picture 187170

Between 1965 and 1970 the FAP received fourteen Nord N.2501D Noratlas from the Luftwaffe to augment its fleet of N.2502A/B/F aircraft purchased from France and Israel. Two of these ex-German Noratlas (6423 and 6424) were assigned to Esquadra 123 in Guinea, performing airlift, liaison, and assault transport duties. Portuguese N-2501D models retained their German camouflage in two shades of green and grey, and for Ultramar service these aircraft also sported dayglo colours on the nose, wingtips, engine cowlings, and rudder. The Noratlas of Esquadras 92 (Luanda) and 123 (Bissalanca) also featured squadron insignia beneath the cockpit window, as seen here. (Artwork by Paulo Alegria)