The SAAF Forum

Hi

Does anyone have any info regarding the Cessna Skymaster in SAAF service, I've seen from numerous sources that we had in service in a transport role, but cant find any photos or service dates?
I have a 1/72 kit in my stash i would like to build, any photos or colour schemes would be helpful.

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VASBYT!

The SAAF did not operate the Cessna 337 Skymaster - though the Rhodesian Air Force did where it was known as the Lynx.
The only likely possibility would have been an owner of a civil-registered example being a member of one of the SAAF Commando squadrons.

(would be interested to see the sources of this information .....)

Thanks, i also figured it might have been a commando squadron, I'm no google or research expert, but this is where i found the info.

http://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforc ... -skymaster

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_a ... _Air_Force

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VASBYT!

Dean, maybe check your information on your site regarding the Cessna 336 ?

Wiki are not always correct with their information as is blatant here!

The SAAF permanent force never operated the C337 and as flyingspringbok mentioned it was possibly used by a commando squadron.
The commando squadron aircraft were owned by the individual member of the squadron and not the SAAF.

Thanks, will double check.

I did not get the info from Wiki. Thought it was perhaps one of the aircraft informally impressed into service as war bounty in Angola? It certainly did not get a SAAF serial number.

But I do know of a Cessna C-34 Airmaster (1424)

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How come every time my ship comes in, I'm at the airport?

Dean, I wasn't referring that you obtained your info from Wiki. Sorry if you did read it like that.

I was referring to post by mariussc and also trying to help general public that Wiki is not always correct, the posts on Wiki are updated times by the general public.

Geoff

No worries Geoff.

Not sure why I put the Cessna Skymaster in the list, but I've now removed it until further confirmation is obtained. Apologies for the confusion.

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How come every time my ship comes in, I'm at the airport?

mariussc the Rhodesian's utilized the Cessna 337 Skymaster which was in fact a licenced build by as the Rheims Cessna FTB337.

18 of Rheims-Cessna FTB337G were purchased by the "Malagasy Fisheries Surveillance Company" a fictitious company from the Rheims Cessna factory in France and were delivered via 2 routes one east coast and the other west coast route around Africa.

A further 3 replacements were ordered by the "Panamanian Coast Guard" for the 4 losses sustained.

The aircraft were named Lynx in the Rhodesian Air Force service.

They were armed with 2 above wing mounted .303 Browning machine guns and underwing stores attached to 3 hardpoints per wing.

One Lynx defected to SA flown by a ground crew member of the Zimbabwe / Rhodesia Air Force seeking asylum in SA.

The aircraft was returned to Zimbabwe.

Standard Olive Drab and Dark Earth wrap-around camouflage was applied to the Lynx after delivery.