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Austrian Air Force |
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Austrian
Air Force |
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Following
the breakup of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a German-Austrian Flying
Troop (Deutschösterreichische Fliegertruppe) was founded as an air
policing service, with ex-wartime crews and aircraft. In 1919 the DF was
ordered to be disbanded by the Allied Control Commission. On 1 April
1936 the Austrian Republic regained full sovereignty, although it was
still prohibited from having any military aircraft. Even so, the
Austrian Army quickly set up an Air Force. On 13 March 1938 Austria was
incorporated into Germany, and the Air Force merged with the Luftwaffe.
On 15 May 1955 Austria was re-established as a sovereign state.
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Shortly
before declaring neutrality on October 26, 1955, Austria formed an air arm
which was tasked with defending Austria's air space. Basic flying training
for the Kommando Luftstreitkräfte (Austria's aviation division and an
element of the new Bundesheer «Federal Army») began in December 1955
using Yak-11 Moose and Yak-18 Max aircraft which had been given by the
Soviet union. Twenty-two Cessna L-19A Bird Dog observation and liaison
aircraft were subsequently purchased under the Mutual Aid Plan for a
nominal $1 from US forces based in Austria. |
The
Austrian politicians hoped that the Air Force got a large number of
aircraft from the USA (without any costs under the MAP), as the army got
equipment and weapons. They were wrong. Austria had to buy its first
aircraft consisting of PA-18, Zlin 126, Cessna 172/182, Vampire. Magister,
Alouette II and S-55. Only Italy donated five Fiat G-46's. Until between
1958 and 1960 Austria purchased under the MAP (Military Assistence
Program) 62 aircraft, but with no fighters.
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The
delivery of three ex-RAF C-130K Hercules C.1 transport aircraft has
start in December 2002, following an upgrade by Marshall Aerospace.
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Nine new Sikorsky S-70A-42 transport
helicopters where delivered from mid 2002.
The Eurofighter Typhoon has been selected as the new fighter to replace
the J 35 Draken. Close co-operation with Typhoon operations in
neighbouring Germany is planned, to save costs.
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