Air Enthusiast 2001-11
G.Cruz - Spain's Arrow HA-200 Saeta (2)
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
President Nasser inspecting one of the first HA-200Bs in the assembly hall at Helwan on July 26, 1962.
Hispano HA-200D Saeta.