This shabby Syrian Navy Mi-14 wears rough, hand-
the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan. The Peshmerga includes an air painted insignia. I am not at all certain if I would board it! The segmented
component, one of whose EC-135s is pictured here. Note the Peshmerga fuselage roundel is of particular interest. The roundel appears non-
fin flash, whose colors reflect those of the Kurdish flag. Image from standard, but I am not sure of this. I have seen pictures of one other Syrian
http://defence-blog.com. Navy helicopter, a Ka-25, sporting a similar roundel. Image from the
Finnish Aviation Photography Association via Teemu Tuuri, at www.fap.fi.
Small Air Forces Observer Vol.34, No.3 (135) January 2011

Georgian L-39 with Cross. This is admittedly a strange and mysterious L-
39. I am not certain about its origin, but I conjecture that it is a Georgian Ethiopian Army Air Wing Twin Otter. The Ethiopian Army Air Wing has
example, due to the color and configuration of the cross on the fuselage. It operated several DHC Twin Otters. This plain example is marked with the
appears to be parked at a maintenance depot alongside several other L- current, and quite complex, Ethiopian Armed Forces roundel. The roundel
39s, including one Russian, and at least two Ukrainian, examples. If and the identification number above it on the fin are the only markings on
anybody can offer further clarification and identification regarding this this aircraft. Note the light gray and sand wrap-around camouflage,
unusual aircraft, please do! Image from unknown internet source. barely discernable from this vantage point. Image from unknown
internet source.
99
100
Seychelles Twin Otter. This Twin Otter of the Seychelles Peoples
Defence Forces features the new national flag, adopted in 1996, on the Namibia Mi-24. This uncommon and very clear image shows one of two
outsides of its engine nacelles. Earlier Seychelles aircraft were marked Mi-24s in Namibian service. No identification markings, such as aircraft
with a red-white-green roundel and accompanying fin flash, echoing the number or serial number, are present. Of interest is the Namibian Armed
layout and colors of the prior national flag. The Seychelles Peoples Forces badge, on the middle of the fuselage, to the front of the national flag
Defence Forces badge is worn on the fin. Image from www.lietadla.com on the tail boom. The Namibian Armed Forces badge is equally as
complex as the Ethiopian Army Air Wing roundel! Image from unknown
internet source.
Malawi Do-28s. Quite a rare photo, this picture of a pair of Do-28s from
Khmer Rouge Shenyang J-6. The Khmer Rouge used a number of Malawi shows the color scheme these aircraft inherited from their service in
Shenyang J-6s, Chinese copies of the MiG-19, during their savage and the German air force. The alternate Malawi air force insignia is also
murderous reign of terror in Cambodia. This image clearly shows the evident, in place of the usual and more common black-red-green disk
arrangement of the red and yellow insignia on the aircraft. Note the raked roundel seen on their C-47s and Ecureuils. Note that the insignia is worn
nature of the fin flash, which also partially extends onto the rudder. It is on both top-wing positions. Photographic evidence indicates that the
unclear from this photo, and from other photographic evidence as well, bottom wings are marked with the aircraft identification number in white,
whether the wing insignia are also of similar configuration, or are instead mirroring that on the bottom of the fin. The Do-28s were numbered serially
rectangular in form. Image from unknown internet source. from 01-MAAW through 08-MAAW. Image from unknown internet source.
Small Air Forces Observer Vol.34, No. 3 (135) January 2011

