A maritime patrol aircraft ( MPA ), also known as a patrol aircraft , maritime reconnaissance aircraft , maritime surveillance aircraft , or by the older American term patrol bomber , is a fixed-wing aircraft designed to operate for long durations over water in maritime patrol roles — in particular anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-ship warfare (AShW), and search and rescue (SAR).
138-518: The BAE Systems Nimrod MRA4 was a planned maritime patrol and attack aircraft intended to replace the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod MR2 . The rebuilt aircraft would have extended the operating life of the Nimrod fleet by several decades and significantly improved the aircraft by installing more efficient Rolls-Royce BR700 turbofan jet engines to almost double the flight range . The conversion of
276-473: A 90-day interval to fully revise their bid. In July 1996, it was announced that the £2 billion contract had been awarded to British Aerospace to produce the Nimrod 2000. By the time of formal contract award in December the aircraft had received the designation Nimrod MRA4 . The Nimrod MRA4 was to be produced as essentially a new aircraft. Significant changes were involved in the remanufacturing process, including
414-552: A Green, Red, Lemon, Yellow and Blue roundel in December 1921. These colours remained until 1927 when they were replaced with the Orange, White and Blue roundels. The first operational deployment of the newly formed Air Force was to quell internal dissent, when in 1922 a miner's strike on the Johannesburg gold mines turned violent and led to the declaration of martial law. 1 Squadron was called to fly reconnaissance missions and to bombard
552-628: A MPA variant of the Dassault Falcon 900 corporate jet instead. Japan has developed multiple purpose-designed MPAs during this period. The Shin Meiwa PS-1 flying boat was designed to meet a Japanese requirement for a new ASW platform. A modernised derivative of the PS-1, the ShinMaywa US-2 amphibian, was introduced during the early twenty-first century to succeed the PS-1. The land-based Kawasaki P-1
690-629: A blue uniform, to replace the army khaki it had previously worn. The SAAF loaned aircraft and flew occasional covert reconnaissance, transport and combat sorties in support of the Royal Rhodesian Air Force (RRAF; renamed in 1970 as the Rhodesian Air Force (RhAF)) and the rest of the Rhodesian Security Forces from 1966 onwards. Notable operations included Operation Uric and Operation Vanity in 1979. From 1966 to 1989,
828-478: A common standard, with newly built wings. The numbers of aircraft to be procured fell from twenty-one to nine over a course of years, while costs continued to climb. The MRA4 was ultimately cancelled in 2010 as a result of the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR), at which point it was £789 million over-budget and over nine years late. No direct replacement was under development at that stage, with
966-653: A development contract with Thomson-CSF for a mobile, all-weather, low-altitude SAM system after a South African order for the Bloodhound SAM system was refused by the UK government. This became the Crotale , or 'Cactus' in South African service. The South African government paid 85 per cent of the development costs of the system with the balance being paid for by France. The system was in service with 120 Squadron SAAF from 1970 until
1104-425: A large-scale submarine attack is a remote one, and many of the air forces and navies have been downsizing their fleets of patrol planes. Those still in service are still used for search-and-rescue, counter-smuggling, anti piracy , antipoaching of marine life, the enforcement of the exclusive economic zones , and enforcement of the laws of the seas . The earliest patrol aircraft carried bombs and machine guns. Between
1242-484: A mine as a security measure. It sank 37 Axis submarines during the war. The Cold War era saw the introduction of the nuclear depth bomb , a depth charge with a nuclear warhead that raised the probability of a kill against a submarine to a near-certainty as long as detonation occurred. While anti-submarine warfare is the main role of patrol aircraft, their large payload capability has seen them fitted for various weaponry outside their nominal role. The Lockheed P-3 Orion
1380-459: A number of SAAF Second World War air aces in the process, including John Frost and Marmaduke Pattle . In fear of Japanese occupation and subsequent operations in the Indian Ocean in close proximity to South African sea lanes, Field Marshal Smuts encouraged the preemptive Allied occupation of the island of Madagascar . After much debate and further encouragement by General de Gaulle (who
1518-623: A position where something that was originally Nimrod 2000 – where we ordered [21] was reduced to nine, spent £3.8bn and we still weren't close to getting the capability – is not to happen again." Nevertheless, six ex-defence chiefs publicly criticised the decision to scrap the Nimrods in January 2011 and the Public Accounts Committee concluded in February 2012 that the decision had been made without
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#17328449023321656-556: A proper understanding of the cost implications and had wasted £3.4bn. In January 2011 it was reported by the Financial Times that when the decision was taken to scrap the aircraft, "[The MRA4] was still riddled with flaws.... Safety tests conducted [in 2010] found there were still 'several hundred design non-compliances' with the aircraft. It was unclear, for example, whether its bomb bay doors functioned properly, whether its landing gear worked and, most worryingly, whether its fuel pipe
1794-508: A purchase of up to five P-8 Poseidons was under consideration, while in January 2015 it was reported that attempts had been made to sell the Kawasaki P-1 as another possible replacement. In November 2015, as part of the Strategic Defence and Security Review , the Ministry of Defence announced the procurement of nine P-8 Poseidons, which will undertake the range of tasks that were undertaken by
1932-840: A report to Mussolini recording the state of chronic unpreparedness of the Allied Forces in East Africa . The collapse of France in 1940 had prompted Mussolini to join the war on the side of the Axis and as a result, air force elements were moved to forward positions in occupied Ethiopia to mount air attacks on Allied forces before they could be re-inforced. These deployments prompted Allied action and on 13 May 1940, 1 Squadron pilots were sent to Cairo to take delivery of 18 Gloster Gladiators and to fly them south to Kenya, for operations in East Africa . 11 Squadron , equipped with Hawker Hartebeests , followed to Nairobi on 19 May 1940 and were joined by
2070-530: A total of 22 aircraft (1974–1989) to enemy action. A further 11 aircraft were lost in the operational area due to pilot error or malfunction. After the first South African multi-racial elections in 1994 , the SAAF became part of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The South African Air Force is currently considered to be the most effective air force in sub-Sahara Africa despite
2208-457: A total of 94 aircraft, were operational in East Africa (1 Squadron, 2 Squadron , 3 Squadron , 11 Squadron, 12 Squadron , 14 Squadron , 40 Squadron , 41 Squadron , 50 Squadron and 60 Squadron ). During this campaign, the SAAF formed a Close Support Flight of four Gladiators and four Hartebeests, with an autonomous air force commander operating with the land forces. This was the precursor of
2346-610: Is the air warfare branch of South African National Defence Force , with its headquarters in Pretoria . The South African Air Force was established on 1 February 1920. The Air Force saw service in World War II and the Korean War . From 1966, the SAAF was involved in providing infantry support in the low-intensity Border War in Angola , South-West Africa and Rhodesia . As the war progressed,
