A Sample Feature From Aviation News

MAGIC IN MADRID

Aviation News’s Dino Carrara reports on the impressive collection of aircraft in the museum at Cuatros Vientos in Madrid.

Sporting a magnificent scheme is this North American F-86F Sabre in Spanish aerobatic team colours. (All photos, Aviation News- Dino Carrara).

The military aviation museum at Cuatros Vientos airfield in Madrid houses an impressive collection of aircraft in quantity and quality. The location is appropriate as it was Spain’s first military airfield and opened as long ago as 1911. Over 100 aircraft are currently on display, however there are also models, photos, squadron badges, engines, airfield equipment, weapons, paintings and other general memorabilia which results in a real Aladdin’s Cave of aeronautica!

Some of the most famous aircraft on show include a Vilanova-Bleriot XI built in 1911, a Breguet XIX (Jesus del Gran Poder) used on the flights to Asia and America in 1928-29, and the famous Dragon Rapide, G-ACYR, which flew General Franco from the Canary Islands to Tetuan during the Spanish Civil War in 1936. There is a Heinkel He 111 which was built in 1936 and is the oldest on display anywhere in the world plus Bf 108s and Bf 109 Buchons. Most types which have served in the Spanish armed forces are represented with some highlights being the Boeing KC-97L Stratotanker, Douglas DC-4 Skymaster, Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina and surprisingly, a Lockheed P-3A Orion. As well as numerous modern fast jets used by the Ejército del Aire on display there are also a number of aircraft from other nations.

Not too many museums in the world have a Lockheed P-3 Orion. This former Ejército del Aire P-3A was formerly operated by Grupo 22.

Preserved in excellent condition is this Boeing KC-97L Stratotanker, note the jet pod under the wing.

For instance a Saab J 32 Lansen and Viggen, a colourfully marked MiG-15 and three ex-East German Air Force aircraft in the shape of a Mikoyan MiG-21, MiG-23 and Sukhoi Su-22.

The museum is set to receive some interesting exhibits in the near future in the shape of a Hirth Hi.27 Acrostar aerobatics aircraft, a Casa/MBB/Flamingo, D.H.89 Dragon, D.H.87A Hornet, a C-30 Cierva Autogyro, Mirage F.1, an ex-Portuguese Air Force A-7P Corsair (in exchange for a former Spanish Air Force F-5), Fokker F27 Friendship and a C-130 Hercules.

While wandering round the lines of aircraft in the museum compound it is also possible to see some current aircraft of the Ejército del Aire on approach or departing the nearby Cuatros Vientos airfield. The base is host to three squadrons which fly Casa C.212 Aviocars, Dornier 27s and SA332B Super Pumas and AS532 Cougars, while it is also heavily used by general aviation. Security is tight, though photography is permitted but visitors may be asked to leave bags at the entrance.

The museum has an excellent collection of aircraft and memorabilia charting Spain’s aviation history and is well worth a visit.

A map from the museum’s brochure showing the layout including the three hangars.

TThe Museo de Aeronáutica Y Astronáutica is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 14.00hr.

Website: www.mde.es/mde/cultura/patrim/museo4.htm

Cost 100pestatas/approx 60 Cents (Euro)

One of the first aircraft to meet you as you walk through the entrance is this Casa C.207 Azor, one of two on display.

The museum boasts this impressive line-up of former Warsaw Pact aircraft, in the foreground is a MiG-17, followed by a MiG-21, MiG-23 and Su-22.

Aircraft on display