-books-books-books-books-books-books-books-books-books-books-books-books-books-
entire wing. front.
“After a small number of planes had Italy (27,59,5) Italy license built some
been delivered, a new set of tapering 330 improved C.5 as the Ro.1. These
wings was released. These were called served in Libya, Somalia, and Eritrea.
variants D and E. These variants were an They played a major role in the
outright success, with planes delivered to occupation of Abyssinia.
a large number of foreign countries, as Japan (4,8,1) Japan acquired two C.5 for
well as the Netherlands' own air forces.
trials. One of these was sold to a
Licenses were sold to a number of clients
Japanese newspaper company.
too. In March 1933, a final variant of the
C.5E was released, called the C.5 ‘New Norway (24,40,3) Norway’s order for 5
Generation’. It featured aerodynamic C.5E was followed by a license to build
refinements and a more powerful engine. improved versions. When Germany
“During a period of eleven years, invaded Norway there were still 42 C.5 in
Fokker built 187 machines, of which 68 the inventory. Four C.5 escaped to
were for foreign countries. Another 723 Sweden and two escaped to Finland.
aircraft were built under license, although Romania (2,3,0) A C.5E was
in some cases, figures are a bit sketchy.” demonstrated in Romania, but no orders
Fokker C.5 Volume II: Export,, by The Fokker C.5 in it various versions were forthcoming.
Edwin Hoogschagen. 256 pages. 22 mm was sold and/or license manufactured in Soviet Union (2,2,0) Two C.5 were sold
by 280 mm, hard bound. In Dutch with 14 countries, all of which are covered in to Russia, but no orders were
English captions and summery at end of this book in great detail. The following forthcoming.
each chapter, Published by Lanasta, summary of the summaries lists the USA (4,10,1) A Fokker C.5, known as
Slenerbrink 206, 7812 HJ Emmen, contents of each chapter by (pages, the Atlantic Aircraft Corporation A1 was
Netherlands. www.lanasta.com. photos, color profiles): tested at McCook Field in 1926, but
info@lanasta.com. €37.95. Bolivia (8,8,1) In 1925 Bolivia ordered 5 found unacceptable. Two license-built
I’ve taken the liberty of quoting from C.5C. Considerable difficulties were aircraft served with US embassy in Italy
the Introduction (with minor changes): encountered because of the high altitude during 1928-1934.
“After World War I Fokker moved and poor airfields, but one of the Sweden (26,56,5) Sweden was another
his company to the Netherlands, and remaining aircraft shot down a
continued to develop and produce big user of the C.5. In Sweden they were
Paraguayan Potez 25 during the Gran known as the S.6 (Reconnaissance) and
military aircraft. The C.5 made its debut Chaco conflict. (See SAFO #137)).
in early 1924. J.3 (two-seat fighter). One of these planes
China (4,5,1) One C.5E arrived in crashed during an attempt to rescue the
“In its first incarnation, the C.5 was
Manchuria before the Japanese conquest. stranded crew of the airship Italia which
based on a strengthened and modified
Denmark (28,63,5) Five C.5B were crashed during an expedition to the North
C.4 fuselage, fitted with a Liberty engine
ordered in 1926. Two of these made a Pole.
of 420hp. An even more refined
prototype, with redesigned, 20cm historic flight from Copenhagen to Tokyo Switzerland (17,40,4). After trials with
narrower fuselage and improved cockpits and back. License-built versions served several C.5 variants, the Swiss obtained a
for both pilot and observer, was quickly until the German invasion. license to build the .5. Production lasted
built to meet wishes of the Dutch army Estonia (6,7,1) The C.5 never flew in from 1926 to 1934. In all 63 C.5 were
air force. Several sets of wings with Estonian insignia, but ex-Danish used by the Swiss Air Force. From 1937
different span could be used and various machines in Luftwaffe insignia were used onward they were replaced by EKW C-
engines could be installed by Estonian pilots against the Soviets in 35. When WW2 started three Swiss units
“The C.5 was constructed following WW2. were equipped with 9 machines each. The
the typical Fokker techniques; a welded Finland (19,40,4) Finland made final flight of a Swiss C.5 took place in
steel tubular frame formed the base for considerable use of the C.5 during the 1958.
the fuselage, to which the lower wing Winter War and the Continuation War. The Fokker C.5 is an historically
was bolted. The horizontal and vertical Hungary (24,49,5) The clandestine important aircraft that served through the
tail planes were made from tubular Hungarian AF used armed C.5 as interwar period, into WW2, and beyond.
frames as well. The top wing rested on “airmail carriers”. An improved version In Lanasta’s new book it finally gets the
cabane struts and N struts connected the
was built in Hungary as the WM.16 attention it deserves. Too bad the makers
wings with each other. The wings were
Budapest, which was soon replaced by a of plastic kits have not caught on to its
made from wood, partly covered with
further C.5 development - the WM.21 importance. This book is available
ply. Linen (sic) was applied over the
Solyom which saw action on the Russian directly from the publisher.
fulfilling their military service, I had been remaining chapters are a feast for the
allowed to interview some of them, enthusiast.
permission which was quite unusual for a The next three chapters (150 pages)
foreigner in the first half of the 1990s. deliver on the promise of the title, Silver
Nevertheless compiling the material for Swallows and Blue BanditsI. Combat
the book proved a difficult and actions of MiG-17, MiG-19, and MiG-21
exhaustive task. are discussed in great detail including
“The turn of the century and of the “engagement maps” with an area map
millennium has brought significant showing the tracks of the incoming
changes in the historical accounts of the enemy formations and of the intercepting
Vietnamese air force, as more force, the ensuing combat, and the track
publications appeared within the of the retiring enemy force.
