The first HA-200-R1 prototype.

HA-200A (E.14, later E.14A) in the markings of 741 Escuadron, first EdA unit to operate the type, early 1965 to October 1966.

In spite of being a short-lived unit, 202 Escuadron machines saw their former 431 Escuadron markings replaced by those of the new unit. The code number for each resulted from adding '30' to the tail serial, as at the time the 43 Ala had 30 T-6s on strength, it was trying not to repeat fuselage code numbers. Yellow-nosed Oerlikon (or HASA) 80mm unguided rocket projectiles, carried on Pilatus underwing launch-rails, were often used by the E.14As and 'Bs in air-to-ground gunnery practices. Red tail trim was first applied to the E.14Bs, though it later appeared on most E.14As, too.

In 1975, 462 Escuadron-operated E.14Bs, later C.10Bs and A.10Bs, began to receive a three-colour camouflage scheme of two browns and olive green with light grey undersides. LAU-32B rocket launchers carried on wing pylons had been previously used by the EdA F-86Fs, their deep blue finish having replaced the former olive drab colour.

One of five HA-200-R1s delivered to the UARAF drawn from the EdA pre-production batch - 20 003. Only these five aircraft could be fitted with the HS-804 20mm cannon and Ferranti gunsight.

The Basic School was transferred to the Air General Academy, at San Javier, in the summer of 1972. The E.14As were assigned to the AGA's 793 Escuadron. E.14A-23 was one of four Saetas destroyed after a multiple collision over the sea on July 11, 1975.

Thomas A Steuby of Ballwin, Missouri, has been operating Saeta N31798 for about a decade now and thinks that the aircraft "has been under-rated over the years". Completely refurbished, it has a smoke system and modern avionics. Tom flies it mostly at airshows and says "it has been a joy to fly" and sent along a shot to illustrate the private-owner element of the HA-200.

A Hispano HA.200 Saeta accompanied by one of the T-6G Texans of the FIO. In the background, the snowy peaks of the Sierra de Guadarrama, North of Madrid.

Close formation of 21 Grupo Saetas. E.14B in the background had just been drawn from 406 Escuadron, as denoted by the fuselage code numbers.

HA-200 стал развитием удачной конструкции Вилли Мессершмитта. Данный самолет летает до сих пор и имеет немецкую гражданскую регистрацию.

Only a handful of A.10Bs received the Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter-type camouflage scheme - A.10B-37 at Moron on August 27, 1980.

Pictured at San Javier in the summer of 1978, A.10B-69 still wearing the African camouflage scheme of 462 Escuadron.

Line-up of 202 Escuadron E.14Bs at Villanubla. Some of the aircraft in the background still wore the markings of the recently-disbanded 431 Escuadron.

Right to left: Hispano C.10-A (version of HA-200A), C.10-C (HA-220) and C.10-B (HA-200D).

According to official Egyptian sources, only 63 HA-200Bs actually entered UARAF service. Close examination of this illustration reveals the tail serial number '200 64'. This late production HA-200B features eight small blisters on the intake upper lip, protruding machine-gun barrels and underwing rocket launch-rails, very similar to those carried by EAF MiG-17s and national markings that were introduced in 1973.

Pictured in the late 1970s or early 1980s, an EAF HA-200B lacking its tail serial number. Noteworthy are the handgrip under the rear cockpit and the late presentation of the 'AlKahera' lettering (in smaller characters), carried on the rear fuselage preceded by the number '200'.

Capt Esteva Salom after a test flight in April 1961.

HISPANO HA-100 R-1 SAETA. Formerly known as the Ha-120R-1, the new HA-200R-1, built in Spain by Hispano Aviacion, has been designed by Willy Messerschmitt. The West German Government has now awarded a development contract for the type, which flew for the first time on 16th August 1955. Wingtip fuel tanks may later be mounted.
Salient features: A tandem two-seat, the Ha-200R-1 has a long, single, strutted canopy and a divided nose intake feeding the Marbore 2 turbojets. The circular-section rear fuselage tapers away to a sharp point at the tail. Wings are square-cut with maximum taper on the trailing edge. The jet effluxes on either side protrude from the trailing edge and are canted downwards. The fin is equi-tapered with a blunt top, the tailplane being mounted at the fin-fin fillet intersection. Mainwheels fold inwards into the wing and the nosewheel backwards.

