FlightGlobal.com
Home
Premium
Archive
Video
Images
Forum
Atlas
Blogs
Jobs
Shop
RSS
Email Newsletters
You are in:
Home
Aviation History
1987
1987 - 0597.PDF
Aerea Portuguesa Left Cessna T-37s are used in the training role and, above Reims/Cessna FTB.337Gs provide forward air control Other items such as forward looking infrared (FLIR) pods and head-up-display monitors for the rear seat of the TA-7P dual version would be the subject of any future upgrade. Closer to the wartime battlefront, the FAP would operate the Fiat G.91R "Gina", two versions of which are pre sently included in the inventory. The G.91R-3 equips 301 Sqn, "The Jaguars," stationed at Base Aerea No. 1 Montijo, the largest base on the Portuguese mainland and familiar to aircraft of many other Nato forces. The Ginas of 301 Sqn primar ily operate in the Close Air Support, Battlefield Interdiction, and Tactical Reconnaissance roles, with MO and Air Defence as secondary tasks. In the last role the G.91s have been equipped with AIM-9 Sidewinders and updated avionics. The R.4 variant is flown by 303 Sqn from Base Aerea No. 4. Terceira/Lajes, on the Azores. By virtue of the unit's location, the mission of 303 Sqn, "The Tigers," has more emphasis on MO and Tactical Air Reconnaissance. Soviet vessels predominate in the unit's picture library. The aircraft's recce poten tial is also made available to the Lajes- based SAR units as required. All of the Portuguese G.91s were obtained from West Germany, and the first batch of 40 R-3 aircraft was delivered in 1966. Many of these saw active service in former Portuguese territories in Africa. The G.91 can carry an array of arma ments including general-purpose bombs, cluster bombs, and guided rockets. The acquisition of laser-guided Mk.82 bombs is being considered and, pending a deci sion, basic delivery techniques for these weapons are already being practised by 301 Sqn. The R-3 version has two 30mm Defa cannon with 125 rounds each, while the R-4 version is equipped with four • 50in machine guns. Portuguese G.91s do not have an inertial navigation system (INS), which somewhat reduces their effectiveness. The purchase of an INS for the Gina is not being pursued at present, although it has been considered in the past. In spite of the lack of an INS and the type's limited range, it is still an extremely useful asset close to the front line, owing to its very low infrared signature, its ability to operate from unprepared runways, and turn around times between missions of less than half an hour. Number 303 Sqn inherited its name, fame, and particularly its traditions from the former 121 "Tiger" Squadron based in Portuguese Guinea between 1966 and 1974. The Squadron's location on the Azores has ruled out its participation in the Nato Tiger Meet. However, "Jaguars" from Montijo have been frequent guests at the annual gathering, and in 1987 they are scheduled to host the event. Not surprisingly, 301 Sqn also has close ties with Italian units operating the G-91Y, and within the framework of COMAFSOUTH joint exercises are regu larly conducted. Pilots joining the FAP on short-term contracts have to sign on for at least six years. Elementary instruction is given at Ota (20 n.m. north of Lisbon), flying the DHC-1 Chipmunk with 101 Sqn. In total 66 Chipmunks were licence-built in Portugal by the Officinas Generais de Material Aeronautico (OGMA), and about 30 of these are still in active service, repre senting one of the largest remaining concentrations of this type. Upon completion of the course at Ota, students normally progress on to the Cessna T-37C, joining 102 Sqn at Sintra (17 n.m. west of Lisbon). If no places are available at this unit, the Chipmunk grad uates continue their training with 101 Sqn at Ota, flying the Reims/Cessna FTB.337G until such time as they can proceed on to the T-37C at Sintra. The FTB.337G was originally acquired to perform counterinsurgency (Coin) duties in Africa. However, by the time the first deliveries of the type began, the Portuguese were already withdrawing from their colonies. The aircraft has subsequently been employed for liaison and medevac, and to a limited extent in Airborne Forward Air Control. Number 102 Sqn also trains Portugal's instructor pilots and provides instrument flying refresher courses. The T-37C inven tory includes some 25 aircraft painted in the colours of the Asas de Portugal, the FAP's long-established, aerobatic team. Maintaining the Asas is a secondary mission for 102 Sqn, with the team members training in their spare time. The modern complex housing the Air Force Academy at Sintra provides quite a contrast to the historic buildings else where on the base. Established in 1978, the Academy offers university-level education to Air Force Officers, and aims to develop leadership capabilities. Its syllabus includes cognitive, behavioural, and physical training elements. A five- year course is organised for aircrew offi cers, and "a one-year course as a follow-up to university graduation for engineers, financial controllers, and physicians. Additionally, a range of in-service training is provided for existing Air Force officers. The flying aptitude of candidate pilot officers is checked at Ota, in a test that encompasses about 18hr on the Chip munk, which is generally sufficient to bring the candidates up to first solo. After flying Chipmunks for four years at the Academy, flying training will in some cases be continued in the United States, but generally pilots fly another 40hr on the type before proceeding directly to the T-37C with 102 Sqn. To enable the Academy students to maintain their basic flying proficiency during their four years in the classroom, a couple of RF.10 motor- gliders are based at Sintra—the only FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL, 30 May 1987 31
Sign up to
Flight Digital Magazine
Flight Print Magazine
Airline Business Magazine
E-newsletters
RSS
Events