Vietnamese army about the history of air This is followed by two short
units, victories and losses in the air war. chapters: “Group Z” - North Korea’s
The maps of several air battles were contribution to the air war, and “Airfields
available in museums and books. The and Maintenance”.
Vietnamese pilots had retired and talked All this informative is worth the
more openly about the events of the air price of the book, but for those desiring
war. There will always be differences in more unusual information, the best is yet
Silver Swallows and Blue Bandits: Air
describing the dogfights between the to come in a chapter titled “Bombers”.
Battles over North Vietnam 1964-1975,
Americans and the Vietnamese, but close Each subsections contains a detailed
by Istvan Toperczer. 256 A4 pages
knowledge of these dogfights from both description from preparation to return to
hardbound. Entirely in English. 340
perspectives definitely takes us closer to base, engagement map, and a color
photos, 33 color profiles, and 40
reality.” profile of one of the participating aircraft.
engagement maps. Published by
Now for my comments: As I was “The Old Lady’s tour in Laos” On
Artipresse/frrom. 48 euros plus postage.
reading the first chapter, I became 12 January, 1968, four An-2 biplanes
E-mail: artipresse@yahoo.
confused about the organization of the attacked the US TACAN center in Laos.
The genesis of this amazing book is
book. It starts with the first balloon and Two of the An-2 were lost when they
best explained by the author’s Forward:
heavier-than-air flights in Vietnam, goes collided after the attack.
“In the two decades that have passed
on to discuss the aircraft of the last “Smoke on the Water” On 19 April
since the end of the air war in Vietnam a
Emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, Bao 1972, off the coast of Vietnam, two MiG-
great number of books have been
Dai – a DH 82 Tiger Moth that is 17F bombed the USS Oklahoma City and
published, which focused mainly on the
illustrated with a color profile - overall USS Higbee seriously damaging the
American side of the conflict. As such,
yellow with a yellow 5-pointed star on a latter.
the history of the North-Vietnamese
red disc. Then suddenly I was reading “Cave Canem: North Vietnamese
pilots and planes did not receive proper
about Vietnam pilots training in Russia Beagles.” On 9 October, two Il-28,
publicity outside Vietnam. This is why I
on MiGs. escorted by two MiG-21, attacked the
had decided to travel there and collect
Then, the last section of the first LS32 base in Laos,
written and photo archives, and
chapter describes the first victory by the “War-loaned aircraft over Saigon”
meanwhile meet pilots from ‘the other
Vietnamese People’s Air Force (VPAF). On 8 April 1975, an ex SVAF F-5E was
side’.
A pilot of the Royal Lao Air Force T-28 used to attack the Presidential Palace in
“By the time of my arrival, more
defected to North Vietnam in 1963 and Saigon., and on 28 April 1975, an ex-
than ten years had passed since the
his aircraft was incorporated into the SVAF A-37B attacked Tan Son Nhut
introduction of the “doi moi”, the
VPAF. On 15 February 1964, Nguyen AB.
Vietnamese glasnost, as a result of which
Van Ba, flying this ex-Lao T-28 shot This is an excellent book that
I could collect a large amount of data,
down a SVAF C-123 over the Lao contains much new information about the
and the museums could also cater for my
border. A color profile of this T-28 is North Vietnamese Air Force, well-
endless hunger for information. Several
included.. reproduce photos (both color and b&w),
books presenting the Vietnamese army
This brief summary of the first and fantastic color profiles. It is highly
had been published and the captions of
chapter reveals the organization of the recommended for both the history
photos exhibited in the museums helped
remaining part of the book - a series of enthusiast and the modeler looking for
me collect data about air battles. The
standalone chapters covering separate unusual color schemes for his next
small information plates placed near the
aspect of the air war over Vietnam. It project. It is available directly from the
planes exhibited in the museum yards
also highlights the main weakness of the publisher. However, be prepared to spend
provided additional information about the
book – you’re on your own to fill in the a lot of time on the Internet putting the
air events. Although some of the pilots
historic background. This said, the engagements into historical content.
engaged in the air war had been still
“The Syrian Campaign” 5 pages, 4 purchases to replenish their ranks, each
photos, and a color 3-view. aiming to reach a quantitative - as well as
“With the Aeronavale”4 pages, 6 qualitative - edge over the other.”
photos, and a color 3-view. The text begins with a description of
“In Allied colors” 3 pages, 2 photos Peruvian military aviation at the
(Free French), and a color 3-view (US). beginning of the conflict - 7 Vought
“Under Axis colours” 4 pages, 5 O2U-1E, 3 Douglas DT-2B, 5 Stearman
photos, and a color 3-view. C-3R, and such little-known types as the
The LeO45 was an attractive Keystone K-55 and Hamilton H-45.
airplane that saw considerable action Colombia was in even worse shape with
during WW2 in France, North Africa, 1 Curtiss D-12 Falcon, 8 Wild WT34D,
and Syria. Entirely in English and at and 3 Curtiss J-2 Fledging. During the
about $19 (with postage) it’s a real conflict, both sides increased their
bargain. inventory with commandeered civil
aircraft and major purchases from Curtiss
(Hawk II), Douglas (O-38), and Vought
(Corsair).
The main body of the text is a
“Chronology of CAP operations in the
Lioré et Olivier LeO 45, by José Putumayo theater”. This section is
Fernandez and Patrick Laureau. French highlighted with vivid descriptions of
Wings #4. 80 A4 pages. 125 photos. 38 aerial combat between Colombian float-
color profiles. Softbound. Entirely in equipped Hawk II and similarly equipped
English. Published by Stratus/Frrom. Peruvian O-38. An excellent map
