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List of Portuguese Air Force aircraft squadrons

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List of Portuguese Air Force aircraft squadrons and flights, past and present.

Military Aeronautics (Army aviation) flying units

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Name Native name Active Base Aircraft Notes
Mozambique Expeditionary Flight Esquadrilha Expedicionária a Moçambique 1917–1918 Mocimboa da Praia Airfield, Mozambique Farman F.40 (3x) The first Portuguese operational unit of military aviation. Participated in the East African campaign of World War I
Angola Expedicionary Flight Esquadrilha Expedicionária a Angola 1918–1921 Lubango, Angola Caudron G-4 (9x) Transferred to Huambo. Transformed in the Angola Group of Aviation Flights (GEAA) in 1921
"Republic" Group of Aviation Flights Grupo de Esquadrilhas de Aviação "República" (GEAR) 1919–1927 Amadora Airfield Breguet 14, SPAD S.VII, AVRO 504K (May 1924) used by Cintra Flying School till 1934 The first operational unit of military aviation created in European Portugal. Transformed in the Information Aviation Group (GAI) in 1927
Mix Depot and Aviation Flight Esquadrilha Mista de Aviação e Depósito (EMAD) 1920–? Tancos Airfield SPAD S.VII
Angola Group of Aviation Flights Grupo de Esquadrilhas de Aviação de Angola (GEAA) 1921–? Huambo, Angola Caudron G-4, Caudron G-3, Breguet Br.14-A2 (12x)
Fighter Flight No. 1 Esquadrilha Nº1 de Caça 1926–1927 Tancos Airfield Breguet 14 Transformed in the GIAPC in 1927
Independent Combat and Protection Aviation Group Grupo Independente de Aviação de Protecção de Combate (GIAPC) 1927–? Tancos Airfield Fighter unit
Information Aviation Group Grupo de Aviação de Informação (GAI) 1927–1938 Amadora Airfield Reconnaissance unit
Independent Bombardment Aviation Group Grupo Independente de Aviação de Bombardeamento (GIAB) 1927–1940 Alverca Strategic bombing unit. Transferred from Amadora
Independent Assault Aviation Flight Esquadrilha Independente de Aviação de Assalto 1939–1941 Granja do Marquês Breda Ba-65 (10x) Ground attack unit
Day Bombardment Group Grupo de Bombardeamento de Dia 1938–1940 Ota Airfield Junkers Ju 52/3m (10x) Strategic bombing unit
Day Bombardment Group Grupo de Bombardeamento de Dia 1940–? Ota Airfield Junkers Ju 86K-7 (10x) Strategic bombing unit
Night Bombardment Group Grupo de Bombardeamento de Noite 1940–? Ota Airfield Junkers Ju 52 (10x) Strategic bombing unit
Fighter Flight Esquadrilha de Caça 1940–? Ota Airfield Gloster Gladiator II (15x) Air defense
Expeditionary Fighter Flight No. 1 Esquadrilha Expedicionária de Caça Nº 1 1941–? Rabo de Peixe Airfield, Azores Gloster Gladiator II Air defense and patrol squadron. Transferred from Tancos
Expeditionary Fighter Flight No. 2 Esquadrilha Expedicionária de Caça nº2 1941–? Achada, Azores Gloster Gladiator II Air defense and patrol squadron. Transferred from Ota
Mohawk Flight Esquadrilha Mohawk 1941 Ota Airfield Curtiss 75A-4 Mohawk Air defense. Squadron code XY
Expeditionary Fighter Flight No. 3 Esquadrilha Expedicionária de Caça Nº 3 1941–? Rabo de Peixe Airfield, Azores Curtiss 75A-4 Mohawk Air defense
4 Flight Esquadrilha 4 1943–? Ota Airfield Bell P-39L Airacobra Air combat squadron. Also designated as Airacobra Squadron/Flight. Squadron code "OK"
SU Flight Esquadrilha SU 1943–1944 Ota Airfield Hawker Hurricane IIC
TY Flight Esquadrilha TY 1943–1944 Ota Airfield Hawker Hurricane IIB
VX Flight Esquadrilha VX 1943–1944 Ota Airfield Hawker Hurricane IIC
XZ Flight Esquadrilha XZ 1943–1944 Tancos Airfield Supermarine Spitfire I Air defense squadron. Transferred to Ota as XZ 3rd Squadron
Information and Reconnaissance Group Grupo de Reconhecimento e Informação 1943–1952 Tancos Airfield Westland Lysander IIIA Reconnaissance and liaison squadron
1st Flight / MR Flight Esquadrilha 1 / Esquadrilha MR 1944–? Ota Airfield Supermarine Spitfire V Air defense squadron
2nd Flight / RL Flight Esquadrilha 2 / Esquadrilha RL 1944–? Ota Airfield Supermarine Spitfire V Air defense squadron
Independent Fighter Aviation Squadron / VX Flight Esquadrilha Independente de Aviação de Caça (EIAC) / Esquadrilha VX 1944–1946 Portela Airfield Hawker Hurricane IIC Air combat squadron
ZE Flight Esquadrilha ZE 1944–? Ota Airfield Bristol Blenheim, Supermarine Spitfire, North American T-6 Texan
GL Flight Esquadrilha GL 1944–? Tancos Airfield Hawker Hurricane
Squadron 41 Esquadra 41 1947–1952 Lajes Air Base SB-17G Flying Fortress, Douglas C-54 Skymaster, SC-54/HC-54 Searchmaster Search and rescue and maritime patrol squadron
RV Flight Esquadrilha RV 1942–1948 Espinho Airfield Hawker Hurricane
Independent Fighter Aviation Group Grupo Independente de Aviação de Caça (GIAC) 1948–1952 Espinho Airfield Hawker Hurricane Air defense squadron. Merger of squadrons VX and RV
Training and Transport Flight Esquadrilha de Treino e Transporte (ETT) 1947–1952 Granja do Marquês Airfield Avro Anson T.1, Avro 626 Training and transport. Replaced by PoAF's 1st Transport Squadron

