![]() | cyprus squadron royal marines the cyprus squad of the royal marines |
![]() | RAF Crambo Italiano 617 cyprus The Big Ticket showing us how its done! TICKET!!!! |
![]() | RAF AFGHAN DIARIES: Homeward bound 1 SAC Paul Goodfellow's Afghanistan diaries -- Spirits are high as 51 Squadron RAF Regiment finally head to the airport for their flight to Cyprus. It's been a long six months and a great experience but Goody is glad to heading home. The RAF has given Paul Goodfellow a handheld video and a small 'lipstick' camera to create his films; he has no previous experience as a cameraman. His videos are checked in Kandahar to ensure they don't include any sensitive data, then sent to London and posted online. |
![]() | H.A.F. Noratlas ''354 M.T.M.'' http://www.aviationlive.org Online Aviation Pics,Videos and Forum download link www.haf.gr The Nord Noratlas was a 1950s French military transport aircraft intended to replace the older types in service at the end of World War II.Development ask for download link in http://freeaviation.freeforums.org At the end of World War II, the French Armée de l'Air was left with two primary transport aircraft: the Junkers Ju 52 and the Douglas C-47. While both had given good service, they suffered from a common set of flaws: a nose-up attitude when at rest, complicating cargo stowing; restrictive side-loading doors; and limited payload. The first prototype took to the air on September 10, 1949 powered by two Gnome et Rhône 14R 1600 hp engines driving 3-bladed variable pitch propellers, but it was found to be too slow for most applications. The second prototype replaced the 14Rs with two SNECMA-built Bristol Hercules 738/9 2,040 hp engines driving four-bladed propellers, and this model was rechristened the Nord 2501. DTI ordered 3 more preproduction Nord 2501s, which they flight-tested extensively against the similar Fairchild C-82 Packet. The N-2501 was found superior, and the first 34 were ordered on July 10, 1951. After an eventual production run of some 425 planes, the last Noratlas was constructed in 1961. Operational History The Noratlas Nord 2501 gained fame during the Suez Crisis of 1956, when the French paras dropped over the south of Port Said, and Port Fouad in Egypt. Its history started four years later. 1952 was marked by the unfortunate crash of the first Nord 2501 prototype as it underwent further testing, and on January 9, 1953, the Nord 2501 was baptized the Noratlas by the widow of the pilot killed in the crash. Despite this setback, the program was able to fulfill its initial contract for 34 planes by June 25, 1953, and the Armée de l'Air went on to order another 174 planes, for a total of 208. These were initially overwhelmingly cargo planes, though 10 were ordered fitted out for passengers; however, following the conclusion of operations in Algeria in 1962, many were converted to other roles (detailed below). Of these modifications, the eight Nord Gabriels (an electronic warfare platform) were useful the longest, and it was the last of this type that was finally phased out in 1989 by the Armée de l'Air. West Germany, faced with the same situation that had prompted the development of the Noratlas, eventually ordered a total of 186 Noratlases from 1956 on, of which 25 were built in France, and the other 161 manufactured in West Germany by Flugzeugbau Nord (a satellite company) under contract. These last were designated N-2501D. The Luftwaffe began selling its Noratlases in 1964, and is the source for most of the planes for the smaller national operators listed below. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) initially purchased three examples of the N-2501IS in 1956, but under duress -- the French government would only allow them to purchase 12 Dassault Ouragans if they purchased 3 Noratlases as well. The Israelis were upset by the terms of the offer, but France was one of very few countries willing to sell them arms, and eventually they knuckled under. However, they quickly realized the utility of the Noratlas following its performance in the Suez Crisis, and purchased another 3 N-2501ISs in 1959, and 16 N-2501Ds before the Six-Day War. These were primarily intended for cargo and paratroop transport, but there are reports that several were put to more unconventional use as bombers on long-range strikes into Egypt, much as the contemporary C-130s deployed the Daisy Cutter bomb in Vietnam. It is also known that the IAF used their Noratlases for maritime reconnaissance at the outset of the Six-Day War, and one of these identified the USS Liberty prior to the strafing of the ship. The IAF phased the Noratlas out in 1978, and the bulk of their fleet was sold to the Greek (Hellenic) Air Force. A few hundred of Noratlas Hellenic Air Force (HAF) had been acquired in 1970 from Luftwaffe as WWII compensations. These Noratlas were based in Elefsis AFB near to Athens at the 354 Tactical Airlift Squadron (112th Tactical Fighter Wing - Pterix Mahis. Hellenic Air Force's 354th Sqdr Noratlas wrote a brilliant page of Hellenic aviation history with the air transportation operation of the 1st Greek rangers squadron from Crete (Souda) to Cyprus (Nicosia) at the night of 21st to 22 July 1974 during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. In spite of the ageing aircraft and the adverse flying conditions, 12 of the 15 aircraft which participated in the mission "Nike" (Victory in Greek), landed on the airport of Nicosia. The brave men of the 1st Rangers Squadron kept the National Airport of Nicosia in the UN hands and did not surrender to the Turkish Brigade who attacked the airport. http://www.patricksaviation.com/photos/malakas/13513/ Source video www.haf.gr info wikipedia |
![]() | ''Sluff'' In H.A.F. For aviation talk visit http://www.aviationlive.org/forum/index.php H.A.F. a-7 corsair...It is a United States built, single-seat, single-engine, long-range attack aircraft and it entered service with the Hellenic Air Force in 1975. A-7s have dogfight aegean macedonia thrace been widely used by the USAF in various conflicts, including the Vietnam War, the Libya strikes in 1986, the US intervention in Grenada in 1983 and the invasion of Panama in 1989. During Desert Storm, it demonstrated more than 95% operational readiness and didn't miss a single combat sortie. In the Hellenic Air Force they were initially based in the Air Bases of Larissa (347 Squadron "Perseas") and Souda (340 and 345 Squadrons, "Fox" and "Lailaps" respectively). In 2002, the Corsairs were placed to Araxos air base (116 Combat Wing, 335 squadron "Tiger" and 336 squadron "Olympos"). The Hellenic Corsairs are nearing the end of its operational life and its replacement with a fourth generation fighter is high on the list of priorities of the General Air Force Staff. The Hellenic Air Force is the only user of the type. Specifications: * Crew: 1 (Α-7ΕΗ) or 2 (ΤΑ-7H) (TA-7C) * Engine: 1 Allison/Rolls Royce TF41-A-400 non-afterburning turbofan, 14,450 lbs thrust. * Wing Span: 11.8 m * Length: 14.06 m * Maximum Speed: 0.94 Mach * Service Ceiling: 60,000 ft |
![]() | RAF AFGHAN DIARIES: 1st September 2007 SAC Paul Goodfellow's Afghanistan diaries -- Entry 126 -- The countdown has begun -- only six days left before 51 Squadron heads to Cyprus and then back to the UK. The RAF has given Paul Goodfellow a handheld video and a small 'lipstick' camera to create his films; he has no previous experience as a cameraman. His videos are checked in Kandahar to ensure they don't include any sensitive data, then sent to London and posted online. |
![]() | History Of Hellenic Air Force(HAF) Part 2/2 History Of Hellenic Air Force 1940-2000 The Hellenic Air Force's activities continued unabated during the offensive struggle too, while the large Spring attack of March 1941 was confronted successfully. The German invasion and the unequal (as realised from the begining) conflict with Luftwaffe did not prevent RHAF pilots from carrying out their duties once again in full.The Hellenic Air Force shot down 64 enemy aircraft while another 24 were claimed, too. Fifty-two dead aviators paid the price of freedom.Immediately after the arrival in the Middle East, of the five Avro Anson, one Dornier Do 22 and three Avro 626 which had escaped, the Hellenic Aviation began to be reorganized under the Ministry of Air Force based in Cairo.Three