2484-729: The Allies . In the Pacific theatre , the Catalina was gradually superseded by the longer-ranged Martin PBM Mariner flying boat. For the Axis Powers , there were the long-range Japanese Kawanishi H6K and Kawanishi H8K flying boats, and the German Blohm & Voss BV 138 diesel-engined trimotor flying boat, as well as the converted Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor airliner landplane. To finally close
2622-494: The Bay of Biscay targeting U-boats starting out from their base. As a result of Allied successes with patrol aircraft against U-boats, the Germans introduced U- flak (submarines equipped with more antiaircraft weaponry) to escort U-boats out of base and encouraged commanders to remain on the surface and fire back at attacking craft rather than trying to escape by diving. However, U-flak
2760-533: The Central African Republic by invading the capital of Bangui , four armed Gripen Fighter aircraft from 2 Squadron SAAF were sent along with a C-130BZ transport aircraft (reportedly carrying a stock of bombs) in order to provide close air support to the 200-strong South African garrison who were still fighting in the city. The aircraft were, however, recalled shortly after, as the South Africans and
2898-732: The Democratic Republic of the Congo as part of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). The Rooivalk and Oryx Helicopters are part of the South African contribution to the 3000-strong United Nations Force Intervention Brigade (FIB) and they have flown several sorties against rebel factions who are operating in North Kivu province, particularly
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#17328449023323036-648: The Desert Air Force /Tactical Air Force "cab-rank" technique which were used extensively for close air support during 1943–1945. The last air combat took place on 29 October and the Italian forces surrendered on 27 November 1941. A reduced SAAF presence was maintained in East Africa for coastal patrols until May 1943. SAAF fighter, bomber, and reconnaissance squadrons played a key role in the Western Desert and North African campaigns from 1941 to 1943. One memorable feat
3174-521: The Falklands War in order for it to be able to attack any Argentine Air Force patrol planes they might encounter. Maritime patrol aircraft are typically fitted with a wide range of sensors: A modern military maritime patrol aircraft typically carries a dozen or so crew members, including relief flight crews, to effectively operate the equipment for 12 hours or more at a time. South African Air Force The South African Air Force ( SAAF )
3312-695: The Junkers Ju 86s of 12 Squadron on 22 May 1940. The Kingdom of Italy declared war on 10 June 1940 and on the following day, the Ju 86s of 12 Squadron led the first air attack by the SAAF in the Second World War. During the campaign, numerous SAAF aircraft were involved in air combat with the Italian Regia Aeronautica and provided air support to South African and Allied forces in the ground war. By December 1940, ten SAAF squadrons plus 34 Flight, with
3450-662: The Lulu nuclear depth charge for ASW, but those were removed from the arsenal and scrapped decades ago. Produced in United States , Japan and Canada , the P-3 has been operated by the air forces and navies of United States, Japan, Canada, Australia, Iran, Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand , Norway , Spain, and Taiwan. The Canadian version is called the CP-140 Aurora . During
3588-577: The Mediterranean , Adriatic and other coastal areas while the Germans and British fought over the North Sea. At first, blimps and zeppelins were the only aircraft capable of staying aloft for the longer ten hour patrols whilst carrying a useful payload while shorter-range patrols were mounted with landplanes such as the Sopwith 1½ Strutter . A number of specialized patrol balloons were built, particularly by
3726-824: The Mid-Atlantic gap , or "Black Gap", a space in which Axis submarines could prey on Allied shipping out of reach of MPAs, the British Royal Air Force , the Royal Canadian Air Force , and the US Army Air Forces introduced the American Consolidated B-24 Liberator bomber , which had a very long range for the era. The B-24 was also used at the basis for the PB4Y-2 Privateer , a dedicated MPA variant adopted in large numbers by
3864-602: The Mozambique Channel , Operation Copper. There is also a Super Lynx from 22 Squadron SAAF operating from the South African Navy frigates whenever they are stationed in the Mozambican channel. The air force also assists Operation Corona from "time to time" by deploying either AgustaWestland AW109 or Atlas Oryx helicopters to its borders. During the 2010 FIFA World Cup the South African National Defence Force
4002-631: The Mthatha Airport . Five Gripens, three Oryx helicopters and the 6 Pilatus PC-7 's of the Silver Falcons performed a flypast in a final salute to the late former president. On 12 September 2014, a church hostel collapsed within the compound of the Synagogue, Church of All Nations in Lagos , Nigeria . More than 100 persons died in the collapse, among them 85 South Africans. President Jacob Zuma ordered
4140-612: The Super Frelon and Westland Wasp helicopters, the Kudu light aircraft and the P-166s Albatross coastal patrol aircraft. Other initial measures included the downgrading of Air Force Base Port Elizabeth and the disbanding of 12 , 16 , 24 , 25 , and 27 Squadrons . Two Commando squadrons – 103 Squadron SAAF at AFB Bloemspruit and 114 Squadron SAAF at AFB Swartkop – were also disbanded. The 250 Air Defence Artillery Group, also known as
4278-642: The Supermarine Stranraer , which had begun to be replaced by monoplanes just before the outbreak of war. The British in particular used obsolete bombers to supplement purpose-built aircraft for maritime patrol, such as the Vickers Wellington and Armstrong-Whitworth Whitley , while the US relegated the Douglas B-18 Bolo to the same role until better aircraft became available. Blimps were widely used by
BAE Systems Nimrod MRA4 - Misplaced Pages Continue
4416-737: The United States Navy , especially in the warmer and calmer latitudes of the Caribbean Sea , the Bahamas , Bermuda , the Gulf of Mexico , Puerto Rico , Trinidad , and later the Azores . A number of special-purpose aircraft were also used in the conflict, including the American-made twin-engine Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boats, and the large, four-engine British Short Sunderland flying boats of
4554-667: The ZU-23-2 23mm Anti-Aircraft Gun and the Bofors 40 mm gun . 120 Squadron mainly operated the Cactus missile system operationally in platoons from 1973 until the late 1980s with each platoon consisting of one Acquisition and Co-ordination Unit (ACU) and two or three firing units, with a battery having two platoons. 121 Squadron, 123 Squadron and later 129 Squadron mainly operated the Tigercat mobile surface-to-air missile system. In South African service it
4692-587: The carrier-based Grumman S-2 Tracker . During the 1970s, the P2V was entirely replaced by the Lockheed P-3 Orion , which remained in service into the early twenty-first century. The P-3, powered by four turboprop engines, is derived from the 1950s era Lockheed Electra airliner. In addition to their ASW and SAR capabilities, most P-3Cs have been modified to carry Harpoon and Maverick missiles for attacking surface ships. American P-3s were formerly armed with
