picture 179204

Portugal based a squadron of Fiat G.91 R-4 fighter-bombers in Guinea to support ground forces and conduct tactical reconnaissance. These jets were based at Bissalanca Air Base (BA12) and assigned to Esquadra 121. This unit was responsible for attack, fire support, and airborne command and control over Guinea, flying G.91s (the ‘Tigres’), T-6s (‘Roncos’), and Do-27s (‘Cafeteiras’). At the end of March 1973, two G.91s (5413 and 5419) were shot down by Strela missiles fired by PAIGC guerrillas. During the first engagement, over the Guileje area on 25 March, the pilot managed to eject and was rescued; however, the second incident on 28 March, resulted in that pilot’s death when his Fiat 5419 exploded in mid-air. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)