2013-05-24

SyAAF Various III


Iranian Il-76 spotted just before landing in Hama AFB sometimes earlier this year.


Wonderful and HD shot for "the inside" of Hama AFB, shows a column of at least nine Mi-8's; To the right side, a two-seat MiG-23UB often nonoperational since not a single one was spotted flying or taxiing in this AFB.


Close shot for the Polish made agricultural PZL Dromedar, the location is unidentified, it carries the serial YK-AMD written in black under the wing.


In the same place, another unrecognized propeller which was first seen flying over Al Atareb in Aleppo province on 13 March 2012 in this VIDEO; It might be an aerial photography aircraft.


Very clear shot of the only survivor SyAAF Il-28 in Aleppo IAP (Neyrab AB). 


Another shot from front shows scrapped frames of some Mi helicopters.


Also another photo for the same, which shows the fuselage of a SyAAF Metero scrapped infront of the Beagle.

2013-05-06

Historical Photos of SyAAF's First Equipments (Part II)


The first pilots of SyAAF standing infront of a unidentified propeller, this photo was taken in April 1947.


In Mazze air base, in the background a four-engined transporter looks similar to Lockheed L-049 Constellation. This photo is dated 29 October 1947.


Another photo for this transporter of the same date.


Also here.


In Mazze airbase in 1950.


Pilots and airmen in line in the first ceremony of independence in April 1948 in Mazze airbase.
Behind, a line of North American Harvard's.


Another photo of the same.


Awesome and wonderful shot of a Harvard with rear gun at the canopy, pilots used to name their aircraft !! At the engine's front cover painted in white "العنقاء" "The Phoenix".
The great pilot here "AbdulKarim Katma" just moments before taking off in order to perform his mission to bombard the Zionist's settlements in Palestine.
This photo is dated June 1948.


Another Harvard named "الصاعقة" "The Thunderbolt" in Mazze AFB also just before mounting the bombs on pylons, June 1948.


Another photo for the same Harvard, pilots and airmen with a bomb in the middle.
Note that previously, and during a war, a photograph must be taken for every pilot with his aircraft before carrying out his mission. June 1948.


SyAAF pilots used to help in mounting bombs and loading bullets into their aircraft.
June 1948, Mazze AFB.


Very rare shot for a SyAAF P.44 Proctor V which was mainly used for VIP transports. The photo was taken in Mazze airbase in 1 January 1947.


Another rare photo for the same, at least two Piper Cub's can be seen inside the hangar.

Historical Photos of SyAAF's First Equipments (Part I)

It's true that I might be the first one to reveal and bring to public the very first photos of SyAAF modern equipment (talking about those Su-24, MiG-29 and some others), but I never feel as proud as now to reveal again some fantastic historical photos of the first SyAAF equipments in the era of 40s and 50s, those considered the core of the Syrian Air Force !!


I believe this is the first time for a SyAAF biplane De Havilland DH 82 Tigermoth ever to be published !!
This photo shows the first Syrian Air Force pilots and airmen in 1950s.


WOW is allowed today !!
Again, the first time to see a SyAAF Fiat G.59.2A with a camo similar to that G.55A (the only photo of a SyAAF Fiat was available so far).


Another photo of a SyAAF Fiat G.59.2A.


In Mazze AFB and infront of a hangar accommodates Fiat G.59.2A inside.


In Mazze AFB as well, with three Fiat G.59.2A's on tarmac.


A photo for the first SyAAF heroes in Mazze AFB infront of Fiat's inside the hangar.


The same here...


During 40s and 50s, Mazze air base was very active especially during the war of Palestine in 1948.
The other variant of Fiat G.46B was based in Homs (Qsair) and Aleppo (Neyrab).


Awesome shot for a Fiat G.59.2A with the first SyAAF pilots infront. Note that some of this aircraft have their fans marked with "snail".


This photos is dated 14 February 1951.


The well known Piper Cub also first to appear here during its service life. The last EXAMPLE of this aircraft was in display in the "MILITARY MUSEUM" in Damascus before all aircraft were removed around 2008.


Close shot for the Piper Cub.


In Mazze AFB, the fighters in the background might be either Fiat G.55A or Spitfire F.Mk.22, the transporter behind could be one of those Dakota's SyAAF used in that period.

2013-05-05

Photos from SyAAF TAFTANAZ AFB (Part II)


Continuing the collection of photographs in Taftanaz AFB and starting with a Mi-17 with serial 20 (i.e. 2920) carrying the insignia of "Tha Factory", this time painted in black.


Side view of the same...


And another shot here for the same showing another Mi-17 infront.


Rebels could bring down a Mi-17 with serial 2934 just after desperate measures to climb and escape the base, crew and all soldiers inside are killed. 


Examining these photos, leads us to the fact that this Mi-17 first collapsed with its front directly to the ground before resting aside.


It looks FSyA has leveled back this Mi-17...


Another Mi-17 looks to be in a good mechanical condition with a black painted insignia of "The Factory".


Unfortunately, the serial is not clear here...


The same Helo, looks to be left in a hurry on this narrow road.


Completely ruined Mi-8/17, either by FSyA while attempting to invade the base, or by SyAAF which bombarded the left aircraft in that base after being fell in the hands of the rebels, as explained in the first part of this post.


Another damaged Mi.


This photo was taken prior to capturing the air field, it's clear that this Mi was hit by the Green fire. The Mi-17 and Mi-8 look safe here.


The same group of helo's here, showing the phased-out/scrapped Mi-8 in light camo to the left of the photo.


Only one Mi-25 was in the base when FSyA invaded it, it's carrying the serial 2802.


This Hind first appeared in media in the live-fire maneuvers took place in July 2012, it's fitted here with two free-fall bombs in addition to another two gun pods.
Note the FAB's to the right of the photo...


SyAAF units those carried out air raids over this base, could hit this Hind and caused a
serious damage which look in-rectifiable.
Anyway, it's good that FSyA could demount its armament to make use of.


Another shot for this poor Hind, which would be -if left safe- a great addition to the FSyA.