304 Squadron (Portugal)

304 Squadron
Esquadra 304
Former Portuguese Air Force LTV A-7P Corsair II
ActiveOctober 4, 1984
DisbandedJuly, 1999
Country Portugal
BranchAir Force
Air BaseAir Base No. 5
Nickname(s)Magníficos (Magnificent)
Motto(s)Na paz... pacíficos, na guerra... terríficos (At peace... peaceful, at war... terrifying)
Mascot(s)Tiger
Insignia
BadgeTiger's head
Aircraft flown
AttackA-7 Corsair II
FighterA-7 Corsair II

The 304 Squadron "Magníficos" (Esquadra 304) is an attack and air defense squadron of the Portuguese Air Force (PoAF) disbanded in 1999.

Roles and missions

Primary missions:

Secondary missions:

History

In May, 1983, Portugal concluded the renegotiation of the contract for the purchase of ex-USN A-7 Corsair II aircraft, resulting in a second order of 30 Corsair II (24 A-7P and six TA-7P), adding to the 20 A-7P already delivered between 1981 and 1982. Subsequently, to this additional purchase the 304 Squadron "Magníficos" was activated on October 4, 1984, commanded by Major Botelho da Costa. The primary missions of tactical air support for maritime operations (TASMO) and aerial interdiction (AI), and the secondary missions of defensive and offensive counter air operations (DCA/OCA) were assigned to the squadron upon its creation.

It was disbanded in July, 1999, with the retirement of the A-7P Corsair II fleet in service with the Portuguese Air Force.

Aircraft

Commanders

  • Major PILAV Tito Botelho da Costa (October, 1984 – January, 1988)
  • Major PILAV Carlos Donato (January, 1988 – October, 1988)
  • Major PILAV José Araújo Pinheiro (October, 1988 – September, 1990)
  • Major PILAV José Ramos Tareco (September, 1990 – May, 1991)
  • Major PILAV Fernando da Silva Dias (May, 1991 – November, 1992)
  • Major PILAV Vítor Francisco (November, 1992 – September, 1993)
  • Major PILAV António Leitão (September, 1993 – May, 1994)
  • Major PILAV Joaquim Nunes Borrego (May, 1994 – January, 1996)
  • Major PILAV Otílio Machado (January, 1996 – May, 1997)
  • Major PILAV Manuel Rafael Martins (May, 1997 – July, 1998)
  • Major PILAV Rui Elvas (July, 1998 – July, 1999)

See also