www.artipresse.com. 15€ plus postage – illustrates the disputed area at he
3€ in Europe, 4€ rest of the world. headwaters of the Amazon River. A final
Between the wars, the French section “Peruvian military aviation
aviation industry was notorious for rearmament and re-equipment” describes
producing ugly bombers, but all this the of many more exotic types such as the
changed in the thirties when some of the Ca.111, C.114, NiD123, Potez 390, &
most aesthetically pleasing bomber Fairey Fox.
design began emerging for French The book is illustrated with 140
drawing boards. Among these attractive photos of aircraft of both sides including
designs was the Liore et Oliver Le45. many civilian types seldom seen in
This book provides a detailed Peruvian Aviation Corps Operations military markings. The more familiar
description of the development and during the Putumayo Campaigb types are also illustrated by 20 color
service use of the LeO45. A list of the September 1932 – May 1933, by Amaru profiles: Colombia: Ju 52/3m (2); Curtiss
main chapters will give an idea of the Tincopa Gallegos. 60 A4 pages. Cyclone Falcon (4); Curtiss Hawk II; &
breath of coverage and the extent of the Softbound. 140 photos. 20 color profiles. Curtiss BT-32 Condor. Peru: Douglas O-
illustrative content: Entirely in English. Published by 38P, Curtiss Hawk II (2); Vought O2U-
“Birth of the LeO45” 15 pages with Artipresse. www.artipresse.com. 18€ plus 1E Corsair (4); Potez 391; Curtiss
a myriad of photos and technical postage - 3€ Europe, 4€ rest of world. Cyclone Falcon; & Fairey Seal (2).
drawings. The story of this little-known This book is highly recommended to
“Service entry during the Phoney conflict is summarized in the artipresse both the military historian who will enjoy
War” 4 pages and 5 photos. website: the description of conducting a military
“First missions and the birth of “Over the green vastness of the campaign in the most inhospitable terrain
Group 6’ 7 pages, and 19 photos. South American jungle, Colombian and imaginable. The aviation enthusiast will
“The terrible months of May and Peruvian Air Forces carried out enjoy the photos of familiar aircraft on
June 1940” 19 pages, 19 photos, 10 color numerous fighter, bombing, floats and little-known aircraft in military
profiles, 2 color 2-views, and a color 3- reconnaissance and transport missions in markings. The modeler will find
view. support of their respective ground and inspiration in the Hawk II on floats in
“The Vichy period” 10 pages, 14 river based forces, …suffering numerous Peruvian and Colombian markings.
photos, 2 color profiles, and a color 3- losses in the process, mostly because of The book is available from the
view. the extremely difficult operational publisher, and in English and at about
“Operation Torch” 3 pages and 3 conditions imposed by the theatre of $18 (including postage) it’s a real
photos. operations itself. Facing the prospect of bargain.
losing overall air superiority due to rising
attrition, both forces made substantial
The Bush War fought after the Greeks in Foreign Cockpits: The life
Universal Declaration of Independence is and the career of Hellenic parentage
well covered leading up to the final end fighter pilots in service with the USAAF
of Rhodesia. and the RAF. 1940-1945, by Demetrios
This review is only a basic preview Vassilopoulos, Kyriakos Paloulian, and
as frankly I haven't found the time to read George Chalkiadopoulos. Hardcover: 330
the deeply researched text which includes pages (A4 Format). 435 photos with
where possible personal memories, bilingual captions (Greek/English), 48
official documents lists of aircrew. color profiles, 11 digital paintings, 4
There is an excellent and paintings, Victories tables. Published by
comprehensive index - longer than some Eagle Aviation (July 2014). ISBN-13:
books I've seen! 978-6188137608.
There are several criticisms The combat history of the Royal
Although there is a plethora of excellent Hellenic Air Force during WWII is not so
maps and many photographs from all well known as that of the other branches
theatres of operations, the photographs like the Greek Army and Navy. The
are reproduced several to a page making stories of the many Greek parentage
them difficult to interpret from the background pilots that served with the
modellers point of view. To add a further Allied Air Forces, RAF and USAAF
Pride Of Eagles, by Beryl Salt. criticism there are no lists of aircraft remains completely undocumented albeit
Paperback 6 inches by 9 inches (155 mm serials and tie ups. This doesn't bother me a few exceptions. This book documents
by 230 mm). 760 pages. Published by personally, but there are those who will for the first time in Greek bibliography
Helion. UK price £45.00 feel this a problem. the service record of ten fighter pilots
This is the history of the Rhodesian Beryl Salt went to Rhodesia in 1952 who honored not only the country that
Air Force from the pioneering flights of where she worked as a broadcaster and they were born at, but also the birthplace
the 1920s to 1980 when Southern journalist and had several books on her of their ancestors, retaining full
Rhodesia became Zimbabwe. new country published. She worked for knowledge of their Greek background.
There are 47 chapters which include several years with the Ministry of The authors aim that this first volume is
references to every theatre of war in Information and became a freelance only the beginning of what would
World War 2 involving Rhodesians: East writer until she left Rhodesia in 1980 become a complete roll of honor, of all
Africa, North Africa, and the returning eventually to the UK where she the heroes that remain unlisted from the
Mediterranean Theatres plus various died in 2001 aged 70. modern history of Greece. Hopefully the
activities in the UK. Rhodesian airmen My criticisms aside, this looks to be service of these pilots would inspire the
and squadrons were everywhere. an excellent guide to Rhodesian aviation younger generations, and especially all