Portuguese Air Force flying units

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Squadron designations

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The basic aircraft unit of the Portuguese Air Force (PoAF) is the squadron (Portuguese: Esquadra), which is under the command and part of an operational group (Portuguese: Grupo Operacional). These operational groups are dependent of an air base and commonly use a numerical designation related to the air base's own numerical designation. (Example: Grupo Operacional 11 is dependent of Air Base No. 11.)

Since the Air Force's reorganization of 1978, squadrons have used a three digit designation, with some squadrons starting to adopt this designation system in 1977. The first digit indicates the squadron's primary mission, while the second digit indicates the type of aircraft operated, and with the third digit being a sequential number.

Primary mission designation:

1 – Instruction squadron;
2 – Fighter squadron;
3 – Attack squadron;
4 – Reconnaissance squadron;
5 – Transport squadron;
6 – Maritime patrol squadron;
7 – Search and Rescue squadron;
8 – Special function squadron;

Designation of the type of aircraft operated by the squadron:

0 – Fixed-wing aircraft;
1 – Mixed;
5 – Rotary-wing aircraft;

Until 1977, and prior to this designation system, the PoAF used both numerical designations and names for its flying squadrons. Names were almost exclusively used for small local liaison and transport units and dedicated training squadrons.

The squadrons that used a numerical designation received it based on the air base or base airfield number at which they were based in addition to a sequential number. In example, 51 and 52 Squadron were based at Air Base No. 5 and 122 Squadron was based at Air Base No. 12. Units based at base airfields (Portuguese: Aeródromo Base) received a zero as an additional digit in their numeric designation to help differentiate them from units based at air bases. In example, 501 Squadron was based at Base Airfield No. 5.

