Hobby Master pre-production photos, HA0180, J-7C Fishbed.

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series, HA0180, Chengdu J-7C Fishbed, PLAAF, 18th Division, Huairen AB Beijing Military Region.

ModelZone Exclusive Corgi Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I Eric Lock.

ModelZone Exclusive Corgi Supermarine Spitfire MKI Eric Lock No.41 Squadron.

Modelzone have commissioned an exclusive run of a highly detailed 1:32 scale Supermarine Spitfire. This model will be a larger and more detailed version of the previous Eric Lock Spitfire made by Corgi. This model will feature; opening undercarriage legs, removable engine covers, sliding canopy, rotatable propeller and hinged ailerons, elevators and rudder.

In 1939, as the threat of war loomed, Eric Stanley Lock joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve and learned to fly. When war was declared in September 1939, he was immediately called up to the RAF. After further training he was commissioned as a Pilot Officer, posted to No. 41 Sqn at Catterick flying Spitfires and chalked up his first kill, a Bf110 on 15th August,1940.

On 3rd September the squadron was posted to RAF Hornchurch in Essex. Two days later he achieved his first 2 kills and within a week he had claimed 8 kills, an achievement that earned him his first DFC. Despite being injured several times during the Battle of Britain he went on to achieve 16.5 kills making him the highest scoring British born pilot of the conflict.

Returning to action after a long period in hospital, on 3rd August 1941 ‘Lockie’ was shot down over Northern France, his body and aircraft were never found. In just 1 year this skillful and brave fighter pilot had become a household name, claimed 26.5 kills, won a DSO and DFC twice. He died before his 22nd birthday.

Only a Limited Edition of 1000 of these models were made.

Names of crew and passengers released.

MEDIA RELEASE

Date:               06 DECEMBER 2012
Subject:          NAMES OF THE DECEASED MEMBERS

The South African Air Force wishes to confirm the names of the deceased members who were onboard the aircraft that crashed in the area of Giant Castle within the Drakensberg Mountain range on 05 December 2012.

Crew Members: 

Major K. Misrole

Captain Z.M. Smith

Sergeant B.K. Baloyi

Sergeant E. Boes

Sergeant J.M Mamabolo

Corporal L. Mofokeng

Passengers:

Sergeant L. Sobantu

Corporal N.W. Khomo

Corporal A. Matlaila

Corporal M.J. Mthombeni

Lance Corporal N.K. Aphane

Issued by:                South African Air Force
                                    Directorate Corporate Staff Services
                                    Pretoria

Enquiries:                 Colonel M.D. Kgwete
Fax:                            (012) 312 2801
Tel:                             (012) 312 2134
E-Mail:                        dcss@telkomsa.net

Turbo Dak identified as 6840, Gooney Bird.

The aircraft has been identified as tail number 6840 on the Avcom Forum, known as "Gooney Bird" and painted in the colours of the Silver Falcons display team with which she flew displays.

Eleven dead in SAAF Dakota crash.

Eleven people died yesterday when a South African Air Force C-47TP Turbo Dakota transport aircraft crashed during severe weather in a remote area of the eastern Drakensberg mountains.

The 35 Squadron aircraft, flying from Air Force Base Waterkloof, Pretoria, at about 7:45 am to Mthatha Airport, Eastern Cape, went missing around 9:45 am local time, the Department of Defence said. 

Unconfirmed reports state that the aircraft last communicated with Air Traffic Control when above Giants Castle in the Drakensburg mountains, stating that they were at 11,000 feet and flying in Instrument Meteorological Conditions due to the bad visibility. The aircraft never arrived at Mthatha Airport.

“After the expected time of arrival and no communication from the aircraft, the SAAF activated a search and rescue mission,” the Department of Defence said. An Oryx helicopter was tasked to search for the missing aircraft, but had to abandon the search due to the very bad weather in the area. 

“At first light this morning the rescue team continued their effort and located the wreckage in the Drakensberg Mountains. On board the aircraft was a crew of six and five passengers and it was confirmed that there are no survivors.”

The South African National Defence Force will release the names of the deceased when all the next of kin have been informed. A board of inquiry has been convened to investigate the circumstances surrounding the cause of the accident.

The Department of Defence said the aircraft was “on an official tasking”. There was speculation that the aircraft was carrying medical personnel to attend to former President Nelson Mandela, but a spokesman denied this. It was also confirmed to defenceWeb that the aircraft was not carrying medical personnel for Mandela.

Military doctors responsible for the well-being of the 94-year-old Mandela often fly to the same Eastern Cape airport before proceeding to Mandela's home in Qunu, the rural village where the anti-apartheid leader was born.

“The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, the Chief of the SANDF, General Solly Shoke, and the Chief of the Air Force Lt Gen Zimpande Msimang would like to convey their sincere and deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased,” the Department of Defence said.

Just under a month ago, on 7 November, another C-47TP Dakota of 35 Squadron was involved in a landing accident at Mthatha Airport, when it bounced on landing and left the runway. Damage included a torn-off main undercarriage, bent propeller and damaged engine and wing. Fortunately, none of the 16 passengers on board was injured.

Photo courtesy of Eness Photography.

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=28763:eleven-dead-in-saaf-dakota-crash&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107