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35 Squadron hands over command amid uncertain future of Dakota fleet
Citat:Formed during World War II, 35 Squadron is one of the SAAF’s most storied units, long associated with maritime patrol and transport operations. Based at AFB Ysterplaat in Cape Town, its crews flew the venerable C47-TP Turbo Dakota, a turboprop conversion of the iconic World War II C-47 Dakota. The squadron has been central to coastal surveillance, fisheries patrols, search and rescue, and anti-piracy missions.
Yet the unit faces an uncertain future. Despite speculation that the C47-TP fleet had been permanently retired, reports of its demise appear to have been exaggerated. Although the last flight of a Turbo Dakota was believed to have taken place on 22 September 2022, the SAAF is currently investigating whether a return to flying status is feasible.
Only five airframes remain viable, three configured for maritime surveillance and two for transport, all in varying stages of maintenance. Remarkably, at least one transport variant continues to undergo ground engine runs, while the squadron maintains safety audits and training days to ensure qualifications remain current. Even without flight operations, the engineering and ground crews are keeping the squadron ready should the aircraft return to the skies.
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