Spotter Magazine Issue 17

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welcome Another issue of Spotter Magazine is here, and it has not come without its problems. Right now 9H Media’s resources have been taken up on its new TV Production, AirBorne, to be aired on Maltese TV as from this October. Given that this production pays the bills, it has taken priority.

However, we are most pleased with the amazing content amassed in this issue, which we hope will make up for the time that has passed since our previous issue. Once again, our heartfelt thanks to all our volunteer contributors.

We would like your feedback on the future direction you would like Spotter Magazine to take. As the very reason why this magazine exists, you are kindly invited to contact us with your ideas.

Enjoy!

Mark Zerafa Editor EDITORIAL Editor:

Mark Zerafa

Design Assistant: Massimiliano Zammit

ADVERTISING AND COMMERCIAL: Email:

spottermagmalta@gmail.com

EDITORIAL ADDRESS: 238, ‘Morning Star’, Manuel Dimech Str., Sliema,

copyright notice All photos and articles remain the intellectual and artistic property of the respective credited persons.

All unauthorised reproduction, by any means, both printed and digital, is considered an infringement of this copyright and all remedies available by law will be taken against any infringements of such copyright.

contents Canadian Bushplanes

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Exercise Iniohos 2018

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Malta’s Casa 212

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In the Bunker

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HMS Sultan

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Piana delle Orme

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Dhaka Int’l Airport

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credits Graphic Design:

Massimiliano Zammit,

Contributors:

Nick Chute Samuel Millar Will Ross-Dushinski Mark Zerafa John Mangion Cliff Ibell Ron Wilkinson Nicholas Carmassi Aldo Bidini M Shariar Sonet

Ca

5 DHC-3 Turbo Otters at Vancouver Harbour Aerodrome getting ready to depart to various remote and small BC coastal cities. Not only does Harbour Air use these Turbo Otters to connect Vancouver to small costal communities but they also use them to connect people from Downtown Vancouver to Downtown Victoria and Downtown Seattle. This Downtown to Downtown connection provides a convenient method of travel for business people to save time.

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anadian Bushplanes Text: Nick Chute Photos: Samuel Millar—Treshold Images Will Ross Dushinski—Treshold Images Nick Chute

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The Beaver, also known as the workhorse of the north, departing Pelican Lake for Slate Falls.

This Beaver is one of the oldest in Canada. Built in 1951, it’s still going strong connecting the remote villages of Ontario to civilization.

A DHC-2 Beaver tied up to the dock after flying to multiple Northern villages

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Bush planes are a vital transportation method to Canada’s remote villages. Most of these small villages in Canada’s vast north and on it’s miles of coast are only accessible by air. Bush planes are used for many different jobs in Canada: Including medivac transport, cargo, passenger transport and Search and Rescue. Some of these remote villages can only be accessed by certain aircraft, of which the popular deHavilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver is the number one workhorse bush plane in Canada, due to it's all weather and all terrain capabilities.

The countries remote communities rely on the service bush planes provide them, since most of these communities are only accessible by air.

First flown on August 16th, 1947, the Beaver was DeHavilland Canada’s first foray in a long line of sturdy STOL aircraft, and over 1,600 were built for civilian and military operators, and the type is still supported by Viking Air, which remanufactures Beavers and offers turboprop conversions.

The Beaver spawned the larger DHC-3 Otter, which is also a very popular aircraft in Canadian bush flying. More recently, other manufacturers have made forays into what was almost DHC’s exclusive territory, leading to a much more varied selection of aircraft.

A Found Bush Hawk getting ready to fly off Little Lake. This rare little Canadian built bush plane is one of the most maneuverable and is effectively used to fly into small lakes.

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A Cessna Stationair 6 II about to depart on a cargo run to a remote Ontario community

3 DHC-2 Beavers lined up ready to depart Vancouver Harbour.

These Beavers are utilized as a connection to inland cities such as Whistler and coast fishing camps like Langara Fishing Lodge.