Hellenic squadrons were set up, namely the 13th Light Bombing Squadron (with Avro Anson, Bristol Blenheim and Martin A-30 Baltimore a/c) as well as the 335 and 336 Fighting Squadrons (with Hawker Hurricane and Submarine Spitfire) which joined, operationally, the allied air forces, operating in common with them. A/C maintenance and repair works as well as an Air Force General Hospital were established in Cairo. High level training was offered to flying and technical personnel at the Greek training centers in S. Rhodesia and S. Africa.The Greek Squadrons' war activities in the Middle East included convoy patrols, antisubmarine search, offensive patrols, reconnaissance, attacks and interceptions of the enemy air force.In November 1950, after the end of the operations of the Civil War, Greece, wishing to assist the United Nations, sent, to South Korea, the 13th Transport Aircraft Flight consisting of seven Douglas C-47 Dakota aircraft as well as 67 officers and soldiers..In 1953, the first Acroteam was raised from No 337 Squadron; with four Thunderjets it participated in many air shows both in Greece and abroad, thus painting world-wide glory and fame. Gradually, four Fighting Bombing Squadrons, namely Nos 336, 338, 339 and 340 were formed with F-84 Gs. In 1954 the F-86 Sabres were delivered and Nos 341, 342 and 343 Interception Squadrons were gradually raised. In the same year the HAF Joint Aerial Photograhy and Interpretation Centre was founded. In 1956 the 114 Combat Wing was established and Nos 341, 342 and 343 F-86s Squadrons were formed. The second acroteam, known as the ''Hellenic Flame'' was raised in August 1957 with F-86Es of No 341. Its aircraft, painted with impressive colours (blue, white and red) continued worthily the first «Acroteam»'s deeds while its pilots were awarded numerous decorations.In 1957 a new type of jet-fighters, the F-84Fs were delivered. No 335 Bombing Squadron was equipped with Thundersteaks and No 348's tactical reconnaissance inventory was strengthened with RF-84F Thunderflashes. In July of the same year, an attachment of No 335 Squadron of Tactical Transport conducted successfully the rescue operation of Greeks abroad in Kongo. In 1960 No 350 «Nike- Hercules» Squadron was created equipped with modern ground/air missiles. The third acroteam, the «New Hellenic Flame», was formed with five F-5s of No 337 in 1967. The HAF inventory was enriched significantly in 1969. In January the Convair F-102 A-40 Delta Daggers were delivered at 114 Combat Wing to replace the F-102s.In 1969 the new Grumman HU-16B Albatros formed No 353 Naval Co-operation Squadron.At the same time the NORD 2501 D Noratlas were delivered as an imperative solution for the accute problem of tactical transportation.In 1970, after the receipt of the Northorp RF-5As No 349 Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron was raised at 111 CW, which was until flying with F-84Fs. In April 1974 the first second-generation F-4Es landed at 117 CW. Three Squadrons, Nos 339,338 and 337 were formed with Phantom IIs. In July 1974, No 354 Noratlas Squadron wrote a brilliant page of Hellenic aviation history with the air transportation operation of Greek rangers from Crete to Cyprus. In spite of the ageing aircraft and the adverse flying conditions, 12 of the 15 aircraft which participated in the mission «NIKI», landed on the airport of Nicosia. The shooting down of a Noratlas cost the life of a crew of four and 12 parachutists.1975 was a turning point for the modernisation of the HAF. In the summer of 1975 the first all weather bombing A-7 Corsairs equipped Nos 340, 345 and 347 Squadron of 115 CW.On August 4, 1975 the first two Mirage F-1 CGs landed at 114 CW. Equipped with modern weapon and air navigational systems the F-1s were delivered initially in No 342 and two years later in No 334 Squadrons. In September the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft were disposed to No 356, radically changing the philosophy of tactical transportation. Source: haf.gr For more informations about Hellenic Air Force and generally aviation visit http://aviationlive.org/forum/ |
