Guarding the main gate at Sargodha is F-86F Sabre 51-3447, one of 120 operated between 1956 and 1980.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American F-86 Sabre - СШАUSA - 1947

Also at Islamabad is F-86F Sabre 1733, wearing the colours of the Falcons formation team. The Falcons are no longer in existence, but the team made history on February 2, 1958, when it looped 16 Sabres in formation in a display at Masroor Air Base near Karachi.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American F-86 Sabre - СШАUSA - 1947

The F-104A Starfighter saw relatively short service with the PAF; 56-874, which took part in numerous operations in the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war, is on show outside the Combat Commanders’ School at Sargodha.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed F-104 Starfighter - СШАUSA - 1954

Outside the Base Commander’s office at the PAF Academy, Risalpur, is this North American T-6G Harvard, T4246, with its canopy covered to keep out the extreme heat - temperatures of up to 50°C (122’F) are recorded! One of the last PAF Harvards to be retired, T4246 was used in the night offensive role against forward Indian Army units in the 1965 war.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American T-6 Texan / AT-6 Harvard - СШАUSA - 1935

Lockheed T-33 53-9195 mounted in take-off position outside the Officers’ Mess at the Air Headquarters at Islamabad, which has two other aircraft displayed.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed T-33A - СШАUSA - 1948

Pakistan’s pride in its armed Services is evident in the efforts made to exhibit the country’s large number of gate-guardian and display aircraft to their best advantage. Mounted in an unusual display outside the Officers’ Mess at the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) “Top Gun” base at Sargodha, 100 miles north-west of Lahore, is Shenyang F-6 1504. Another example is outside the base commander’s office. By 1994 the type had been withdrawn from service in favour of the Chinese-built Xian F-7P Skybolt.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Shenyang J-6 / F-6 - КитайChina - 1961

Shenyang F-6 1825, in the markings of No 17 Squadron, reaches for the sky outside the Officers’ Mess at the Air Headquarters building, Islamabad, which was completed five years ago.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Shenyang J-6 / F-6 - КитайChina - 1961

The PAF operated 20 Shenyang FT-5s, a Chinese-built version of the MiG-15; 0103 is preserved at Risalpur. Although popular with students, the type suffered from limited cockpit space, poor air-conditioning and short endurance.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Chengdu JJ-5 - КитайChina - 1966

The PAF’s largest transport base at Chaklala, Rawalpindi, displays the force’s only Beech Twin Bonanza, GH-112, formerly operated by No 41 Squadron from Peshawar, at the foot of the Khyber Pass, for VIP and communications work.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Beechcraft Model 50 Twin Bonanza - СШАUSA - 1949