Despite a service career of around 20 years, the Boeing 707-328c No 1419 was very rarely seen in public, let alone show cased to the public. On the afternoon of Friday 02 November 2007, finished in the last colour scheme of the SAAF 707 fleet which feature the Air Force colours – No 1419 arrived over the SAAF Museum Swartkops with a dramatic fly-past. Given the era of the Pratt & Whitney engines and the prevailing conditions the smoke trails produced by the engines enhanced the sheer size of the Boeing 707. Ironic as it may seem but the sheer bulk of the aircraft enhanced by the smoke trails was a direct representation of the immense impact these aircraft made on our Air Force.

No 1419 was part of the original three delivery aircraft to equip the SAAF with a dedicated modern in-flight refuelling capability. In terms of operational use of fighter aircraft it provides an instantaneous force multiplier which is not widely understood in terms of operational effectiveness. To the red force it means yesterday’s safe heaven is no more as the operational “reach” of the blue force has changed virtually overnight…. This must be seen in the context of the vast area which is known as Africa.

Removable cheek fairings

In true South African style this fleet was not only equipped to be a flying fuel station but also as SIGINT, COMINT, Electronic Warfare and Command & Control aircraft with the use of removable modular cheek fairings and palletised mission consoles. In this role the fleet was a star performer and although exact details are likely to remain on the classified list their contribution to make the SAAF a modern, capable and highly effective Air Force is unquestionable.