4830-764: The 1960s, in response to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a new MPA, the Breguet 1150 Atlantic was developed by a French-led multinational consortium, Société d'Étude et de Construction de Breguet Atlantic (SECBAT). Operators of the type include the French Navy , the German Navy , the Italian Air Force , the Pakistan Navy , and the Royal Netherlands Navy . During
4968-402: The 1980s, an updated version, the Atlantic Nouvelle Génération or Atlantique 2 , with new equipment and avionics was introduced, which included a new radar, sonar processor, forward-looking infrared camera turret, and the ability to carry the Exocet anti-shipping missile. By 2005, French manufacturer Dassault Aviation had decided to terminate marketing efforts for the Atlantic, promoting
5106-432: The 250 Air Defence Unit (ADU), was a group of air defence squadrons that operated under the control of the South African Air Force tasked with airbase defence. The group consisted of 120 , 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129 and 130 Squadrons and had its own active Citizen Force component. These squadrons were equipped with the Tigercat mobile surface-to-air missile system, The Cactus surface-to-air missile system,
5244-539: The A400M in November 2009 has denied the SAAF the strategic airlift capability needed for domestic, regional and continent-wide transport operations. There is no clear indication as yet regarding how the heavy/long-range airlift gap will be addressed. Current air combat capabilities are limited to the Gripen multi-role fighter and the Rooivalk combat support helicopter although in insufficient number to allow regional deployments while maintaining national air security and current training commitments. To overcome this shortfall,
5382-450: The Allied campaigns in the following theaters: The Mobile Air Force Depot (MAFD) was based in Pretoria . Its role during the Second World War was as a location where Air Crew could be stationed, on stand-by, prior to being posted to a more active squadron. Post-war, the SAAF also took part in the Berlin airlift of 1948 with 20 aircrews flying Royal Air Force Dakotas . 4,133 tons of supplies were carried in 1,240 missions flown. At
5520-474: The Armed Forces, the UK government announced the cancellation of the MRA4 on 19 October 2010 and consequently that RAF Kinloss, the intended base for the Nimrod fleet, would be closed. On 24 November 2010, 382 sub-contract workers previously working on the MRA4 were laid off at BAE Systems Warton and Woodford. After the airframes were stripped of electronic equipment, the remaining fuselages were scrapped at BAE Systems Woodford beginning on 26 January 2011. Although
5658-436: The Atlantic to reduce the warning available to surfaced U-boats , while US Navy aircraft transitioned from an upper light blue-gray and lower white to an all-over dark blue due to the increasing threat of Japanese forces at night-time. In the decades following the Second World War, the MPA missions were partially taken over by aircraft derived from civilian airliners. These had range and performance factors better than most of
BAE Systems Nimrod MRA4 - Misplaced Pages Continue
5796-428: The British Government donated surplus aircraft plus spares and sufficient equipment to provide the nucleus of a fledgling air force to each of its Dominions . As part of this donation, which was to become known as the Imperial Gift , South Africa received a total of 113 aircraft from both the British Government (100 aircraft) as well as from other sources (13 aircraft). On 1 February 1920 Colonel Pierre van Ryneveld
5934-413: The British, including the SS class airship of which 158 were built including subtypes. As the conflict continued, numerous aircraft were developed specifically for the role, including small flying boats such as the FBA Type C , as well as large floatplanes such as the Short 184 , or flying boats such as the Felixstowe F.3 . Developments of the Felixstowe served with the Royal Air Force until
6072-444: The French and flown south to other airfields on the island. Once the main airfield at Arrachart aerodrome in Diego-Suarez had been secured (13 May 1942), the SAAF Air Component flew from Lindi to Arrachart. The air component consisted of thirty-four aircraft (6 Marylands, 11 Beaufort Bombers, 12 Lockheed Lodestars and 6 Ju 52 's transports). By September 1942, the South African ground forces committed to Ironclad had been party to
6210-444: The German forces capitulated and most of the pilots and aircraft of the SAAC were sent to Britain in support of the Imperial war effort. Although the SAAC remained active, its activities were limited to ground training at the Cape Town Drill Hall, while the pilots who had been detached to the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) were grouped to form No. 26 Squadron RFC and later becoming an independent squadron on 8 October 1915. No. 26 Squadron
6348-456: The Gripen fleet is being rotated between short-term storage and active use by the regular active pilots to spread the limited flying hours among the whole fleet. During this same period it was reported that 18 of the SAAF's AgustaWestland AW109 helicopters have been grounded due to an accident involving one of the helicopters several months prior and a lack of funds for regular maintenance, however in November 2013 after five months of not flying,
6486-428: The MOD; Whitehall sources stated that Dassault had found "...no value in pursuing its tender", and that the RAF had an expressed preference for a four-engine aircraft. In March 1996, BAe promoted the option of establishing a production line to manufacture new-build Nimrod aircraft as an alternative to the refurbishment of existing airframes, which was reportedly motivated by service concerns regarding attrition rates of
6624-505: The MPA is an important asset. To perform ASW operations, MPAs typically carry air-deployable sonar buoys as well as torpedoes and are usually capable of extended flight at low altitudes. The first aircraft that would now be identified as maritime patrol aircraft were flown by the Royal Naval Air Service and the French Aéronautique Maritime during the First World War , primarily on anti-submarine patrols. France, Italy and Austria-Hungary used large numbers of smaller patrol aircraft for
6762-432: The MR2. In 1993 the RAF issued a request for information for a Replacement Maritime Patrol Aircraft (RMPA) procurement programme, also known as Staff Requirement (Air) 420, which was intended to replace their fleet of Nimrod MR2 aircraft. In response to the requirement, several different companies soon submitted their bids to meet the outlined demands. British Aerospace (BAe), which had studied prospective options to replace
6900-425: The MoD's procurement budget; it was claimed that these funding shortfalls were due to differences between the original specification, which had envisioned as an off-the-shelf procurement without much in terms of development, and the increasingly extensive nature that the programme had progressively taken on. In June 1996, the MoD's Equipment Approvals Committee recommended that the Nimrod 2000 bid be selected to meet
7038-425: The Nimrod 2000, such as the Rolls-Royce Tay turbofan, the Pratt & Whitney JT8D-200 turbofan, and the General Electric CF34 turbofan, before settling upon the Rolls-Royce BR710 engine. In 1995, it was claimed that the Nimrod MR2 airframes were of a sufficient condition in that they could readily serve through the intended 25-year service life and that "retained airframe items are low risk". According to BAe,
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#17328449023327176-547: The Nimrod MR.2 and intended for the MRA.4. The RAF took delivery of its first Poseidon MRA1 in Seattle in October 2019 and the aircraft arrived in the UK in February 2020. Data from RAF Aircraft - Nimrod MR2/R1 General characteristics Performance Armament Avionics Related development Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era Maritime patrol aircraft Among other maritime surveillance resources, such as satellites , ships, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and helicopters ,