Flying squadrons

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Name Native name Nickname Active Base Aircraft Notes
1st Transport Flight 1ª Esquadra de Transportes 1952–1953 Portela Airfield C-54 Skymaster Transport flight, replaced by 1st Military Air Transport Grouping
1st Military Air Transport Grouping 1º Agrupamento de Transportes Aéreos Militares 1953–1961 Portela Airfield C-54 Skymaster Transport unit, replaced by 81 Squadron
2nd Military Air Transport Grouping 2º Agrupamento de Transportes Aéreos Militares 1960–1961 Air Base 6, Montijo DC-6 Transport unit, replaced by 82 Squadron
81 Squadron Esquadra 81 1953–1972 Portela Airfield C-54 Skymaster Transport squadron, re-designated as 131 Squadron
Liaison and Training Flight Esquadrilha de Ligação e Treino Air Base 2, Ota Avro Anson T.1, T-6 Texan, Miles Magister I
10 Squadron Esquadra 10 1952–1956 Air Base 2, Ota F-47D Thunderbolt Transferred to Tancos Air Base in 1955
11 Squadron Esquadra 11 1952–1956 Air Base 2, Ota F-47D Thunderbolt Transferred to Tancos Air Base in 1955
41 Squadron Esquadra 41 1952–1976 Air Base 4, Lajes SB-17G Flying Fortress, Douglas C-54 Skymaster, SC-54/HC-54 Searchmaster Search and rescue and maritime patrol squadron. Replaced by 42 Squadron and 503 Squadron Golfinhos
20 Squadron Esquadra 20 1953–? Air Base 2, Ota F-47D Thunderbolt, T-33 Shooting Star Air combat and training squadron. First squadron of the Portuguese Air Force to be equipped with jet aircraft
21 Squadron Esquadra 21 1954–196? Air Base 2, Ota F-84G Thunderjet Air combat squadron
22 Squadron Esquadra 22 1955–1956 Air Base 2, Ota F-84G Thunderjet, T-33 Shooting Star Air combat and advanced combat training
Composite Squadron Esquadra Mista 1954–? "Sacadura Cabral" Naval Air Station, Montijo G-44 Widgeon, T-6 Texan, SB2C Helldiver
Anti-Submarine Operational Training Squadron Esquadra de Intrução Operacional Anti-Submarino ? "Gago Coutinho" Aviation School, São Jacinto SB2C Helldiver
Elementary Flying Training Squadron Esquadra de Instrução Elementar de Pilotagem (EIEP) 195?–1974 "Gago Coutinho" Aviation School, São Jacinto (later Air Base 7) Tiger Moth, DHC-1 Chipmunk Re-designated as 21 Squadron
Liaison and Training Flight Esquadrilha de Ligação e Treino 1955–1955 Air Base 3, Tancos Airspeed Oxford, Piper L-21
Composite Squadron Esquadra Mista 1956–1959 Air Base 3, Tancos Airspeed Oxford, Piper L-21, Junkers Ju 52 Portuguese: Esquadra Mista
Complementary Flying Training Squadron Esquadra de Instrução Complementar de Pilotagem (EICP) Caracóis (Snails) 1956–1957 Air Base 2, Ota T-33 Shooting Star Re-designated as Fighter Aircraft Complementary Flying Training Squadron (EICPAC – Esquadra de Instrução Complementar em Aviões de Caça)
103 Squadron / Fighter Aircraft Complementary Flying Training Squadron Esquadra 103 / Esquadra de Instrução Complementar de Aviões de Caça 1957–1977 Air Base 5, Monte Real T-33 Shooting Star Training and fighter operational conversion. Re-designated as 103 Squadron
Heavy Aircraft Navigation and Complementary Training Squadron Esquadra de Instrução Complementar de Pilotagem e Navegação em Aviões Pesados (EICPNAP) 1959–1963 Air Base 3, Tancos Junkers Ju 52 Heavy aircraft navigational and complementary training squadron
Parachute Troops Transport and Training Squadron Esquadra de Treino e Transporte de Tropas Paraquedistas (ETTTP) 1963–1971 Air Base 3, Tancos Junkers Ju 52 Transport and training squadron. Replaced by 32 Squadron
