Tonga Defence Services aviation

Tonga Defence Services aviation
Roundel
Founded 1996
Country Tonga
Branch Air Force
Role Aerial warfare
Part of His Majesty's Armed Forces (Tonga)
Colors Red, Silver
Aircraft flown
Patrol Beechcraft G.18
Trainer American Champion Citabria, Victa Airtourer

The Tonga Defence Services aviation is the air force and air defence of Kingdom of Tonga

History

The Air Force was established in 1996 and operates one Beechcraft G.18S aircraft in the maritime patrol and search and rescue roles, and an American Champion Citabria light trainer.[1] The current position of the HMAF air wing is unclear but both aircraft have not been active for a long time.[2] Tonga is looking for a replacement for the ancient G18S.[3]

A Beechcraft G18S similar to the one operated by the TDS Air Wing

Retired Aircraft

Inventory

All aircraft of the Maritime Aviation Wing are based at Fuaʻamotu International Airport.

Current inventory

Aircraft Origine Number Variant Notes
Beechcraft G.18 USA 1 G18S
American Champion Citabria USA 1

Retired inventory

Aircraft Origine Number Variant Notes
Aerospatiale SA330 Puma France 0[4] Never in Use
CASA C-212 Aviocar Spain 0[4] Never in Use
IAI Arava Israel 0[4] Never in Use
Harbin Y-12 China 0[4] Never in Use
Mil Mi-8MT USSR 0[4] Never in Use

References

  1. ↑ Flight International, 16–22 November 2004, Directory: World Air Forces (p. 90).
  2. ↑ "His Majesty's Armed Forces of Tonga". Aeroflight. Retrieved 2018-06-15.
  3. ↑ Pike, John. "Tonga - His Majesty's Armed Forces". Retrieved 2018-06-15.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 "Aircraft Not Used". Aeroflight. Retrieved 2018-06-15.
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