7314-458: The Nimrod MR2 since 1986, including a variant of the Airbus A310 and other civil conversion projects, ultimately settled on a proposal that involved an extensive rebuild of existing Nimrod MR2s marketed under the name Nimrod 2000 . As well as operational performance, the key criteria were cost and a short procurement timescale; these "ruled out a new design or adaption of an existing civil aircraft." BAe evaluated several different engines to power
7452-453: The Nimrod's airframe represented "probably the best understood airframe in the RAF inventory". Amongst various other bids submitted were Lockheed Corporation , which marketed its P-3 Orion as the Orion 2000 , Loral Corporation proposed to rebuild ex- US Navy Orions, and Dassault which sought to develop the improved Atlantique 3 . On 12 January 1996, Dassault announced that they had withdrawn their Atlantique 3 following discussions with
7590-408: The P-3C, which later became the sole ASW type operated by the service. The Soviet Union developed the Ilyushin Il-38 from a civilian airliner. Similarly, the Royal Canadian Air Force derived the Canadair CP-107 Argus from a British airliner, the Bristol Britannia . The Argus was superseded by the CP-140 Aurora, derived from the Lockheed Electra. Since the end of the Cold War , the threat of
7728-441: The RAF's requirement. In July 1996, in response to the committee's decision, Lockheed Martin announced that it had reduced the cost of its Orion 2000 submission by 15 per cent amid a series of last-minute discussions held between Lockheed Martin President Norman R. Augustine , General Electric Company President Lord Weinstock , Secretary of State for Defence Michael Portillo and Deputy Prime Minister Michael Heseltine , seeking
7866-410: The SAAC were engaged in German South West Africa and 26 Sqdn RFC in East Africa, many South Africans traveled to the United Kingdom to enlist with the Royal Flying Corps. The number of South Africans in the RFC eventually reached approximately 3,000 men and suffered 260 active-duty fatalities over the Somme during the war. Forty-six pilots became fighter aces . On conclusion of the First World War,
8004-562: The SAAF has designated the Hawk Mk 120 trainers for additional tactical reconnaissance and weapon delivery platforms for targets designated by the Gripens. Financial constraints have further limited flying hours on the newly acquired aircraft; it was planned to keep Gripen pilots current flying the lower cost Hawk aircraft with "Gripenised" cockpits. It was reported in 2013 that the Gripen fleet wasn't fully manned with some pilots redesignated as reserve pilots and others being assigned instructor roles at Air Force Base Makhado . The SAAF stated that
8142-442: The SAAF was committed to the Border War , which was fought in northern South West Africa and surrounding states. At first, it provided limited air support to police operations against the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (the military wing of SWAPO , which was fighting to end South African rule of South West Africa). Operations intensified after the defence force took charge of the war in 1974. In July 1964, South Africa placed
8280-493: The South African Air Force to assist with the repatriation of survivors and victims, and the first 25 survivors were flown to South Africa in a specially adapted SAAF Hercules C-130 on 22 September 2014. Due to a lack of airlift capacity, an Antonov aircraft from Maximus Aero was chartered in order to repatriate the bodies of 74 victims, which arrived on 15 November 2014. The last 11 bodies were finally repatriated using an SAAF C-130 on 6 February 2015. The delay in repatriating
8418-561: The UDF's first priority was to ensure the safety of the South African coastal waters as well as the strategically important Cape sea-route. For maritime patrol operations, the SAAF took over all 29 passenger aircraft of South African Airways : 18 Junkers Ju 86Z-ls for maritime patrols and eleven Junkers Ju 52s for transport purposes. SAAF maritime patrols commenced on 21 September 1939 with 16 Squadron flying three JU-86Z's from Walvis Bay. had been established, eventually consisting of 6 , 10 , 22 , 23 , 25 , 27 and 29 Squadrons . By
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#17328449023328556-407: The UK in international waters, but they could not be tracked because of the lack of suitable aircraft. In November and early December 2014 four maritime patrol aircraft operated by France, Canada and the United States were based at RAF Lossiemouth to attempt to locate a Russian submarine which had been spotted in British territorial waters off west Scotland. The aircraft would also have been used in
8694-441: The US Navy, which saw service late on in the Pacific theatre. During the conflict, there were several developments in air-to-surface-vessel radar and sonobuoys , which enhanced the ability of aircraft to find and destroy submarines, especially at night and in poor weather. Another area of advancement was the adoption of increasingly effective camouflage schemes, which led to the widespread adoption of white paint schemes in
8832-429: The Western Desert as bomber pilots for their second tour – compounding the lack of continuity and experience. The South Africans did however command the respect of their German adversaries. The South Africans had the distinction of dropping the first and last bombs in the African conflict – the first being on 11 June 1940 on Moyale in Ethiopia and the last being on the Italian 1st Army in Tunisia. The SAAF also produced
8970-401: The beaches for the Operation Husky landings while 2 , 4 and 5 Squadrons provided fighter bomber support during the Sicilian campaign. 30 Squadron (flying as No. 223 Squadron RAF during the campaign) provided light bomber support from Malta and 60 Squadron was responsible for photo reconnaissance flights in support of all Allied forces on the island. After successfully invading
9108-549: The building of an airfield at Walvis Bay commenced in earnest in order to support operations against German forces in German South West Africa . By June 1915 the SAAC was deployed to its first operational airfield at Karibib in German South West Africa in support of Gen. Botha's South African ground forces. The SAAC flew reconnaissance and leaflet dropping missions from Karibib and later from Omaruru , where improvised bombing missions were added when pilots started dropping hand grenades and rudimentary bombs by hand. On 9 July 1915,
9246-414: The capturing the southern half of Madagascar as well as the small island of Nossi Be with the SAAF air component supporting these operations. During the campaign which ended with an armistice on 4 November 1942, SAAF aircraft flew a total of 401 sorties with one pilot killed in action, one killed in an accident and one succumbing to disease. Seven aircraft were lost, only one as a result of enemy action. By
9384-471: The civilian search and rescue role; the Nimrod MR2 had often been used in this role. In this respect the Strategic Defence and Security Review stated that the UK "will depend on other maritime assets to contribute to the tasks previously planned for [the Nimrod MRA4]". Following the cancellation, the Defence Secretary Liam Fox used the Nimrod MRA4 procurement as an example of the worst of MOD procurement performance: "The idea that we ever allow ourselves into