![]() | RAF AFGHAN DIARIES: Homeward bound 4 SAC Paul Goodfellow's Afghanistan diary -- Feeling a little worse for wear, Paul and SAC Ledger hit the beach for one last swim. In a few hours they'll be on their way to RAF Lossiemouth and home. The RAF has given Paul Goodfellow a handheld video and a small 'lipstick' camera to create his films; he has no previous experience as a cameraman. His videos are checked in Kandahar to ensure they don't include any sensitive data, then sent to London and posted online. |
![]() | Turkish Army ( Turk Ordusu ) Military Turkish Military ;Guardian of the Peace The First Army has its headquarters in Istanbul and is widely deployed in the European part of Turkey. Their responsibility is to defend Istanbul, Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits, and Kocaeli Peninsula. The Second Army has its headquartered in Malatya and is deployed in southeastern Anatolia with a defensive mission facing Syria, Iraq, and Iran. The Third Army has its headquarters in Erzincan and is deployed in eastern Anatolia, covering the borders with Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan from the east and northeast. For the Armed Forces readiness against any possible crisis in the area (such as during Persian Gulf War and Iraqi War), most of the armored, mechanized, and commando brigades are located in the central region in order to act rapidly into any scenario around our borders. The Aegean Army (or 4th Army) has its headquarter in Izmir and was established in mid-1970s against growing tensions with Greece in the Aegean Sea. Their responsibility is to defend the Aegean coast from the Dardanelles to the north down to Cyprus, and keeping sea routes and communication lines open in the Aegean. The Turkish peace corps on Cyprus are connected to the Aegean Army command structure. Turkish Land Forces are composed by; 4 field armies, 10 army corps, 2 mechanized infantry division, 2 mechanized infantry division headquarters (tactical), 1 infantry division and 1 training division, 14 mechanized infantry brigades, 14 armored brigades, 12 infantry/regional security brigades, 5 commando brigades, and 5 training brigades. Turkish Naval Forces are composed by; 13 submarines, 20 frigates, 21 fast patrol boats, 21 mine sweepers or hunters or layers, 52 various landing ships, 23 various maritime patrol aircraft or helicopters, and amphibious brigade. Navy's subordinate commands are; Fleet Command, Northern Sea Area Command, and Naval Training and Education Command. Turkish Air Forces are composed by; 19 combat squadrons, 2 reconnaissance squadrons, 5 training squadrons, 6 transportation squadrons, 1 tanker squadron, and 8 surface to air missile (SAM) squadrons. These units are organized into; 2 tactical air forces (1st TAF HQ in Eskisehir and 2nd TAF HQ in Diyarbakir), 2 main air transport bases, tanker base, air training, and air logistics commands. After US Air Forces, Turkish Air Forces have the most number of F-16 aircraft in the world. Turkish Air Forces can participate in exercises conducted overseas flying non-stop thanks to their in-air refueling capability with tanker planes. God Bless Turks |
![]() | Archangel 2005 Airshow The Hellenic Air Force or HAF (Greek: Πολεμική Αεροπορία) is the air force of Greece. Its mission is to guard and protect the Greek airspace, provide air assistance and support to the Hellenic Army and the Hellenic Navy as well as humanitarian aid (upon request) in Greece and around the world.In 1911 the Greek Government appointed French specialists to form the Hellenic Aviation Service. Six Greek officers were sent to France for training, while the first four "Farman" type aircraft were ordered. The first Greek aviator was Emmanuel Argyropoulos, who flew in a Nieuport IV.G "Alcuin" fighter, on February 8, 1912. The first military flight was made on 13 May of that year by Lieutenant Demetrios Kamberos. In June, Kamberos, flew with the "Daedalus", a Farman Aviation Works aircraft that had been converted into a seaplane, setting the foundations of the Naval Aviation. That September, the Greek Army fielded its first squadron, the Aviators Company (Λόχος Αεροπόρων).The Hellenic Air Force participated in the Balkan Wars, World