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Boeing 707-328c No 1419 Final Flight |
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Written by Anton Dyason - IPMS SA Media Group
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Saturday, 03 November 2007 |
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Page 2 of 5 The capabilities and existence of this fleet of five aircraft were only acknowledged during 1991 with public demonstrations from 1995 as part of the SAAF’s 75th anniversary celebrations. Displays featuring a 707 with three Cheetahs in a semi plugged formation remain a favourite discussion point to this day. As hostilities ceased in the Border War conflict area these aircraft were extensively used in humanitarian operations throughout Africa. After the initial delivery colour scheme which featured no markings at all, not even a serial number (except for the nose wheel door) some of the aircraft received minor updates to the markings from 1994 onwards. New National flags appeared on the tail fin and serial numbers on the aft section of the fuselage with the words “South African Air Force” on the top of both sides of the front fuselage section. Some were repainted in the current scheme of all gloss white with cheat lines in two shades of blue (dark blue & light blue). The latest SAAF roundel and a serial number appear on both sides of the fuselage towards the tail end of the aircraft. On the top part of the fuselage towards the front of the aircraft the words “South African Air Force” and the New National Flag are applied.
|  Final colour scheme |  60 Sqdn badge | Towards the front of the aircraft below the aft window of the cockpit window the badge of 60 Sqdn is displayed with pride. This is the latest version of the badge with the new motto “ACCIPIMUS ET DAMUS” meaning “We Receive and We Give”. This Squadron recorded the first photographic evidence of Nazi extermination camps during WWII. Lt C.H.H. Barry and his navigator, Lt I. McIntyre based at San Severo near Foggia took the photos on 4 April 1944. The first aircraft to appear in this scheme was no 1415 at AAD 2004, Waterkloof AFB. No 1415 later became very well known as the aircraft was used for the refuelling trials conducted in Sweden as part of the Gripen C & D in-flight refuelling test flights. Once again the SAAF had produced an icon of a colour scheme.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 24 July 2008 )
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