Nearly two months after its first flight, 20/1 was fitted with tiptanks, later replaced by larger ones. Noteworthy are the unpainted intake lip, absence of nose fillet and earlier-size fin extension.

Pictured at San Pablo on January 11, 1957, the second HA-200-R1 prototype first flew on February 12 that year. It wore an ugly grey factory finish and featured scoops over the gun ports.

During the spring and summer 1958, 20/11 underwent certification trials at Torrejon. Special temperature-measuring equipment is fitted on the aircraft's jet outlets.

Shining under the blazing Andalusian sun, HA-200A c/n 31 soon after leaving the assembly line. External differences between pre-production and production machines were almost indiscernible.

Showing a striking combination of civil and military markings, 20/1 at San Pablo on May 21, 1956.

Hispano HA-200D Saeta jet advanced trainer (two Turbomeca Marbore IIA turbojet engines!

The five pre-production HA-200-R1s were extensively flight-tested by GEV between July and December 1962 - 20/4 at Torrejon.

Pre-production batch of Hispano HA-200 Saeta twin-jet trainers

Escuadron 202 superseded 43 Ala in November 1967. Though a short-lived unit, its aircraft were used to test different HA-200 weaponry. C.10B-55 with a HASA-designed AH-039208 bomb dispenser.

In order to counter the threat posed by Polisario guerrillas, early in July 1970, some 20 C.10Bs began to be ferried to Gando (Canary Islands), operated by 462 Escuadron. A 462 Escuadron machine at Zaragoza during an open day held in May 1972.

In November 1962, the E.14s were newly assigned to the Basic School, Matacan, where they were operated by the 742 Escuadron in the basic and advanced training roles.

Close formation of five C.10Bs of 212 Escuadron. Noteworthy is the squadron serial number on the foreground aircraft, as it still lacks the '21'.

The first HA-200-R1 prototype took to the air on August 12, 1955. This picture was taken at San Pablo eleven days later, when the Saeta was on final approach after a short endurance test flight.

In order to avoid the blazing Andalusian summer sun, work on the HA-200 prototype was partly carried out at night at San Pablo, Seville, in July 1955.

President Nasser inspecting one of the first HA-200Bs in the assembly hall at Helwan on July 26, 1962.

On December 21, 1961, the maiden flight of the first Egyptian-manufactured HA-200B took place with Capt Esteva.

After the first flight of an Egyptian-built HA-200B, Spanish and Egyptian technicians and groundcrew were alarmed by the 2,000 people who jumped the barriers and rushed at them.

Lines of HA-200Bs of the UARAF Air Academy, at Bilbays.

The first Egyptian-built HA-200B Al Kahira made its maiden flight in December 1961, the type entering service to be used for advanced flying training by the Egyptian Air Force Air Academy at Bilbeis. The HA-200B replaced the Spanish A-model’s nose-mounted machine-guns with 20mm cannon and incorporated wing hardpoints. Sixty-three aircraft of this type were built for the EAF.

The fourth of the Spanish-built HA-200-R1s, 20-004 flies low over Helwan with Capt Esteva at the controls and, in the rear seat, a UARAF pilot.

Four Spanish-built HA-200-R1s (recognisable by the 20mm cannon under the nose) flying over Cairo late in July 1960, to launch the official start of the Saeta licence-manufacturing programme.

HASA-developed multiple launch rails, as used on EdA aircraft.

Wooden mock-up of the HA-200 showing the strong resemblance between the twin-jet project and its ancestor, the propeller-driven HA-100. Noteworthy is the use of the latter's canopy.

Mock-up of the Hispano HA-56 (later to be designated HA-230), which uses many components of the single-engined HA-200 Saetta

HISPANO HA-100 R-1 SAETA. Data: Manufacturer: La Hispano Aviacion S.A., Seville, Spain. Power: two Turbomeca Marbore 2 turbojets of 880-lb. thrust each. Accommodation: two-seat: Dimensions: span 34 ft. 2 in . ; length 29 ft. 1 in .; height 9 ft. 4 in. Weights: empty 3,188 lb.; gross weight 7,081 lb. Performance: maximum speed 440 m.p.h. at 29,500 ft.; sea-level rate of climb 2,680 ft. /min.; service ceiling 40,000 ft.; range 1,060 miles.

Hispano HA-200D Saeta.