One of the rarest aircraft to pass through Sharjah as there were only 7 built. I saw 5 but was only able to photograph 2 as they mostly tended to land after dark and leave at daybreak. Build date:- 5th June 1964. On delivery to India, became VT-DVD with the "Aviation Research Centre" which was created by the Indian Intelligence Bureau in cooperation with the CIA. The H500's were used to infiltrate agents into Tibet(amongst other duties!) According to the pilot this was the last one for delivery.

One of the rarest aircraft to pass through Sharjah as there were only 7 built. I saw 5 but was only able to photograph 2 as they mostly tended to land after dark and leave at daybreak. Build date:- 2nd July 1962. On delivery to India, became VT-DVC with the "Aviation Research Centre" which was created by the Indian Intelligence Bureau in cooperation with the CIA. The H500's were used to infiltrate agents into Tibet(amongst other duties!) See also photo of "90336"

The tail number of this Twin Courier appears to be a fake serial. It is probably ex 59-5956 c/n 2. The presence of this U-5 at Fort Meade was a surprise. I have no information regarding why it was there, or for how long. Tipton Army Airfield was also home to the National Security Agency, but associating any airplanes there with the NSA is probably speculation at best.

The tail number of this Twin Courier appears to be a fake serial. It is probably ex 59-5956 c/n 2. The presence of this U-5 at Fort Meade was a surprise. I have no information regarding why it was there, or for how long. Tipton Army Airfield was also home to the National Security Agency, but associating any airplanes there with the NSA is probably speculation at best.

The tail number of this Twin Courier appears to be a fake serial. It is probably ex 59-5956 c/n 2. The presence of this U-5 at Fort Meade was a surprise. I have no information regarding why it was there, or for how long. Tipton Army Airfield was also home to the National Security Agency, but associating any airplanes there with the NSA is probably speculation at best.

The tail number of this Twin Courier appears to be a fake serial. It is probably ex 59-5956 c/n 2. The presence of this U-5 at Fort Meade was a surprise. I have no information regarding why it was there, or for how long. Tipton Army Airfield was also home to the National Security Agency, but associating any airplanes there with the NSA is probably speculation at best.

Photographer: Thomas Cuddy