Srilanka Airforce

After obtaining independence in 1948, with assistance from the Royal Air Force both in men and material, the Royal Ceylon Air Force was formed in 1951. The first aircraft that were obtained were the de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunks. Along with a Tiger Moth these aircraft were used as a basic trainer. Next the RAF provided us with Bolton Paul TMk2 Balliol’s. These aircraft were obtained and used instead of the DH Vampire jet which briefly flew over our skies. The Balliol was a carrier-based version of the reputed world war two fighters, the Spitfire and was modified for land operations. It was used as an advanced trainer, but required extreme skill due to its high torque characteristics. For advanced flying training the Airspeed Oxford Mk1 was also obtained. In addition the de Havilland Doves and Herons were also acquired for this category and later became functional for troop and VIP transportation.

IN THE YEARS 1951 T0 1980________________________
HELICOPTERS

Kamov- Ka-26

Bell 47G

Westland Dragonfly

Bell Jetranger

FIGHTERS

Baliol T Mk 2

Jet Provost T Mk51

DH Vampire

MiG15

MiG-17

TRAINERS

Chipmunk DH DHC-1

Passmamy PL2

Beech E- 18

Sedberg Glider

Tiger Moth

Cessna150

Cessena 337 skymaster

TRANSPORTS

10 Airspeed Oxford

DH Heron

Pushpak HUL -26

Douglas C-47

DH Dove

Douglas C-3

Hawker Siddley HS 748

SA Pioneer L2

The first Helicopter to be purchased was the Westland Dragonfly and was subsequently supplemented with the Bell Jet Ranger and India also gifted a Hindustan HUL-26 Pushpak aircraft. In 1959 the DH Vampire was obtained but they were never used for operational purposes. Instead the Government purchased 5 Hunting Jet Provosts which were the first advanced trainer/fighter Jet aircraft. However by 1970 they were moved to storage but with the dawning of an unexpected sudden Southern Insurgency in 1971, they were quickly taken off the mothballs and within 3 days were flying operational sorties supporting troops in strafing and ground attacks. To supplement these activities the Soviet Union supplied us with MiG 15 UTI trainer & 17F fighter Bombers. They also gave us the Kamov Ka-26 Helicopter for Casvac, search and rescue Ops. Additionally we purchased Bell 47G s from the USA for combat purposes, which were delivered by the RAF. After only 5 days of training our pilots took to battle and the insurgency collapsed after about a month’s fighting.
On the 31 st March 1976 and as Ceylon became a Republic, the Air Force received the President’s colours and was renamed the SRI LANKA AIR FORCE. In 1978 with the closure of Air Lanka, the SLAF took possession of the Hawker Siddley HS 748. By early 1980 the Jet Provosts and the MiGs and aircraft of a bygone era were taken off active service and today, they are exhibited mostly in the Air Force Museum at the Ratmalana Base.

Pilot officer Noel Lokuge, on 1st February 1960 was practicing for the Independence Day Fly Past. Unfortunately the aircraft experienced a flame out shortly after take-off . He tried the re-light button twice but the engine did not respond. He ejected safely at 350ft at 115 knots and landed in the Negombo lagoon. The Jet Provost 3 also crashed into the Lagoon. The aircraft had a Martin Baker 4P type ejector seat. He was taken to hospital but was released soon after and the next day, he had to fly with the Chief Instructor. This is the normal practice in such incidents to restore flying confidence.

Noel Lokuge reached the rank of Squadron Leader and after retirement joined the Maldivian Government as their Chief Pilot, flew for Maldivian Airways and ended up by being the personal Pilot to the President Of the Maldives. He is also a life member of the Martin Baker Tie Club—an exclusive membership given only to those who successfully survive an ejection using their seats.

1980 & 1990____________________________________
In the mid-80s there was a rapid growth in the fleet. However progress in the maintenance area was slow because of the lack of infrastructure and spares. However in 1986 with the purchase of equipment from Canada the situation improved. After the infamous riots of 1983 the Air Force inventory was expanded by purchases of aircraft from UK, USA and Italy. From 1983 to 1985 Bell 212s and 412s, Siai Marchetti SF 260 ,Cessna 337, Beech Super King Airs and a HS 748 were added. The six Siai Marchetti SF.260TP Turboprops were used for ground strafing and rocket attacks. These were complimented by having Bell 212 & 412s converted as gunship with help from Heli-Orient in Singapore. The bombing capabilities were enhanced by fitting bomb racks to carry up to 1,000kg fragmentation and anti-personnel bombs on the Y-12. This aircraft was used for transport and para operations. In the Vadamarachichi Op the DH Heron was also for bombing operations. Reconnaissance was carried out by unmanned air vehicles and the Beech Air was adapted for this purpose as well as being used for transport.

HELICOPTERS(Transport And Attack )

BELL 212 UH ID TWIN TWO TWELVE

BELL 412

BELL 206 JET RANGER

BELL 205 UH IH IROQUOIS

FIGHTERS

FMA IA PUCARA

FT-5

SIAI MARCHETTI SF-260TP

TRAINERS

PT-6

Siai Marchetti SF 260

TRANSPORTS

BEECH SUPER AIRS 200T

AN-32

Y12

1990 to the 21 ST Century _________________________
To further increase its attack capability the Air Force in 1991 acquired F-7 Skybolts FT-7s, Shenyang J-5s from China, and in 1994 The Mil Mi-17s were purchased for transport along with the FMA IA Pucaras for ground and rocket attacks. In 1995 the first attack Gunship the Mil Mi-24 versions and by 2001 the Mil Mi-35s were acquired. In 1996 the first super-sonic jets purchased were mainly Kfir C.2s. TC2 and C.7s

By the dawn of the 21 st Century the MiG 27M and the trainer MiG-23 UB entered the inventory along with two Hercules C-130 heavy transports. Six K-8 trainers were also bought from Pakistan. With the attacks from the Tiger Air Wing raising its head, the Government procured the F7G Interceptor. Shortly thereafter this jet shot down a Zin Z43 whilst it was trying to escape during a raid. Today the so-called Tiger Air Force has been decimated, having two of their crafts being shot down by anti-aircraft fire and the rest destroyed on the ground by the elements of 58 Army Division during the capturing of their heartland.

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HELICOPTERS(Transport And Attack)