War I, the Asia Minor Campaign, and World War II. Initially it consisted of the separate Army Aviation and Naval Aviation, but in 1930 the Aviation Ministry was founded, establishing the Air Force as the third branch of the Hellenic Armed Forces. In 1931, the Air Force Academy, the Scholi Ikaron was founded. During the Second World War, it successfully resisted the Italian invasion in 1940, but practically the entire force was destroyed by the Germans in April 1941. The Air Force was rebuilt in the Middle East as part of the Royal Air Force, flying Spitfires, Hurricanes and Martin Baltimores. After Greece's liberation in 1944, it returned home and subsequently participated in the Greek Civil War. In the 1950s, the force was rebuilt and organized according to NATO standards. The Greek Air Force participated in the Korean War with a transport flight unit. Greece participated in NATO nuclear weapons sharing until 2001, using A-7 Corsair IIs to deploy U.S. tactical B61 nuclear bombs from Araxos Air Base.Until the late 1980s the Air Force deployed Nike-Hercules Missiles armed with U.S. nuclear warheads. As a result of Greco-Turkish tensions around the 1974 Turkish invasion in Cyprus, the U.S. removed its nuclear weapons from Greek and Turkish alert units to storage. Greece saw this as another pro-Turkish move by NATO and withdrew its forces from NATO's military command structure from 1974 to 1980.In 1988 the first 3rd generation fighters were introduced, marking the beginning of a new era: The first Mirrage 2000 EG/BG aircraft were delivered to the 114th Combat Wing and equipped the 331 and 332 squadrons. In January 1989, the first F-16C/D Block 30 arrived in Nea Anchialos (111th Combat Wing) and were allocated between the 330 and 346 squadrons. In March 29, 1991 the RF-84F were retired from service after 34 years and 7 months of operational life. In November 1992 more RF-4E were delivered to the 348 Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron. In 1997 the reception of third generation aircraft continued. In July, delivery of forty F-16 Block 50 begun. The new aircraft, equipped with the (LANTIRN) navigation and targeting pod as well as AMRAAM and HARM missiles, were allocated to the 341 and 347 squadrons.In 2005, Greece was among the first countries to add the F-16 Block 52+ to its inventory. Sixty of these aircraft were acquired and another thirty are currently in order. This advanced F-16 type is an improved version of the Block 50 featuring a more powerful radar, better communications systems and an upgraded engine. The Hellenic Air Force's Block 52+ belong to the 337, 340 and 343 Squadrons with call signs "Ghost", "Fox" and "Star" respectively. 337 SQ is based at Larissa Air Force Base (110 Combat Wing) and the other two in Souda AB (115 CW).Today, the Hellenic Air Force has a total fighter fleet of 275 modern, upgraded or under upgrade aircraft and due to retirement of some fighter units that have ended their circle of operation,HAF is looking forward to acquiring new 3rd and 4th generation fighters in order to reach a total number of 300 modern fighters, according to the "2007 Supreme Air Force Council Momentum" published in 2007. Such goal is to be gradually reached until 2015. Prime candidates for a 4th generation aircraft, of which acquisition is considered certain, are the Eurofighter Typhoon, F-35 Lightning II (JSF) and Dassault Rafale.The camo extensively used is the Aegean Ghost theme (Φάντασμα του Αιγαίου). Note that Greece has placed an order for 20 additional F-16C Block 52+ and 10 F-16D Block 52+ aircraft. Also, the purchase of modern fourth generation fighters is likely to follow due to the A-7 Corsairs being gradually retired from service. |