9522-466: The conflict was impractical and unrealistic but that a SAAF fighter squadron would be made available to the UN effort. The 50 officers and 157 other ranks of 2 Sqn SAAF sailed from Durban on 26 September 1950 – they had been selected from 1,426 members of the Permanent Force who had initially volunteered for service. This initial contingent was commanded by Cmdt S. van Breda Theron DSO, DFC, AFC and included many World War II SAAF veterans. The squadron
9660-437: The conversions to MRA4 standard, however BAE discovered that the Nimrod airframes supplied by the RAF were not built to a common standard and this considerably complicated the refurbishment process. The task of converting the existing airframes was transferred in-house to BAE Systems Woodford . The BAE team at Woodford then found that the new wing was flawed, which resulted in the project being put on hold while another wing design
9798-450: The course being sent to the Central Flying School at Upavon in Great Britain for further training. The first South African military pilot qualified on 2 June 1914. On the outbreak of the First World War , the Union Defence Force had realised the urgent need for air support which brought about the establishment of the South African Aviation Corps (SAAC) on 29 January 1915. Aircraft were purchased from France ( Henri Farman F-27 ) while
9936-648: The crossing in their own F-51D Mustangs) left Japan for Pusan East (K-9) Air Base within the Pusan Perimeter in Korea to fly with the USAF pilots in order to familiarise themselves with the local operational conditions. On the morning of 19 November 1950, Cmdt Theron and Capt G.B. Lipawsky took off with two USAF pilots to fly the first SAAF combat sorties of the Korean War from K-9 and K-24 airfields at Pyongyang. On 30 November
10074-560: The days leading up to the funeral. Gripen fighter aircraft, armed with IRIS-T missiles and Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pods , conducted combat air patrols to enforce a no-fly zone for several days over certain areas in Gauteng province and later during the funeral itself over Qunu , in the Eastern Cape. Two Gripens were also tasked with escorting a C-130BZ aircraft, which was carrying President Mandela's body from Air Force Base Waterkloof to
10212-546: The devices contained 55 kilograms of HEU with an estimated yield of 10–18 kilotons designed for delivery by Blackburn Buccaneer or English Electric Canberra aircraft. See History of the South African Air Force#Nuclear and ballistic weapons . At least two MIG-21s of the Angolan Air Force were shot down by 3 Squadron SAAF Mirage F1s in 1981 and 1982. From 1980 to 1984, the command structure
10350-660: The eastern DR Congo. They mainly fly missions ranging from logistic support for SA National Defence Force continental peacekeeping and peace support operations, humanitarian operations, support to the South African Army , and general airlift. A C-47TP Turbo Dakota from 35 Squadron SAAF permanently based in the Mozambican city of Pemba to provide maritime patrol capability for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) counter-piracy mission in
10488-606: The eleven SAAF squadrons flew 33,991 sorties and destroyed 342 enemy aircraft. Conditions were however not ideal and pilots and crew were required to operate under critical conditions at times. Pilots were frequently sent home to the Union after gaining experience and did not return for many months, after which conditions in the desert had changed significantly and they were required to regain experience on different aircraft, different tactics and operations from different bases. There were cases where experienced fighter pilots were sent back to
10626-603: The end of May 1943, the SAAF had two Wings and sixteen squadrons in the Middle East and North Africa with 8,000 men. With the end of the North African campaign, the SAAF role underwent change – becoming more active in fighter bomber, bomber and PR operations as opposed to the fighter role performed in the desert. Five SAAF squadrons were designated to support the July 1943 invasion of Sicily – 1 Squadron operated combat air patrols over
10764-505: The end of the Second World War in August 1945, SAAF aircraft (in conjunction with British and Dutch aircraft stationed in South Africa) had intercepted 17 enemy ships, assisted in the rescue of 437 survivors of sunken ships, attacked 26 of the 36 enemy submarines that operated around the South African coast, and flown 15,000 coastal patrol sorties. In December 1939, The Duke of Aosta had sent
10902-512: The existing aircraft. It was also announced that preliminary talks had been conducted with the South African Air Force on the topic of the Nimrod 2000. In June 1996, BAe announced that it had partnered with McDonnell Douglas to market new-build Nimrod 2000s to the export market; it has been claimed that this move was in response to scepticism from the MoD over the prospects of export sales for
11040-436: The flight deck to a digital glass cockpit would have simplified control operations and reduced crew requirements. New detection systems were to be installed, as well as additional weapons for anti-submarine warfare . However, the project was subject to significant delays due to cost overruns and contract re-negotiations. This was partly due to difficulties combining refurbished Nimrod MR2 fuselages, which had not been built to
11178-801: The grounding of the helicopters was lifted after more funds became available. Despite all its setbacks and financial woes, the South African Air Force continues to undertake and complete the tasks and obligations assigned to it. The SAAF still plays a vital role in national security operations, United Nations peacekeeping missions, and other foreign deployments. As of 2014 the Air force has several aircraft, aircrew and ground crew on foreign deployments. Three Rooivalk attack helicopters from 16 Squadron SAAF and five or six 15 , 17 , 19 and/or 22 Squadron SAAF 's Oryx transport helicopters were stationed in Goma in
11316-615: The honour to this anthem as our own." On conclusion of hostilities, the Sabres were returned to the USAF and the squadron returned to South Africa in October 1953. During this period, the Union Defence Forces were reorganised into individual services and the SAAF became an arm of service in its own right, under an Air Chief of Staff (who was renamed "Chief of the Air Force" in 1966). It adopted
11454-557: The installation of BR710 turbofan engines, the adoption of a larger and more efficient wing with 23% greater surface area, various new missions systems and avionics, and an extensively refurbished fuselage. Much larger air intakes were required on the MRA4 in order to provide the necessary airflow requirements imposed by the BR710 engine, which is significantly greater than that of the Spey 250 that had powered
11592-562: The intensity of air operations increased, until in the late 1980s when the SAAF were compelled to fly fighter missions against Angolan aircraft in order to maintain tactical air superiority. On conclusion of the Border War in 1990, aircraft numbers were severely reduced due to economic pressures as well as the cessation of hostilities with neighbouring states. After a visit to observe the 1912 military manoeuvres in Europe, Brig. Gen. C.F. Beyers (who
11730-399: The introduction of the Sabres, the squadron was also called on to provide counter-air missions flying as fighter sweeps and interceptions against MiG-15's, but interdiction and close air support remained the primary mission. Losses were 34 SAAF pilots killed, eight taken prisoner (including the future Chief of the Air Force, General D Earp) with 74 Mustangs and 4 Sabres lost. Pilots and men of
11868-497: The island, a further three squadrons were moved to Sicily and the eight squadrons on the island were tasked with supporting the invasion of Italy: 12 and 24 Squadrons were responsible for medium bomber missions to "soften up" the enemy prior to the invasion while 40 Sqn was responsible for tactical photo-reconnaissance. 1 Squadron provided fighter cover for the 3 September 1943 landings while 2 and 4 Squadrons were responsible for bomber escort. The South African Air Force participated in