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Bamaji Air’s Cessna 208 Caravan departing to Bamaji Lake. The Caravan is a popular bush plane since it can carry a lot of passengers and cargo. The amphibious capability of this bush plane allows it to land on water and conventional runways making it one of the most versatile planes.

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Wasaya’s Beechcraft 1900D C-FQWA climbing away from the runway at Sioux Lookout bound for the North Ontario community of Pikangikum.

Skycare Metroliner III C-GKPX departing on a medevac flight to Winnipeg. The Metroliner is a popular bush plane that is used for every kind of job.

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An Ornge medivac Pilatus departing for Thunder Bay. This plane is the only lifeline for the small communities of Northern Ontario.

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Iniohos 2018 Text: Mark Zerafa Photos: John Mangion, Cliff Ibell, Ron Wilkinson

Exercise Iniohos is an annual exercise held at the Greek base of Andravida, best known as the home to the last Hellenic Air Force Phantom squadron.

Designed to allow the participants to collaborate on a wide selection of mission profiles, the 2018 exercise saw the participation of the Hellenic Air Force, the Italian Air Force, the Royal Air Force, the Israeli Air Force, the United Arab Emirates Air Force and the United States Air Force

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Spewing flame from its ATAR engine, a Hellenic Air Force Mirage 2000 departs for an evening sortie.

Usually based at Tanagra Air Base bear Athens, the two Mirage 2000 squadrons are tasked mainly with air defence duties.

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The F-16 is the main combat aircraft flown by the Hellenic Air Force, with a myriad of variants, from the Block 30 to the Block 52. A considerable number were employed in Iniohos 2018.

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Andravida is home to the Hellenic Air Force’s last F-4 Phantom squadron, which is expected to continue to fly the aircraft till 2020.

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USAF F-15E Strike Eagles, normally based at RAF Lakenheath, were deployed to participate in the exercise.

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Breaking away from formation for landing, this F15E shows its beautiful lines, which have not been ruined despite the various modifications to turn this air superiority fighter into a strike aircraft.

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Another strike element for Iniohos 2018 was provided by the Aeronautica Militare Italiana with its Tornado IDS fighter -bombers. Now approaching the twilight of its career, the Tornado is immiediately distinguishable for its boxy fuselage and its variable geormetry wing.

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On a number of occasions, Exercise Iniohos has attracted participants from a number of exotic air forces, and 2018 was no exception, with the participation of these Mirage 2000s from the UAE.

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Four Israeli F-16Cs , resplendent in their distinctive camouflage also participated in the exercise, and created quite a spectacle with a very spirited departure on the Press Day.

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Now the mainstay combat aircraft for the Rotal Air Force, the Typhoon FGR.4 represented British air power at Iniohos 2018.

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No exercise would be complete without the presence of a number of support aircraft, although these would be mainly present towards the beginning or the end of the activity.

Hellenic Air Force C-130 Hercules flew in a number of VIPs during the Press Day and departed after the official ceremonies were done.

More subdued, but nonetheless exciting was this rather anonymous-looking King Air, operated by the Israeli Air Force., devoid of any national markings but wearing a military serial.

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Malta’s CASA-212 Text: Mark Zerafa Photos: Mark Zerafa In 2009, the Armed Forces of Malta flew a former Swedish Coast Guard, CASA-212, operated jointly with CAE aviation, on Frontex Missions. Serialled AS0925, the aircraft provided a quantum leap in operational capability and provided AFM crews with valuable experience which would later prove useful when its own King Airs were delivered.

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The CASA was flown with a joint AFM/CAE crew, with a CAE captain/instructor, and AFM co-pilot and system operators. Two sorties were flown daily, usually with a duration of three hours. On longer missions, a relief systems operator could be carried, and there was also provision for two observers from FRONTEX.

FRONTEX missions required crews to monitor all maritime activity in their patrol area.

After acquiring the naval target using the maritime radar housed in the bulbous nose, then recorded using the multi-sensor turret.

Suspicious activity could be reported in real time, whilst a recording facility would enable the FRONTEX intelligence team to investigate further.