Not forgotten is the vast amount of and even at the price it seems a bargain the current and future Hellenic Air Force
Air Training carried out in Rhodesia and it will probably be the only game in pilots.
during and after the war when the town for a long time.
Southern Rhodesian Air Force was Malcolm Barratt (#1716), UK.
formed as a citizens air force.
-letters-letters-letters-letters-letters-letters-letters-letters-letters-letters-letters-letters-
“SAFO 154 came to the top rather 1966. I was not aware of a second 337 version of the F4B-4 except that the
quicker than usual, and I wanted to get noted on page 70, as TTDF-1 was flotation gear, arresting gear and radio
off a few comments to you while the iron formerly N5341S! Thus, I am pretty sure mast were removed. There were also
was hot. there was only one. TTDF-1 apparently some other differences. Brazil also
“In Greg Kozak's ‘Exotic Birds 4’, had two (or three?) color national color acquired nine Boeing Model 267, which
the Guyana Defence Force U-10A did bands on the extremities of each upper were definitely not ‘P-12E’. The 256 of
not, unfortunately, have any US military wing, assumed to have been blue, white what was essentially a Model 235 (F4B-
connection whatsoever, and was not a U- and red, like the rudder stripes. 3) fuselage and landing gear and Model
10A. Guyana acquired three commercial “On page 69, I was dismayed to see 234 (P-12E) type wings. They were also
H.295s between April and October 1967 the announcement of the Antarqui Decals substantially lighter than the 256, which
and the last of these served until about for Brazilian Boeing ‘P-12E & F4B-4.’ were regarded by the Brazilians as too
January 1983. This is of course totally incorrect. Brazil heavy. There were some other differences
“Captain Jorge Delgado's fine acquired a total of 14 Boeing Model as well.”
drawing of the single Trinidad and 256's (nine for the Army and six for the Dan Hagedorn (#394), USA.
Tobago Cessna on page 66 shows the Navy) and the actual Boeing specification
single Model 337A acquired in June stated that ‘this model was the export
-letters-letters-letters-letters-letters-letters-letters-letters-letters-letters-letters-letters-
“As usual, #154 was another outstanding edition of SAFO. I “Also enclosed is a photo of Trinidad and Tobago Defence
found the answer to Malcom Barratt's question about the Force’s Cessna 337 that was the subject of Jorge Delgado’s
Indonesian aircraft. It is the prototype of the LIPNUR NU-200 drawing in SAFO #154. Coded TTDF-1, it was in service from
Sikumbang, the second powered aircraft in the Republic of 1966 to 1972. Note the TTDF badge on the nose, and the red-
Indonesia. It was apparently intended as a general purpose close- white-black rudder striping. Both the upper and lower wings
support aircraft, but it was never put into production. See also feature the same striping, chord-wise at the wing tips.
attached image from aviadejavu.ru, and more info at well: Image from unknown internet source.
http://aviadejavu.ru/Site/Crafts/Craft31401.htm.” Greg Kozak (#1599), USA.
“In SAFO No. 153 (July, 2015), Greg Kozak's ‘Exotic “(A.) Old flag references show the Royal Flag as a red
Birds’ presented an unusual Ilyushin Il-14 (NATO code-name horizontal rectangle displaying a rampant lion holding a flagstaff
‘Crate’) in Nepal. From the rather unclear markings, it seemed to or lance with a rectangular flag. In the upper corners are a
be the King of Nepal's personal aircraft. Further digging crescent moon and a stylized sun featuring a face. All these
confirmed that supposition, as shown by the rough sketches elements are in white with red or black line details. (An earlier
below. version had these same elements on a vertical rectangle.) Oddly,
though the lion faces left in the design, the ‘Crate’ photo seems
to show it facing right, toward the trailing edge of the fin. An
explanation may be shown on the Royal Arms, which here
appears enclosed in a roundel on the nose.
“(B.) The Royal Arms, which is almost as complicated as
the National Arms, has the King's Crown, plumed, above
crossed kukris and a lance-point, above the intertwined
“The Soviet Russian Government presented this aircraft to monogram of the King's full name, "M.B.B.S.D." (in roman
King Mahendra (reigned 1956-1972) at a time when Nepal had letters, not in Nepalese alphabet), above a crescent moon, above
no military air arm, to form the Royal Flight, which was mountain ranges, above a scroll, all with further small elements
subsequently supplemented by two Scottish Aviation Twin scattered throughout. This is flanked by two tridents, each flying
Pioneers. The King's ‘Crate’ was coded 9N-RF1 (in red) on the the Royal Flag in opposite directions. A close examination
fin above the Royal Flag or Standard and carried the Royal Arms shows the lion facing left on the left one and right on the right
on the nose. (The Twin Pioneers bore the ordinary double- one. On the Il-14M tail the port side has the lion similarly facing
triangle national flag of Nepal, as did all the Royal Nepal right, and we may thus assume that it is facing left on the
Airlines planes since 1958 founding. The Royal Nepalese Army starboard side, as the flag is officially depicted.
Air Wing didn't receive its first aircraft until 1971). “One reference dates the Royal Flag as in use from 1960 to
2008. I'm guessing the photo shown by Greg was taken around
1966. The Royal Flight had added more aircraft, fixed-wing and
rotary, with the 9N-RF... numbers going up to at least 10 (a C-
47). With the end of the monarchy, the unit became the VIP
Flight.”
Ted Koppel (#118) USA.
Planes at the Escuela de Aviación Militar after 1944. They
were the main basic trainers until they were replaced by
the Percival Prentice. LV-YZM at Coventry on 20 August 1955 when Santiago
Germanó took the plane to the Lockheed International
Aerobatic Competition of the British National Air Races at
Bagington. Archive RAScholefield
Ee-126 received serial in 1944, but in 1945 it was