1 Basic Flying Training Squadron Esquadra de Instrução Básica de Pilotagem nº 1 (EIBP 1) 1964–? Air Base 7, São Jacinto T-6 Texan Basic flight training
2 Basic Flying Training Squadron Esquadra de Instrução Básica de Pilotagem nº 2 (EIBP 2) Panchos (Panchos) 1963–1977 Air Base 1, Sintra Cessna T-37C Elementary flight training squadron. Two flights: Esquadrilha n° 1, "Feras" (Beasts), and Esquadrilha n° 2, "Águias" (Eagles). Re-designated as 102 Squadron
Heavy Aircraft Complementary Training Squadron Esquadra de Instrução Complementar de Aviões Pesados (EICAP) 1960–? Air Base 4, Lajes C-47 Dakota, C-54 Skymaster
61 Squadron Esquadra 61 1956–1977 Air Base 6, Montijo PV-2 Harpoon, P2V-5 Neptune Anti-submarine and maritime patrol squadron. Maintained several temporary Neptune detachments in Africa until the end of the Colonial War
62 Squadron Esquadra 62 1956–1961 Air Base 6, Montijo PV-2 Harpoon Anti-submarine, maritime patrol and ground attack. Deployed to Africa
50 Squadron Esquadra 50 1958 Air Base 2, Ota F-86F Sabre Reformed as 51 Squadron
51 Squadron Esquadra 51 Falcões (Falcons) 1959–1978 Air Base 5, Monte Real F-86F Sabre, Fiat G.91, T-38A Talon Aircraft assigned to the squadron used a blue tail scheme. Re-designated as 201 Squadron
52 Squadron Esquadra 52 Galos (Roosters) 1959–1961 Air Base 5, Monte Real F-86F Sabre Aircraft assigned to the squadron used a red tail scheme
82 Squadron Esquadra 82 1961–1972 Portela Airfield DC-6 Transport squadron. Re-designated as 132 Squadron
91 Squadron Esquadra 91 1961–1975 Air Base 9, Luanda PV-2 Harpoon, Fiat G.91R/4 Ground attack and reconnaissance
92 Squadron Esquadra 92 Elefantes (Elephants) 1961–1974 Air Base 9, Luanda Nord Noratlas
93 Squadron Esquadra 93 Magníficos (Magnificences) 1961–? Air Base 9, Luanda F-84G Thunderjet, B-26 Invader
94 Squadron Esquadra 94 Moscas (Flies) 1963–1975 Air Base 9, Luanda Alouette II and Alouette III Helicopter squadron
103 Squadron Esquadra 103 1962 Air Base 10, Beira PV-2 Harpoon Ground attack and reconnaissance squadron. Activated on February 1 and re-designated as 101 Squadron on November 19, 1962
101 Squadron Esquadra 101 1962–? Air Base 10, Beira PV-2 Harpoon Ground attack and reconnaissance squadron
102 Squadron Esquadra 102 1962–? Air Base 10, Beira Nord Noratlas
Liaison and Training Squadron Esquadra de Ligação e Treino Air Base 10, Beira Auster D.5, T-6 Texan
Operational Squadron Esquadra Operacional Base Airfield 3, Negage Dornier Do 27 Portuguese: Esquadra Operacional do Aeródromo Base Nº 3
Airplane and Helicopter Mix Training Squadron Esquadra Mista de Instrução de Aviões e Helicópteros (EMIAH) 1965–1968 Air Base 3, Tancos Alouette II and Alouette III
121 Squadron Esquadra 121 Cafeteiras (Coffee pots) 1965 Air Base 12, Bissau Dornier Do 27 Forward air controller, liaison and close air support squadron
121 Squadron Esquadra 121 Tigres (Tigers) 1966 Air Base 12, Bissau Fiat G.91 Close air support and air defense squadron
121 Squadron Esquadra 121 Roncos (Roars) 1967–? Air Base 12, Bissau T-6 Texan Forward air controller and close air support squadron
122 Squadron Esquadra 122 Canibais (Cannibals) 1969–? Air Base 12, Bissau Alouette III Close air support and tactical transport squadron. Alouette III armed with 20 mm cannons. Two flights: Canibais and Lobo Mau (Big Bad Wolf)
123 Squadron Esquadra 123 1969–? Air Base 12, Bissau Nord Noratlas, Dornier Do 27
Liaison, Training and Rescue Squadron Esquadra de Ligação Treino e Socorro (ELTS) 1970–? Portela Airfield C-47 Dakota, C-45 Expeditor, Max Holste Broussard Liaison, transport and search and rescue squadron
