Sierra Leone Defence Force Air Force

Sierra Leone Defence Force Air Force
Roundel of Sierra Leone
Active 1973-present
Country Sierra Leone
Branch Air force
Role Defence
Size 9 aircraft
General command Freetown
Nickname(s) RSLAF
Engagements Sierra Leone Civil War

The Sierra Leone Air Force is the air force of Sierra Leone.

History

In 1973 the air force was established with Swedish help in the form of two Saab-MFI 15 two seat trainers.[1] Saab also supplied two model 300 (269C) light helicopters for additional training with Ghanaian help, plus another was acquired as a presidential transport but was replaced in 1976 by a MBB Bo 105. In 1978 both the helicopters and light trainers were sold and the air arm disappeared; the Bo 105 was transferred to the civil register in 1985. In 1984 two Aérospatiale SA 355F Ecureuil 2 helicopters entered service with the ministry of defence. Five mercenary operated Mil Mi-24V and two Mil Mi-8 helicopters entered service from 1995.

In 1999 the it was reported that the RSL Armed Forces had five Mil Mi-24V's and two MiG-17's.[2]

The Republic of Sierra Leone Air Force was merged with the other services to form the RSL Armed Forces from 2002.[3] Sierra Leone has a very small air component with a limited offensive capability. The status of its equipment is unknown, but the aircraft are not operable.[4]

Inventory

Current inventory

Aircraft Origin Type Variant In service Notes
Aeroplanes
Partenavia P.68 Italy light transport 1
PAC MFI-17 Mushshak Pakistan basic trainer / light attack 1
Helicopters
Mil Mi-17 Russia utility / transport 2[5]
Mil Mi-24 Russia attack 2[5]
Alouette III France liaison 1[5]
Westland Sea King United Kingdom VIP Commando Mk4 1

Retired inventory

Aircraft Origin Type Variant In service Notes
Aeroplanes
Saab MFI 15 Sweden basic trainer / light attack 2
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 USSR light attack 2 Flown by mercenaries
Helicopters
MBB Bo 105 Germany utility / transport 2
Mil Mi-24V Russia attack 5
Model 300 (269C) United States liaison 1

References

  1. ↑ World Aircraft Information Files. Brightstar Publishing, London. File 338 Sheet 03
  2. ↑ Willis, David (1999). Aerospace encyclopedia of the world's air forces. United Kingdom: Aerospace Publishing Ltd. p. 146. ISBN 1-86184-045-4.
  3. ↑ Pike, John. "Sierra Leone Air Force". www.globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 2018-07-07.
  4. ↑ Sierra Leonean military aviation OrBat.
  5. 1 2 3 "World Air Forces 2015 pg. 28". Flightglobal Insight. 2015. Retrieved 10 June 2015.
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