picture 219309

The FAE took delivery of 13 Cessna A-37B Dragonfly COIN fighters in 1975, and these entered service with EC.2112 at Taura AB a year later. In 1979, they were transferred to Elroy Alfaro AB, outside Manta, and subordinated to the newly-established Ala de Combate 23. All initially wore the same ‘South-East Asia’ camouflage pattern in tan (FS30400), green (FS34102), and dark green (FS34079) on upper surfaces and sides, and light grey (FS36622) on undersurfaces. A large national flag was worn on the rear fuselage with a large service title and serials in black on the fin. Shown is one of two examples involved in air combat with FAP A-37Bs on 28 January 1981; inset is shown the crest of EC.2112. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)