31 Squadron Esquadra 31 Tigres (Tigers) 1970–? Air Base 3, Tancos T-6 Texan, Dornier Do 27, Auster D.5 Liaison, reconnaissance and close air support squadron. Mix Operational Squadron (Portuguese: Esquadra Operacional Mista)
32 Squadron Esquadra 32 1971–1978 Air Base 3, Tancos Junkers Ju 52, Nord Noratlas Transport aircraft squadron
33 Squadron / Helicopter Complementary Training Squadron Esquadra 33 / Esquadra de Instrução Complementar de Helicópteros (EICH) Zangões (Drones) 1968–1978 Air Base 3, Tancos Alouette II, Alouette III
402 Squadron Esquadra 402 Saltimbancos (Mountebanks) 1969–1975 Base Airfield 4, Henrique de Carvalho Alouette III
403 Squadron Esquadra 403 1971–? Base Airfield 4, Henrique de Carvalho PV-2 Harpoon, C-47 Dakota
501 Squadron Esquadra 501 Tigres (Tigers) 1969–? Base Airfield 5, Nacala T-6 Texan, Dornier Do 27 Close air support and reconnaissance squadron
502 Squadron Esquadra 502 Jaguares (Jaguars) 1969–? Base Airfield 5, Nacala Fiat G.91R/4 Close air support, air defense, and reconnaissance squadron
503 Squadron Esquadra 503 Índios (Indians) 1967–1975 Base Airfield 5, Nacala Alouette III
601 Squadron Esquadra 601 Venenosos (Poisonous) Base Airfield 6, Nova Freixo T-6 Texan Liaison and close air support squadron
701 Squadron Esquadra 701 Muskardos Base Airfield 7, Tete T-6 Texan, Dornier Do 27, Cessna 185 Liaison and close air support squadron
702 Squadron Esquadra 702 Escorpiões (Scorpions) 1969–? Base Airfield 7, Tete Fiat G.91R/4 Close air support, air defense, and reconnaissance squadron
703 Squadron Esquadra 703 Vampiros (Vampires) Base Airfield 7, Tete Alouette III, SA 330 Puma Transport and MEDEVAC squadron
B-26 Detachment Destacamento B-26 Diabos (Devils) 1970 Air Base 12, Bissau B-26 Invader Operational testing of the B-26 in tropical environment
801 Squadron Esquadra 801 Base Airfield 8, Lourenço Marques C-47 Dakota Transport squadron
802 Squadron Esquadra 802 Pegasos (Pegasus) Base Airfield 8, Lourenço Marques T-6 Texan Close air support
131 Squadron Esquadra 131 1971 Portela Airfield DC-6 Transport squadron
132 Squadron Esquadra 132 1971–1976 Portela Airfield Boeing 707-3F5C Transport squadron
21 Squadron Esquadra 21 Magos (Wizards) 1974–1976 Air Base 2, Ota DHC-1 Chipmunk Elementary flight training squadron
701 Squadron Esquadra 701 Jakarés (Alligators) 1975–1994 Air Base 2, Ota Cessna Skymaster FTB-337G Liaison and transport. Re-designated as 505 Squadron
42 Squadron Esquadra 42 1976–1977 Air Base 4, Lajes SA 330 Puma Search and rescue squadron. Re-designated as 752 Squadron
101 Squadron Esquadra 101 Roncos (Roars) 1978–curr. Air Base 11, Beja[1] TB 30 Epsilon Elementary and basic flying training squadron
102 Squadron Esquadra 102 Panchos (Panchos) 1977–1992 Air Base 1, Sintra Cessna T-37C Elementary flight training squadron
103 Squadron Esquadra 103 Caracóis (Snails) 1955–curr. Air Base 11, Beja T-33 Shooting Star, T-38 Talon, Alpha Jet Complementary flight training and operational transition training squadron
111 Squadron Esquadra 111 1978–1993 Air Base 3, Tancos Alouette II, Alouette III, C-212 Aviocar Fixed-wing multi-engine flight and helicopter flight instruction
201 Squadron Esquadra 201 Falcões (Falcons) 1978–1981
1993–curr. 		Air Base 5, Monte Real F-16 Fighting Falcon
301 Squadron Esquadra 301 Jaguares (Jaguars) 1978–curr. Air Base 5, Monte Real Fiat G.91, Alpha Jet, F-16 Fighting Falcon