![]() | Fly with the best pilots, the HAF pilots..... more info at: http://www.aviationlive.org/forum/index.php The Hellenic Air Force (HAF) (Greek: Πολεμική Αεροπορία (ΠΑ), Polemikí Aeroporía) is the air force of Greece. The mission of the Hellenic Air Force is to guard and protect the Greek airspace, provide air assistance and support to the Hellenic Army and the Hellenic Navy as well as humanitarian aid (upon request) in Greece and around the world. During the period of monarchy (1935-1973) the force was known as the Hellenic Royal Air Force (Ελληνική Βασιλική Αεροπορία (EBA), Ellinikí Vasilikí Aeroporía). The motto of the Hellenic Air Force is "Αίεν Υψικρατείν" meaning "Always Dominate the Heights" and the HAF ensign represents a flying eagle in front of the Hellenic Air Force roundel. The Hellenic Air Force is one of the three branches of the Hellenic Armed Forces. Until the late 1980s the Air Force deployed Nike-Hercules Missiles armed with U.S. nuclear warheads. As a result of Greco-Turkish tensions around the 1974 Turkish invasion in Cyprus, the U.S. removed its nuclear weapons from Greek and Turkish alert units to storage. Greece saw this as another pro-Turkish move by NATO and withdrew its forces from NATO's military command structure from 1974 to 1980. In 1988 the first fourth[1] generation fighters were introduced, marking the beginning of a new era: the first Mirage 2000 EG/BG aircraft were delivered to the 114 Combat Wing and equipped the 331 and 332 squadrons. In January 1989, the first F-16C/D Block 30 arrived in Nea Anchialos (111 Combat Wing) and were allocated between the 330 and 346 squadrons. In March 29, 1991 the RF-84F were retired from service after 34 years and 7 months of operational life. In November 1992 more RF-4E were delivered to the 348 Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron. In 1997 the reception of fourth generation aircraft continued. In July, delivery of forty F-16 Block 50 began. The new aircraft, equipped with the LANTIRN navigation and targeting pod as well as AMRAAM and HARM missiles, were allocated to the 341 and 347 squadrons. Entering the 21st century Greece participated in NATO "nuclear weapons sharing" until 2001, using A-7 Corsair IIs to deploy tactical B61 nuclear warheads from Araxos Air Base. Greece then strategically decided to remove all nuclear weapons under storage in Greece and did not purchace any more aircraft with nuclear mounting capabilities. In September 2004 started the Mirage 2000BG/EG fleet upgrade to the standard 2000-5 Mk2 and the project was undertaken by the French manufacturer Dassault and the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAB). Fifteen aircraft were ordered, while ten more were undertaken for upgrade by Dassault and EAB. The enhancements include upgraded radar and avionics, air-refueling capabilities, new self-defense system and upgraded engine, while the cockpit has taken some serious reforms. In 2005, Greece was among the first countries to add the F-16 Block 52+ to its inventory. Ninety of these 4.5th generation aircraft were ordered and delivery begun the same year. This advanced F-16 type is an improved version of the Block 50 featuring a more powerful radar, better communications systems and an upgraded engine. The Hellenic Air Force's Block 52+ belong to the 337, 340 and 343 Squadrons with call signs "Ghost", "Fox" and "Star" respectively. 337 SQ is based at Larissa Air Force Base (110 Combat Wing) and the other two in Souda AB (115 CW). In 2007, the Hellenic Air Force has a total fighter fleet of 275 modern or upgraded aircraft and due to retirement of units that have ended their circle of operation, is looking forward to acquiring new 4th, 4.5th or 5th generation fighters in order to reach a total number of 300 advanced fighters, according to the "2007 Supreme Air Force Council Momentum" published in 2007. Such goal is to be gradually reached until 2015. Prime candidates for a 4.5th or 5th generation aircraft, of which acquisition is considered certain, are the Eurofighter Typhoon, F-35 Lightning II (JSF) and Dassault Rafale. |