12006-566: The last bodies was due to authorities having to wait for DNA test results in order to positively identify the remaining victims. In spite of its budget concerns, the air force still continues to participate in and support annual air and defence shows and capability demonstrations such as the Rand show, the Zwartkops airshow and the Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo. In 2002 Musa Mbhokota became
12144-725: The late 1940s, the RAF introduced the Avro Shackleton – a specialised MPA derivative of the Avro Lancaster bomber – in anticipation of a rapid expansion of the Soviet Navy 's submarine force. An improved model of the Shackleton, the MR 3 , was introduced, featuring various structural improvements, along with homing torpedoes and Mk 101 Lulu nuclear depth bombs . During
12282-680: The late 1960s, a jet-powered replacement in the form of the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod , a derivation of the De Havilland Comet airliner, begun to be introduced. During the 2000s, an improved model, the BAE Systems Nimrod MRA4 , was in development, but was cancelled and eventually substituted for by the Boeing P-8 Poseidon . The U.S. Navy flew a mixture of MPAs, including the land-based Lockheed P2V Neptune (P2V) and
12420-470: The late 1980s without any successful combat shootdowns. The SAAF provided air support to the army during the 1975–76 Angola campaign, and in the many cross-border operations that were carried out against PLAN bases in Angola and Zambia from 1977 onwards. During the bush war period, South Africa manufactured six air-deliverable tactical nuclear weapons of the "gun-type" design between 1978 and 1993. Each of
12558-612: The latter's work on mooted patrol aircraft systems for the P-3 and Boeing 737 . According to BAE Systems, the Nimrod MRA4's systems would enable the crews to gather, process and display up to 20 times more technical and strategic data than the MR2. The Searchwater 2000 MR radar was stated to have been capable over land as well as water; with the ability to have swept an area the size of the UK every 10 seconds. The Aircraft Synthetic Training Aids (ASTA) provided by Thales Training & Simulation
12696-467: The loss of capability as a consequence of defence cuts after the end of the Border War. These financial cuts have brought about a number of severe operational limitations, compounded by the loss of experienced air-crews. This has placed strain on the bringing new types of aircraft into service, specifically the Gripen, Hawk, Rooivalk, A 109 and Lynx. The cancellation of the SAAF participation and procurement of
12834-442: The main task of the squadron Mustangs was the interdiction of enemy supply routes which not only accounted for approximately 61.45% of SAAF combat sorties, but which reached an early peak from January to May 1951 (78% and 82%). A typical interdiction mission was an armed reconnaissance patrol usually undertaken by flights of two or four aircraft armed with two napalm bombs, 127 mm rockets and 12.7 mm machine guns. Later, after
12972-570: The mid 20s, and with the US Navy as the Curtiss F5L and Naval Aircraft Factory PN whose developments saw service until 1938. During the war, Dornier did considerable pioneering work in all aluminium aircraft structures while working for Luftschiffbau Zeppelin and built four large patrol flying boats, the last of which, the Zeppelin-Lindau Rs.IV , influenced development elsewhere resulting in
13110-540: The notorious M23 militia group who were routed from their strongholds after an offensive by the UN Force Intervention Brigade and the Military of the Democratic Republic of the Congo . Several 28 Squadron SAAF C-130BZ Hercules aircraft also regularly flew to Sudan , DR Congo and Uganda , including Lubumbashi, Kinshasa , Goma , Beni, Bunia and Entebbe , as Entebbe is the logistic hub for MONUSCO in
13248-421: The number of MRA4s to be delivered was further reduced to nine by Spring 2008. The first production aircraft took its maiden flight on 10 September 2009. At the time of the flight, each MRA4 was to cost at least £400 million. The Ministry of Defence announced in December 2009 that the introduction of the MRA4 would be delayed until 2012 as part of defence spending cuts. In March 2010, the first production Nimrod MRA4
13386-419: The original Nimrod variants. The larger wing increased fuel capacity by 30% which, combined with efficient modern engines, allowed for unrefuelled endurance in excess of 14 hours. The MRA4 had also borrowed heavily from Airbus technology; the glass cockpit used was derived from that used on Airbus A320/ A340 airliners. BAe also teamed up with Boeing to provide the Nimrod MRA4's mission systems, making use of
13524-589: The outbreak of the Korean War , the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution calling for the withdrawal of North Korean forces in South Korea . A request was also made to all UN members for assistance. After a special Cabinet meeting on 20 July 1950 the Union Government announced that due to the long distance between South Africa and Korea, direct ground-based military participation in
13662-636: The planned operation – to be known as Operation Ironclad . During the amphibious / air assault carried out by the Royal Navy and Air Force on 5 May, the Vichy French Air Force consisting mainly of Morane fighters and Potez bombers had attacked the Allied fleet but had been neutralised by the Fleet Air Arm aircraft from the two aircraft carriers. Those remaining aircraft not destroyed were withdrawn by
13800-599: The process was conducted behind screens intended to hide the process from the media, the BBC flew a helicopter over Woodford and broadcast footage of the scrapping in progress. Although late and over-budget the decision to cancel the MRA4 was controversial as the remaining airframes had all been near completion. It has been reported that following the retirement of the Nimrod MR2 (in March 2010), Russian submarines have been able to travel past
13938-453: The protection of the strategic nuclear deterrent [ Trident missiles on Vanguard -class submarines ], the provision of which is one of the Ministry of Defence's Standing Strategic Tasks. In addition, the maintenance of the integrity of the UK through detection of hostile air and sea craft would be compromised." National Audit Office In the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review of
14076-472: The rebels agreed to a ceasefire and rather opted to withdraw peacefully from the country. Several flights made by C-130BZ aircraft evacuated the bodies of the 13 South African soldiers who were killed and the 27 who were wounded during the Séléka offensive and also the remainder of the deployed soldiers and their equipment after the ceasefire was declared. The deployment of the Gripen fighter aircraft indicated that if
14214-763: The replacement of wooden hulls with metal ones, such as on the Short Singapore . The success of long range patrol aircraft led to the development of fighters specifically designed to intercept them, such as the Hansa-Brandenburg W.29 . Many of the Second World War patrol airplanes were converted from either bombers or airliners , such as the Lockheed Hudson which started out as the Lockheed Model 14 Super Electra , as well as older biplane designs such as
14352-597: The roles intended for the MRA4 filled by existing assets such as the Type 23 Frigate and the Merlin helicopter . However the UK announced its intention to order nine P-8 Poseidon ASW aircraft as part of the 2015 SDSR at a cost of £3 billion; these aircraft were delivered between October 2019 and January 2022 and operate from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland. In 1990 the UK abandoned options for avionics, sensors and tactical system upgrades of