assigned the civil serial LV-XDY. However, it remained at
the Escuela de Aviación Militar until 1950. Archive One of the Fw-44J operated by the Argentine Navy.
Dirección de Estudios Históricos de la Fuerza Aérea Archive Instituto Aeronaval. destroyed in an accident on
Argentina. 1962 and rebuilt. Photo Santiago Rivas.
LV-UCC, which received its civil serial in 1938. It was later

After being rebuilt, c/n 29 was transferred to the Dirección transferred to the Military Aviation and became Ee-36. In
General de Aeronáutica Civil in late 1944, before the 1944, it returned to civil status and in 1945 became LV-
Ministerio de Aeronáutica and the Argentine Air Force XDG. Finally in 1953 was re-serialled LV-YZR. Archive
were created in January 1945. It’s equipped with a Warner Francisco Halbritter.
Super Scarab engine. Archive Santiago Rivas.
LV-YZW, property of the Dirección General de Aeronáutica
Civil and delivered to the Aeroclub Bariloche in 1953. It’s
the former Ee-128 of the Argentina Army Aviation and Air
Force (since 1945). Archive Francisco Halbritter. LV-YZN in 2006. Photo Santiago Rivas.
Ee-182 is now preserved at the Museo Nacional de

Aeronáutica with the fake serial Ee-122. Still in flyable LV-YZN in 2006. Photo Santiago Rivas.
conditions, it has not been flown since the nineties. Photo
Revista Aeroespacio.
LV-YZN today. The plane was delivered to the Argentine

