[R-390] Re: Reconnaissance and Aerial Interdiction Detachments

[Michael Melland]

> They painted them up to look "civilian", but the tail numbers don't show
> in the FAA aircraft registry.

Yeah ... just like the Blackhawks etc. that were in Peru and Bolivia in
1980.  However the first "military support" mission there "officially" was
in about 1991 to help with the "war on drugs".  Ever seen an EP-3 in
civilian markings or an unmarked RF-4C ...<grin>.

Interestingly, there is a company here in Oshkosh, Wisconsin called Basler
Turbo Conversions that makes various C-47 turboprop conversions called a
BT-67.  Most people figure they are only for cargo or small airlines mainly
in the third world. Most go to Africa, South America, various private
contractors... and a few to USFS for fire fighting and a few "other" US
Agencies.

They actually make a great interdiction version and the mini-guns are hardly
noticeable . hehehe. Check out the black paint sans markings and look at
those sweet cannons  http://www.baslerturbo.com/specialop.html   Reminds one
of the heady days of "Puff the Magic Dragon"....  I can attest to the fact
that this bird really performs much better.  BTW they also have a
special ops commo/countermeasures  version too
http://www.baslerturbo.com/ah.html  Odd that a 1939 design can still be
partially "classified"..... way cool !

Mike
--
Michael Melland, W9WIS
Winneconne, Wisconsin USA EN54pc
qrp-l #1656 - qrparci # 9875 - iparc #252
ars #1075  -  http://webpages.charter.net/w9wis/

--
Michael Melland, W9WIS
Winneconne, Wisconsin USA EN54pc
qrp-l #1656 - qrparci # 9875 - iparc #252
ars #1075  -  http://webpages.charter.net/w9wis/