14490-401: The situation called for it, the country will deploy its fighter aircraft in order to ensure the protection of its assets. The air force was also tasked with maintaining national security before and during the funeral procession of former president Nelson Mandela in December 2013. Several SAAF helicopters conducted patrols over Pretoria while the former president's body was lying in state in
14628-446: The small escort carriers of WWII became available to cover the deep oceans, and the land air bases in the Azores became available in mid-1943 from Portugal . As technology progressed the bombs and depth charges were supplemented with Acoustic torpedoes that could detect, follow and then explode against an enemy submarine. The US Navy began fielding the Mark 24 mine in 1943, labelled as
14766-659: The so-called "GIUK Gap" of the North Atlantic that extends from Greenland to Iceland, to the Faroe Islands , to Scotland in the United Kingdom . Air bases for NATO patrol planes have also been located in these areas: U.S. Navy and Canadian aircraft based in Greenland, Iceland, and Newfoundland; British aircraft based in Scotland and Northern Ireland ; and Norwegian, Dutch, and German aircraft based in their home countries. During
14904-560: The squadron flew 10,373 sorties and lost 74 aircraft out of the total 95 allocated. Twelve pilots were killed in action, 30 missing and four wounded. In January 1953 the squadron returned to Japan for conversion to the USAF F-86F Sabre fighter-bombers. The first Sabre mission was flown on 16 March 1953 from the K-55 airfield in South Korea, being the first SAAF jet mission flown. 2 squadron
15042-497: The squadron received a total of 797 medals including 2 Silver Stars , the highest US military award given to foreigners, 3 Legions of Merit , 55 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 40 Bronze Stars . In recognition of their association with 2 Squadron, the OC of 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing issued a policy directive "that all retreat ceremonies shall be preceded by the introductory bars of the South African national anthem. All personnel will render
15180-523: The squadron was moved further south to K-13 airfield due to North Korean and Chinese advances. It was again moved even further south after the UN forces lost additional ground to the North Koreans to K-10 airfield situated on the coast close to the town of Chinhae. This was to be the squadron's permanent base for the duration of their first Korean deployment. During this period (while equipped with F-51D Mustangs)
15318-492: The strikers' positions. Sorties in support of the police amounted to 127 flight hours between 10 and 15 March and this inauspicious start for the SAAF led to two pilot losses, two wounded and two aircraft lost to ground fire. The SAAF was again deployed to suppress the Bondelzwart Rebellion at Kalkfontein between 29 May and 3 July 1922. At the outbreak of the Second World War , South Africa had no naval vessels and
15456-454: The type. BAe argued that the Nimrod 2000's selection would give it entry to the global maritime patrol aircraft market. As part of Lockheed's submission, the firm offered a formal guarantee of a 20 per cent workshare on all future export sales of its Orion 2000 while simultaneously lobbying for the US Navy to also procure the type. Loral stated that it believed that its bid to refurbish stored P-3s
15594-532: The wars the British experimented with equipping their patrol aircraft with the COW 37 mm gun . During World War II, depth charges that could be set to detonate at specific depths, and later when in proximity with large metal objects replaced anti-submarine bombs that detonated on contact. Patrol aircraft also carried defensive armament which was necessary when patrolling areas close to enemy territory such as Allied operations in
15732-541: The wartime bombers. The latest jet-powered bombers of the 1950s did not have the endurance needed for long, overwater patrolling, and they did not have the low loitering speeds necessary for antisubmarine operations. The main threat to NATO maritime supremacy throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and the 1980s was Soviet Navy and Warsaw Pact submarines. These were countered by the NATO fleets, the NATO patrol planes mentioned above, and by sophisticated underwater listening systems. These span
15870-634: Was able to secure the transfer of technology from Israel through the Israel–South Africa Agreement , thereby allowing the Cheetah derivative of the IAI Kfir to be produced. From 1990 with the perceived reduction in threat, SAAF operational strength began to be reduced. The first short term steps entailed the withdrawal of several obsolete aircraft types from service, such as the Canberra B(1)12,
16008-501: Was also heavily involved in the 1987–88 Angola campaign, before the New York Accords that ended the conflict. The international arms embargo imposed against the then-apartheid government of South Africa, meant that the SAAF was unable to procure modern fighter aircraft to compete with the sophisticated Soviet-supplied air defence network and Cuban Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23s fielded in the latter part of this conflict. South Africa
16146-522: Was an electronic training suite to allow the training of crew members to transfer from active MRA4 aircraft to ground-based training systems; this change was made to increase the availability of the aircraft for operational missions and allow for more intensive training exercises. The original scheduled date of entry into service for the MRA4 was April 2003; however, development proved far more protracted than anticipated. Early on, an independent company, Flight Refuelling Ltd ., had been contracted to undertake
16284-528: Was appointed as the Director Air Service with the task of forming an air force, the date is used to mark the founding of the South African Air Force. In December 1920 the South African National insignia was added to aircraft for the first time. An Orange, Green, Red and Blue roundel was added to an Avro 504K for trial purposes but the colours were found to be unsuitable and were replaced with
16422-719: Was co-located with the Air Force Command Post at Pretoria , with 20 subordinate squadrons (8 reserve). Southern Air Command at Silvermine was allocated nine squadrons (three reserve), based at AFS Port Elizabeth , Cape Town Airport , and AFB Ysterplaat , including 16 Squadron SAAF (Alouettes), 25 Squadron flying Dakotas from Ysterplaat, 27 Squadron SAAF (Piaggio 166), 35 Squadron SAAF ( Avro Shackleton ), and 88 Maritime Training School . Western Air Command at Windhoek relied on aircraft temporarily detached from MTAC and SAC. Airspace Control Command , Training Command and Air Logistics Command remained largely unchanged. The SAAF
16560-399: Was delivered to the RAF for acceptance testing; in August 2010, the RAF launched its instructor training course using the type. The MRA4 fleet was expected to attain initial operational capability in October 2012. The Nimrod MRA4 was planned to operate out from its main base at RAF Kinloss , Scotland. "[The] loss of the capability offered by the Nimrod [MRA4] would have an adverse effect on
16698-544: Was deployed in order to provide security for the event. The air force deployed armed Gripen Fighter aircraft and Hawk advanced trainer aircraft to conduct air patrols to monitor air traffic. Rooivalk , Atlas Oryx and AgustaWestland AW109 helicopters were also deployed during the event. It was also reported by the Afrikaans daily newspaper, Beeld , that on 23 March 2013 when the Séléka rebel group attempted to take power in
