Active October 4, 1984 Branch Air Force | Country Portugal Air Base Air Base No. 5 | |
Nickname(s) Magníficos (Magnificent) Motto(s) Na paz... pacíficos, na guerra... terríficos (At peace... peaceful, at war... terrifying) | ||
The 304 Squadron "Magníficos" (Esquadra 304) is an attack and air defense squadron of the Portuguese Air Force (PoAF) disbanded in 1999.
Contents
Roles and missions
Primary missions:
Secondary missions:
History
In May, 1983, Portugal concluded the renegotiation of the contract for the purchase of ex-USN A-7 Corsair II aircraft, resulting in a second order of 30 Corsair II (24 A-7P and six TA-7P), adding to the 20 A-7P already delivered between 1981 and 1982. Subsequently to this additional purchase the 304 Squadron "Magníficos" was activated on October 4, 1984, commanded by Major Botelho da Costa. The primary missions of tactical air support for maritime operations (TASMO) and aerial interdiction (AI), and the secondary missions of defensive and offensive counter air operations (DCA/OCA) were assigned to the squadron upon its creation.
It was disbanded in July, 1999, with the retirement of the A-7P Corsair II fleet in service with the Portuguese Air Force.
Aircraft
Nicknamed pomba branca (White dove) due to its white United States Navy painting, this aircraft was leased to Portugal for the operational conversion of A-7 pilots before the delivery of the first TA-7P Corsair II bought in a second order that same year.