I’ve just been re-reading the May 1999 issue of Flypast and came across the article about the warbirds rescued from Ethiopia by a South African outfit called Justinia. Amongst the treasures were 2 Fireflies,2 SAAB B17s and several SAAB Safirs. Did any of these see the light of day and if so where are they now? Apologies if this has been discussed before.
By: nazca_steve - 22nd September 2021 at 06:33
Bumping this to see if anyone has any info on the Canberras. Here’s hoping.
By: nazca_steve - 16th May 2019 at 19:06
Does anyone know the fate of the two Canberras that were supposedly part of this purchase? I am trying to get in touch with John Sayers, as I have been told he was involved with the overall bulk purchase of the aircraft listed above.
By: Flat 12x2 - 26th March 2013 at 21:16
A quick google throws up a glimpse.
By: Flat 12x2 - 26th March 2013 at 21:08
The possibility remains that there are 2 more still in Ethiopia/Eritrea.
There were 2 still at Asmara airport (military side), Eritrea up till a couple of years ago , one of them a trainer, I have posted on here about them before. These were from the same group the Canadians got their 2 from (on a Canadian website there are pics of all four). The aircraft were complete with engines, wings folded, but located at the dump with several Russian Jets. They then were moved the the airfield boundary with the jets a couple of years ago, maybe still there, but I fear not.
I think there were 1/2 left in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia after the S.African recovery’s, reported as being there(a few years ago now) , but never any confirmation.
By: H.M.S Vulture - 26th March 2013 at 20:40
The trainer is being restored by Dider Chable at Melun-Villaroche airfield just outside Paris.
The Mk1 in New Zealand is owned by Jerry Yagen i believe.
Hi,
Do you have more info ? Never heard about it…
By: Roborough - 26th March 2013 at 15:50
To fill in the details on the Canadian Fireflies: One has been restored and on display at the Shearwater Aviation Museum, Dartmouth Nova Scotia, I think PP462.
The other is awaiting Restoration at the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa (DK545)
Regards
Bill
By: ozplane - 26th March 2013 at 15:23
Thanks for the updates chaps. So would I be right in saying that in summary, 2 Fireflies went to Canada and are/were being restored there. 2 more went to South Africa and then on to New Zealand where one remains in store and the other Trainer is being restored in France? The possibility remains that there are 2 more still in Ethiopia/Eritrea.
By: T J Johansen - 26th March 2013 at 09:00
What happened to the rest of the air force that went to South Africa? I seem to remember several T-28s, F-86, T-33, and numerous Saab Safir trainers. A few of the latter later flew I know, but what about the remaining cache?
T J
By: iclo - 25th March 2013 at 22:08
The Trainer is being restored in France.
Hi,
Do you have more info ? Never heard about it…
By: H.M.S Vulture - 25th March 2013 at 21:45
The Trainer is being restored in France.
By: Stan Smith - 25th March 2013 at 21:39
One of the two seaters and a Mk 1 came down here. The trainer went onwards to Lithuania and the Mk 1, which is complete and in good condition (very little corrosion) is still in the container.
By: David Burke - 25th March 2013 at 20:50
The Fireflies that went to Canada were linked to an earlier Canadian military involved recovery. The latter recovery involved a business deal and resulted in further recoveries of Fireflies amongst other machines.
By: Bence - 25th March 2013 at 20:24
Few years ago I seen SAAB B17s (from Africa) was in Lithuania . The owner is Liutauras Dziuzas.
By: Propstrike - 25th March 2013 at 20:21
See here.
By: Vacca - 25th March 2013 at 19:45
I believe the two Fireflies went to Canada.
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March 25, 2013 at 3:00 pm