16836-467: Was developed. In December 2002, BAE Systems issued a shock profit warning due to cost overruns of the Nimrod MRA4 and the Astute -class submarine projects. On 19 February 2003, BAE took a charge of £500 million against the MRA4 contract. The company had previously taken a £300 million "loss charge" in 2000, which was expected to cover "all the costs of completion of the current contract". The contract
16974-400: Was disbanded in 1992 after the Cactus missile system was retired, with only remnants of 120 Squadron, operating the upgraded Cactus Container system, becoming a part of Air Command Control Unit at Snake Valley opposite Air Force Base Swartkop on the eastern side of the shared runway. 120 Squadron was finally disbanded in 2002 after these systems were retired. During the bush war, the SAAF lost
17112-406: Was equipped with Henri Farman F-27's and B.E.2c 's and was shipped to Kenya in support of the war effort in German East Africa , landing in Mombasa on 31 January 1916. The squadron flew reconnaissance and observer missions throughout the campaign until February 1918 when the squadron returned to the UK via Cape Town and arrived at Blandford Camp on 8 July 1918 and was disbanded the same day. While
17250-410: Was fitted with underwing pylons that could carry a variety of common American weapons, including the AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile, the air-to-ground AGM-65 Maverick , as many as ten of the CBU-100 Cluster Bomb , rocket pods, sea mines, and the standard issue Mark 80 general purpose bombs. The Royal Air Force 's Hawker Siddeley Nimrod was fitted with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles in 1982 during
17388-432: Was followed by PA02's first flight in December 2004 which was used to test elements of the mission system and the air vehicle. BAE Systems received a contract worth £1.1 billion for 12 MRA4s on 18 July 2006; three were to be development aircraft and nine more converted to production standard. The Nimrod MRA4 successfully released the Sting Ray torpedo for the first time on 30 July 2007. Further disputes over cost meant that
17526-475: Was given the name "Hilda". 123 Squadron was deployed for Operation Savannah in 1975 to provide air defence for Air Force Base Grootfontein in South-West Africa. 129 Squadron was deployed to Air Force Base Ondangwa for the remainder of the Border War to provide air defence for the logistics base and airfield there, as it was an important staging area for the South African Defence Force for their operations in neighbouring Angola . The Air Defence Artillery Group
17664-410: Was introduced during the 2010s by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) as a replacement for the aging P-3C Orion . Both the Royal Australian Air Force and the Royal Australian Navy met their early postwar MPA needs via a stretched-fuselage modification of the Avro Lincoln bomber. However, the type was soon supplemented and eventually replaced by new aircraft, such as the P2V and later
17802-401: Was led by ace pilot, Major Jean de Wet from AFB Langebaanweg. The squadron was tasked with fighter sweeps along the Yalu and Chong-Chong rivers as well as close air support attack missions. The squadron flew 2,032 sorties in the Sabres losing four out of the 22 aircraft supplied. The war ended on 27 July 1953, when the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed. During the first phase of the war,
17940-435: Was moved to Johnson Air Base near Tokyo on 25 September 1950 for conversion training on the F-51D Mustangs supplied by the US Air Force. On completion of conversion training, the squadron was deployed as one of the four USAF 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing squadrons and on 16 November 1950 an advance detachment consisting of 13 officers and 21 other ranks (including the Squadron Commander and his four Flight Commanders who made
18078-436: Was renegotiated for the second time in 2002, where the aircraft requirement was reduced from 21 to 18. Announcing plans for the future of the British military on 21 July 2004, the Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon detailed plans to reduce the upgrade programme to cover only 16 MRA4 aircraft, and suggested that an eventual fleet of 12 might suffice. PA01, the first development MRA4, completed its maiden flight on 26 August 2004. This
18216-424: Was reorganised. Instead of units of the separate Strike Command, Transportation Command SAAF , and Maritime Air Command SAAF often being based at the same base but responsible to different chains of command, regional commands were established. Main Threat Air Command (MTAC) was made responsible for the northern half of the country, and Southern Air Command SAAF and Western Air Command SAAF for those areas. MTAC
18354-492: Was safe." According to Air Forces Monthly magazine, "significant aerodynamic issues and associated flying control concerns in certain regimes of flight meant that it was grounded at the time of cancellation and may not have been signed over as safe by the Military Aviation Authority." The magazine also stated that the reason for the cancellation was that the RAF and Navy placed a higher priority on fast jets and frigates than on maritime patrol. Reports in mid-2011 suggested that
18492-412: Was short-lived, as opposing pilots adapted their tactics. Equipping submarines with radar warning receivers and the snorkel made them harder to find. To counter the German long-range patrol aircraft that targeted merchant convoys, the Royal Navy introduced the " CAM ship ", which was a merchant vessel equipped with a lone fighter plane which could be launched once to engage the enemy planes. Later,
18630-462: Was the Boston bombers of 12 and 24 Squadrons dropping hundreds of tons of bombs on Axis forces pushing the Eighth Army back towards Egypt during the "Gazala Gallop" in mid-1942. SAAF bombers continually harassed retreating forces towards the Tunisian border after the Second Battle of El Alamein ; the South African fighters of No. 223 Wing RAF helped the Desert Air Force gain air superiority over Axis air forces. Between April 1941 and May 1943,
18768-497: Was the most cost-effective submission; however, there was public controversy over whether Loral possessed the necessary technical information on the airframe, claims which Loral refuted. In early 1996, Loral's defense assets were acquired by Lockheed, leaving just the latter and British Aerospace in the competition by mid-1996. In May 1996, it was reported that bidders were considering self-funding their own early development costs in order to compensate for alleged funding shortfalls within
18906-466: Was then Commandant-General of the Defence Force) gave an extremely positive report on the future use of aircraft for military purposes to General Smuts . Smuts initiated an arrangement with private fliers in the Cape and established a flying school at Alexandersfontein near Kimberley, known as the Paterson Aviation Syndicate School, to train pilots for the proposed South African Aviation Corps. Flying training commenced in 1913 with students who excelled on
19044-556: Was urging for a Free French operation against Madagascar), Churchill and the Chiefs of Staff agreed to an invasion by means of a strong fleet and adequate air support. In March and April 1942, the SAAF had been conducting reconnaissance flights over Diego-Suarez and 32, 36 and 37 Coastal Flights were withdrawn from South African maritime patrol operations and sent to Lindi on the Indian Ocean coast of Tanzania , with an additional eleven Bristol Beauforts and six Martin Marylands to provide ongoing reconnaissance and close air support for
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