![]() | ''Hellenic Wings'' pt3 For aviation talk visit http://www.aviationlive.org/forum/index.php Edited by en52 Music Used Ravel - Bolero HEVIA - El Garrotin Pink Floyd - Learning To Fly Pink Floyd - One Of These Days Metallica - Wasting my Hate Tyler Bates - Returns a King Greece participated in NATO "nuclear weapons sharing" until 2001, using A-7 Corsair IIs to deploy tactical B61 nuclear warheads from Araxos Air Base. Greece then strategically decided to remove all nuclear weapons under storage in Greece and did not purchase any more aircraft with nuclear mounting capabilities. In September 2004 started the Mirage 2000BG/EG fleet upgrade to the standard 2000-5 Mk2 and the project was undertaken by the French manufacturer Dassault and the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAB). Fifteen aircraft were ordered, while ten more were undertaken for upgrade by Dassault and EAB. The enhancements include upgraded radar and avionics, air-refueling capabilities, new self-defense system and upgraded engine, while the cockpit has taken some serious reforms. In 2005, Greece was among the first countries to add the F-16 Block 52+ to its inventory. Ninety of these 4.5th [3] generation aircraft were ordered and delivery begun the same year. This advanced F-16 type is an improved version of the Block 50 featuring a more powerful radar, better communications systems and an upgraded engine. The Hellenic Air Force's Block 52+ belong to the 337, 340 and 343 Squadrons with call signs "Ghost", "Fox" and "Star" respectively. 337 SQ is based at Larissa Air Force Base (110 Combat Wing) and the other two in Souda AB (115 CW). As of 2008, the Hellenic Air Force has a combat fleet of 358 modern or upgraded aircraft. Due to the retirement of units that have ended their operational life (A-7E Corsair II), the HAF should be looking forward to acquiring new 4th, 4.5th or 5th generation fighters in order to reach a total number of 300 advanced fighters, according to the "2007 Supreme Air Force Council Momentum" which was published in 2007. This goal cannot be reached in the foreseeable future due to the slow down of the performance of the Greek economy for the years 2007-2008. The Hellenic Air Force (HAF) (Greek: Πολεμική Αεροπορία (ΠΑ), Polemikí Aeroporía) is the air force of Greece. The mission of the Hellenic Air Force is to guard and protect the Greek airspace, provide air assistance and support to the Hellenic Army and the Hellenic Navy as well as humanitarian aid (upon request) in Greece and around the world. During the period of monarchy (1935-1973) the force was known as the Hellenic Royal Air Force (Ελληνική Βασιλική Αεροπορία (EBA), Ellinikí Vasilikí Aeroporía). The motto of the Hellenic Air Force is "Αίεν Υψικρατείν" meaning "Always Dominate the Heights" and the HAF ensign represents a flying eagle in front of the Hellenic Air Force roundel. The Hellenic Air Force is one of the three branches of the Hellenic Armed Forces. Until the late 1980s the Air Force deployed Nike-Hercules Missiles armed with U.S. nuclear warheads. As a result of Greco-Turkish tensions around the 1974 Turkish invasion in Cyprus, the U.S. removed its nuclear weapons from Greek and Turkish alert units to storage. Greece saw this as another pro-Turkish move by NATO and withdrew its forces from NATO's military command structure from 1974 to 1980. In 1988 the first fourth[2] generation fighters were introduced, marking the beginning of a new era: the first Mirage 2000 EG/BG aircraft were delivered to the 114 Combat Wing and equipped the 331 and 332 squadrons. In January 1989, the first F-16C/D Block 30 arrived in Nea Anchialos (111 Combat Wing) and were allocated between the 330 and 346 squadrons. In March 29, 1991 the RF-84F were retired from service after 34 years and 7 months of operational life. In November 1992 more RF-4E were delivered to the 348 Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron. In 1997 the reception of fourth generation aircraft continued. In July, delivery of forty F-16 Block 50 began. The new aircraft, equipped with the LANTIRN navigation and targeting pod as well as AMRAAM and HARM missiles, were allocated to the 341 and 347 squadrons. haf hellas hellenic greece greek air force aegean macedonia thrace tuaf turkey iaf israel dogfight flight cockpit f-102 f102 f 102 mirage 2000 2000-5 mk2 a7 a-7 a-7e a-7h corsair vought f-4 f4e rf-4 phantom fantom spook f-16 f16 falcon viper block 30 40 52 52+ advanced t-2 t2e t-2e buckeye t-6 t6 texan f-5 freedom fighter dassault f1 f-1 keat sot ikarwn ikaron pea 120 sholi t-37 tweet t37 spin icarus hud avtr low level flight napalm bombing f-86 f-83 noratlas cyprus mission hellenic flame acro team |