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Shot over the island of Gozo during a press flight between patrols, the CASA 212 shows its utilitarian lines. Very conspicuous is the bulbous nose radome housing the maritime surveillance radar. Previously accustomed to the cramped confines of the PBN Islander, the CASA 212 was a welcome upgrade for the AFM’s hard-worked crews.

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Text: Mark Zerafa Photos: Mark Zerafa

Located in a former Swedish Air Force underground shelter, on the outskirts of Gothenburg, the Aeriseum provides a dramatic exhibition for a number of post-war aircraft in a surreal Cold War setting.

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First flown in 1955, the Saab Draken was a double-delta air defence fighter. Entering service on March 8th, 1960, it was the mainstay of the Swedish Air Force until it was replaced by the JAS-37 Viggen.

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Saab’s J-29 Tunnan was Sweden’s second jet-powered fighter, and the first European swept-wing jet since the Messerschmitt Me-262. Despite its portly appearance, it was fast and agile, and remained in service till 1976.

The Saab Draken was updated throughout its long service life, with the final examples in service wearing this grey colour scheme.

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Representing the epitone of Swedish ingenuity and engineering, the JAS-37 Viggen was fast, agile and powerful, and yet was capable of operating from motorways and short runways, being one of the few fighters to have a thrust reverser.

Saab Draken ‘20’ displayed in an earlier green colour scheme, together with its weaponry including the AIM-9 Sidewinder and the AIM-4 Falcon air-to-air missiles.

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This is one of the five Dornier 27s operated by the Sweidish Army between 1961 and 1991, three of which were lost in accidents.

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Saab 105 Trainer has seen better days. The museum hopes to obtain a more complete example in the near future.

Saab’s Lansen was principally an attack aircraft, but was also used for electronic intelligence duties.

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Sweden acquired ten UH-46Bs from the USA for use as transport and antisubmarine helicopters. A further eight Kawasaki-built exampled were purchased in 1973. The type remained in service until 2011, and has very recently been returned to flying condition.

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The Museum contains a rich collection of rotary-wing types which served with the Swedish armed forces. Swedish Air Force AB-204, Swedish Navy Alouette II, Super Puma and CH-46 Sea Knight.

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More Swedish Helicopters. Hughes 269 erated by the Army between 1962 and

The MBB Bo105 had a much longer ser my, 21 examples serving from 1987 til ed in the anti-armour role, they were r and training duties from 1999 onward

Another aviation classic, the Bell 206 s dish Army from 1968 till 2002. This par used for research on Polar Bears, henc ‘kill’ markings.

Swedish Police Bell 47

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9A was one of two opd 1969.

rvice life with the Arll 2010. Initially operatrelegated to transport ds.

served with the Swerticular example was ce the nose and the

Spotter Magazine would like to thank Mr. Martin Bronsdon at the Aeroseum for his hospitality during our visit.

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Founded in 1980, the Goteborgs Veteranflygsallskap is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of classic aircraft. On the day of our visit, they were effecting the first engine runs on SE-AHC. One of 14 Gotaverken GV-38s built at Gothenburg’s Shipyard before World War II, the association owns no less than three exambles, one of which is already flying, with this example set to follow suit very shortly.

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The Aeroseum houses a number of aircraft belonging to the GVFS, including this immaculate Fw-44, a Piper Cub, as well as this Cessna 310, this civil-registered Saab Safir and the third GV-38.

Also in the collection are a number of former Royal Netherlands Air Force Alouette IIIs which were purchased by a civilian operator following their retirement from Dutch service. The planned civilian certification of the helicopters stalled and the helicopters were abandoned at Gothenburg, and they were eventually stored within the Aeroseum’s facilities.

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Text: Cliff Ibell Photos: Cliff Ibell

HMS Sultan, located in Gosport, UK, is home to The Royal Naval Air Engineering and Survival School (RNAESS) and is part of the Tri-Service Defence College of Aeronautical Engineering (DCAE). The school’s primary task is the training of all Engineering Officers, Ratings and Aircrew in the Mechanical, Avionics and Survival Equipment trades.