302 Squadron Esquadra 302 Falcões (Falcons) 1981–1996 Air Base 5, Monte Real A-7 Corsair II Attack and air defense squadron
304 Squadron Esquadra 304 Magníficos (Magnificences) 1984–1999 Air Base 5, Monte Real A-7 Corsair II Attack and air defense squadron
401 Squadron Esquadra 401 Cientistas (Scientists) 1966–2011 Air Base 6, Montijo C-212 Aviocar Photographic survey, reconnaissance, and maritime patrol squadron
501 Squadron Esquadra 501 Bisontes (Bisons) 1977–curr. Air Base 6, Montijo C-130 Hercules Transport squadron
502 Squadron Esquadra 502 Elefantes (Elephants) 1978–curr. Air Base 6, Montijo C-212 Aviocar, C-295M Tactical and general transport, maritime patrol, MEDEVAC squadron. Detachment operating from Lajes Air Base
503 Squadron Esquadra 503 Golfinhos (Dolphins) 1977–1993 Air Base 4, Lajes C-212 Aviocar Transport and maritime patrol squadron, initially designated as Maritime Patrol and Transport Squadron (Portuguese: Esquadra de Transporte e Patrulhamento Marítimo). Merged into 711 Squadron
504 Squadron Esquadra 504 Linces (Lynxes) 1985–curr. Air Base 6, Montijo Dassault Falcon 20DC, Dassault Falcon 50 VIP transport and medical evacuation squadron
505 Squadron Esquadra 505 Jakarés (Alligators) 1994–2005 Air Base 6, Montijo Cessna Skymaster FTB-337G Liaison and transport. Also designated as 505 Flight (Portuguese: Esquadrilha 505)
551 Squadron Esquadra 551 1978–1986 Air Base 6, Montijo Alouette III Tactical air transport
552 Squadron Esquadra 552 Zangões (Drones) 1978–curr. Air Base 1, Sintra[1] AW119 Mk II Koala Tactical air transport, helicopter flight training squadron. Search and rescue detachment operating from Ovar
711 Squadron Esquadra 711 Albatrozes (Albatrosses) 1993–2008 Air Base 4, Lajes SA 330 Puma, C-212 Aviocar Search and rescue and MEDEVAC squadron
751 Squadron Esquadra 751 Pumas (Pumas) 1978–curr. Air Base 1, Sintra[1] EH-101 Merlin Search and rescue and transport squadron. Detachment operating from Lajes Air Base
752 Squadron Esquadra 752 Pumas (Pumas) 1977–1993
2008–2011 		Air Base 4, Lajes SA 330 Puma Search and rescue and transport squadron. Merged into 711 Squadron
601 Squadron Esquadra 601 Lobos (Wolves) 1986–curr. Air Base 11, Beja P-3 Orion Maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare
802 Squadron Esquadra 802 Águias (Eagles) 1977–curr. Air Base 11, Sintra Schleicher ASK 21, DHC-1 Chipmunk, LET L-23 Air Force Academy flight instruction squadron

See also

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Notes

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References

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  • "Esquadras" [Squadrons] (in Portuguese). Portuguese Air Force. Archived from the original on February 28, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  • "Air Units". October 29, 2009. Archived from the original on October 20, 2009. Retrieved March 17, 2014.

Bibliography

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  • Cardoso, Edgar (1963). Presença da Força Aérea em Angola.
  • Cardoso, Edgar (1981). História da Força Aérea Portuguesa. Amadora: Gratelo SARL.
  • Abecasis, José Krus (1985). Bordo de Ataque. Coimbra.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  • Cardoso, Adelino (2000). Aeronaves Militares Portuguesas no Século XX. Lisbon: Essencial.
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  1. ^ a b c AirForces Monthly. Stamford, Lincolnshire, England: Key Publishing Ltd. August 2020. p. 10.
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