aeroplane Archives - Destination's Journey

Letov S-328 in Czech Service

Initially developed for a Finnish requirement for a two seat biplane reconnaissance, the Letov S-28 first flew in 1929. Although not taken up by the Finish Air Force, Czechoslovakia bought 12 production Letov S-128s. These were followed by 4 S-228s for Estonia which were delivered in 1932. Production then shifted to the main S-328 version. A total of 470 of all versions were built.

Following the Sudetenland Crisis and the splitting of Czechoslovakia, the new state of Slovakia inherited a large number of S-328s while Germany took control of the rest. Some of these and new built machines were sold to Bulgaria.

Letov S-328s of the Czech Air Force

Letov S-328 Floatplane

Letov S-328 on Skis

Letov S-328 Internal Structure

Letov S-328 Crashes

Hawker Sea Fury in Dutch Service

Hawker Sea Fury in Dutch Service

The Netherlands purchased ten Hawker Sea Fury F.50s (equivalent to the Fleet Air Arm’s F.X) in 1946. These operated from the Royal Netherlands Navy aircraft carrier HNLMS Karel Doorman QH1 (ex-HMS Nairana) as 860 Squadron. As the ship operated in conjunction with the Royal Navy, it was common to have Dutch Sea Furies on British ships.

In 1947, the Sea Furies operated from Karel Doorman against insurgents in the Netherlands East Indies (Indonesia). In 1948 this aircraft carrier was returned to Britain and replaced by the Colossus-class aircraft carrier HMS Venerable (R63). Once in Dutch service it was renamed HNLMS Karel Doorman R-81.

In January 1950 an order for twelve Sea Fury FB.50s (equivalent to the Fleet Air Arm’ FB.11) was placed with Hawker. In addition a licence was purchased, and Dutch manufactured aircraft brought the total operated to 48. In June 1956, No. 860 Squadron transferred its aircraft to No. 3 Squadron and the role ship board fighter was taken over by the Hawker Sea Hawk.

Hawker Sea Fury in Pakistani Service

Hawker Sea Fury T. 61 training aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force at Risalpur Air Base in 1948

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Hawker Sea Fury in Pakistani Service

The Pakistan Air Force purchased a total of 87 new built Hawker Sea Fury FB.60 fighters between 1950 and 1952. Additionally the F.2/43 prototype NX802 was purchased and rebuilt to the same standard. The F.60 was identical to the FB.11 with naval gear removed. Between 1953 to 54, five ex-Fleet Air Arm FN.11s were purchased after being overhauled by Hawker. Five Sea Fury T.61 two seat trainers were also purchased.

The Pakistani FB.60s were operated by 5, 9 and 14 Squadrons where they were used operationally against Afghan insurgents. Nos 5 and 14 Squadrons had their Sea Furies replaced by North American F-86 Sabres in 1955, while No. 9 had theirs replaced in 1960 by Lockheed F-104 Starfighters. The T.61s continued in service until 1963 as target tugs.