A number of airframes are used for instruction, and are held within three hangars, each with their own specific purpose.

Cockerell Hangar: This is the home of the Air Engineering Craft Work shops. It is from within this complex that Air Engineering. All Trade Technicians are instructed in Workshop Processes and Practices.

These include Fleet Air Arm (FAA) 'Tool Control' procedures, Aircraft Sheet metal work and aircraft related Practical Wiring techniques. Air Engineering Technicians from both trade groups are instructed in Health & Safety at Work. Technicians of the Mechanical [M] trade are instructed in Aircraft Sheet metal Work, Airframe Repair and Battle Damage Repair techniques.

Technicians of the Avionics Trade groups are instructed in Basic Sheet metal work, Aircraft Practical Wiring and Printed Circuit Board Modification and Repair Techniques. Air Engineering Officers are also given short acquaint courses in all of the subjects taught within the complex.

Newcomen Hangar: Houses the helicopter airframes maintained by the Aircraft Maintenance Section (AMS) and used by the Initial Training Group to instruct Phase 2 professional training for Air Engineering Technicians, covering practical aircraft maintenance and trade training.

Stephenson Hangar: A purpose built Hangar that houses 760 Engineering Training Squadron, which is used to train Air Engineering personnel in the supervision and administration of aircraft maintenance and line procedures.

Finally with the retirement of the UK Westland Sea King fleet HMS Sultan houses a Storage hangar facility where airframes undergo parts reclamation prior to disposal.

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ALDO BIDINI

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Spotter Magazine would like to thank HMS Sultan’s Commanding Officer Captain Trevor Gulley for allowing this visit, Stephen Dugan for making this visit possible.

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Piana de

LOCKHEED PV-2 "Harpoon", the only specimen available in Europe, maritime patrol aircraft operating in the Pacific during the final stages of the Second World War to counter the Japanese forces. This aircraft had arrived in Piana delle Orme in July 2016 after its transfer in 1993 to the storage of the AM of Torricola (RM).

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elle Orme Museum

Text: Nicholas Carmassi Photos: Aldo Bidini Nicholas Carmassi

Piana delle Orme is a Museum park built within the homonymous agritourism company to host one of the largest and most diverse collections in the world. Dedicated to the twentieth century, the museum complex represents a journey through 50 years of Italian history. Over 30 thousand square meters of exhibition to tell the traditions and culture of rural civilization, the great reclamation works of the Pontine Marshes, the Second World War, but also to show vehicles and vehicles at the dawn of the great industrialization and toys with which they were amusing the children of the past. A museum for everyone, within which children and adults can find and relive The reception services offer Bar, Restaurant, Picnic Area, Events Area, Congress Hall and Shop.

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MM53-8146 wss the last Fairchild C-119 Boxcar to be operated by the Italian Air Force. After its days as a transport, it was converted for electronic warfare duties with the 71 Gruppo at Pratica di Mare.

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The main trainer of the Italian Air Force in the postwar period was the T-6 Harvard.

Th pr

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he Aermacchi MB.326 was Italy’s first operational rimary jet trainer.

As the last operational military F-14 operator, the Starfighter has pride of place in most collections in Italy.

This is the last variant to see service, the F-104S-ASA, which had upgraded avionics and weapons systems.

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Curtiss P-40L Warhawk participated in the Anzio landings, but was forced to ditch off the coast of Latina on January 31st, 1944. After a successful ditching, pilot Lt. Michael Mauritz was captured by the Germans, but eventually escaped with the help of the Italian partisans, and returned to his unit, the 79th Fighter Group.

The aircraft was recovered from the seabed on January 11th, 1998.

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SIAI-Marchetti S.22 Prototype I-TFSI. Designed as a private venture, the type was a moderate success, seing service with the air arms of Singapore, Haiti and the Philippines.

Another P.166, this time from the Italian Air Force, in the photographical survey role.

