picture 178401

The primary combat aircraft of the SLAF in the early 1990s remained the venerable SIAI-Marchetti SF.260TP. Two of these (CT.127 and CT.128) were originally leased directly from the manufacturer, to be used for conversion training, but were eventually retained to replace losses. These two examples thus retained their original camouflage pattern in light sand, light earth and olive green on top surfaces and sides, and light blue on undersides (for the rest of the fleet, see Volume 1), and even the manufacturer and type insignia. Primary armament consisted of pods for unguided 68mm calibre rockets of French, Italian and US origin, but also included locally manufactured 50kg and 100kg bombs. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)