Army Aviation. Assigned to BAM Coronel Pringles and in
LV-YZN in 2006 at Buenos Aires Domestic Airport for the 1943 to the Escuela de Pilotos Militares at the same base,
centenary of the first flight of an Argentine balloon. The but it was stored. It was transferred to the Escuela de
plane is still in flying condition. Photo Santiago Rivas Aviación Militar in 1945 and to the Dirección de
Aeronáutica Civil in 1947, re-serialled LV-YZN. It was

Safo 155

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Safo 155

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Safo 155

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

What types of aircraft are discussed in the document?

What types of aircraft are discussed in the document?

What organizations are mentioned in relation to the aircraft?

What organizations are mentioned in relation to the aircraft?

small vol. 39 no.

NKPAF “Group Z” in the Vietnam War

vol. 39 no. 3 (155) January 2016

A line of Fw-44J ready for delivery to the Argentine Army

Fw-44J c/n 04 with serial 24 at the Escuela de Aviación

A factory fresh Fw-44J flies over the Fábrica Militar de

Fw-44J serialled 21 during its early days of service.

Argentine Fw 44J Stieglitz. See article beginning on page 77.

CONTENTS Order, by. a check in US dollars, COPYRIGHT: Copyright ©

Photos begin on page 74 and continue on pages 82.

The plane with c/n 41 was modified as a single seater, with

LV-ZAS after 1953. The plane was the former Ee-159. It

“Fight in the Vietnamese skies as if they are your own.”

Northrop F-5E of the Brazilian Air Force. Keith Draycott

Two Northrop F-5Es and an F-5F of the Indonesian Air

The only known remaining Libyan F-5A is this one in the

A Northrop F-5F of the Republic of Korea Air Force uses

Kurdish Peshmerga EC-135. The Kurds in Iraq have gained a greater

Small Air Forces Observer Vol.34, No.3 (135) January 2011

Small Air Forces Observer Vol.34, No. 3 (135) January 2011

Ee-126 received serial in 1944, but in 1945 it was

LV-UCC, which received its civil serial in 1938. It was later

Ee-182 is now preserved at the Museo Nacional de

LV-YZN today. The plane was delivered to the Argentine

You might also like