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The Piaggio P166 has been a workhorse of the Italian Guardia di Finanza in the maritime patrol configuration.

Nardi-Hughes 500 was another Guardia di Finanza mainstay. It is slowly beingreplaced by the A-109 and AW139.

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The annual SIAF is an ever-growing event, with more and more interesting participants joining the display every year. The 2017 edition was particularly interesting, marking the introduction of two types in the Slovak Air Force inventory and the gradual retirement of older aircraft.

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Parking Fund Appeal

Every one knows aviation is expensive. One of the questions we get asked most is"how much will it cost to get the Skymaster flying again?". The answer is about £750,000, which in aviation is not a huge amount (a brake pack for a 787 Dreamliner costs about £250,000).

Little things add up though, it costs us £750 a quarter to park the aircraft at North Weald and that bill is due again. Most of the money we have made this year will go on rent so this keeps progress on the restoration slow.

We could do with some financial help and it would be great if people considered making a small monthly donation to help pay our rent.

Dhaka International A Text: Mark Zerafa Photos: M. Shariar Sonet

The origins of Shahjalal International Airport date back to 1941,, when the British built a landing strip at Kurmitola. In 1966, work began on developing this strip into a new airport with an adjacent railway station. Inaugurated in 1983, the airport was initially named Zia International Airport, and then renamed Shahjalal International Airport in 2010.

Established in 2009, Uni-Top Airlines is a Chinese cargo airline. Its two Boeing 747-200FSCDs have since been placed in storage, and the airline now operated Airbus A300-600 freighters.

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Airport

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Singapore Airlines A330 Vietjet A320 Uzbekistand 767-300F Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787 Thai Boeing 777

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The first of an eventual fleet of nine UH-60M Blackhawks was present at Sliac. Delivered on August 3rd, the helicopters mark another step by the Slovaks to transition from equipment of Russian origin to aircraft of Western origin. The Blackhawks are expected to be tasked with the support of ground forces, special forces as well as civil protection duties. It is envisaged that deliveries will be completed by the end of 2019.

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Emirates Boeing777-300

Saudia Airbus A330

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Air Arabia Airbus A320

Qatar Airways Boeing 787

Saudi Arabian Boeing 777-300ER

Gulf Air Airbus A330

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Freight traffic is quite common in Dhaka. Unlike Etihad’s A330F, most freighters are conversions of passenger airliners, cuch as Saudia’s 747-400F, clearly a passenger conversion since it has a larger upper deck, and FitsAir’s MD-80 freighter conversion.

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As expected, a number of airlines from operate into Dhaka.

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m neighbouring countries

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Hong Kong Airlines A330F is one of the numerous regular freight services into Dhaka International.

Chinese passenger airlines are also regulars, such as these China Eastern and China Southern Boeing 737-800s

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Biman Bangladesh is the flag carrier for Bangladesh. Created in 1972, the airline slowly expanded its operations to include destinations such as London Heathrow, New York and Tokyo. It has embarked on a fleet modernisation programme, using Boeing 737-800s, 777-300ERs, a very recently-delivered Boeing 787-8 and three leased Bombardier Dash 8 Q400s.

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Commencing operations in 2013, Novoair is principally involved in domestic flights.

Initially equipped with Embraer 145 jets, it has since switched to six ATR72-500 turboprops.

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As of 2016, Sky Capital Cargo flew a single Boeing 737-200 and two Fokker 50 freighters.

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Founded in 1998, Bismillah Airlines is Bangladesh’s first cargo airline, operating a myriad of types ranging from Lockheed Tristars to IBoeings to Ilyushins.

Four HS.748s were in service, two purchased outright, and two operated under lease.

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Holland Tour Airshow, Wrecks & Relics, Museums 12-16th June 2019 The Royal Netherlands Air Force is once again organizing its Luchtmachtdagen Airshow, and we will be organizing a tour around this event. Also visiting museums and Schiphol Airport.

Bringing your Planespotting Dreams to Life 9htravel@gmail.com