The backbone of Egypt's Air Force during the 1960s was provided by the delivery of 275 MiG-21s, this being one of the early variants supplied from 1962. Heavy losses in training and transfers to other Arab air forces halved this number by the time of the Six Day War in 1967, when most remaining aircraft were destroyed on the ground. Resupply of Czech-built and more advanced MiG -21 versions followed, along with Chinese J-7s later on. The last MiG-21s operated up until around 2010

The first batch of 14 Su-7BMKs was destroyed during the 1967 Six Day War. Between then and 1972, Egypt received an additional 185 Su-7BMK/UMK. Those which survived the October War with Israel were retired by the mid-1980s thanks to lack of spares

In 1969 two Lockheed Super Constellation were bought by relief organisations providing food support for war torn Biafra. They flew daily from the island of Sao Tome. After the whole operation the airplanes were left on the island. Since 1970 the airplanes have remained in open storage in an area next to the airfield. By now they have been made part of a restaurant/music venue called Asas d'Avião, only open for special events. This Constellation is almost completely built-in, this photo was taken from outside the venue.

Delivered to the US Coast Guard as UF-1G 1293 in 1954. Redesignated as an HU-16E in 1962. Stored at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ then to the March Field Air Museum in 1981.

Delivered to the USAAF as 44-61669 in 1945. To the US Navy in 1956 and used as a range target at China Lake, CA. Registered as N3299F for a flight to Barstow, CA for Yesterday's Air Force in 1974. Flown to March AFB for the March Field Air Museum in 1981.

MiG-19s were operated by two squadrons of 15 Fighter Bomber Regiment from Hurghada and Fayid between 1962 and 1973. During the period around the Six Day War in June 1967, many were moved out to Syria.

In 1969 two Lockheed Super Constellation were bought by relief organisations providing food support for war torn Biafra. They flew daily from the island of Sao Tome. After the whole operation the airplanes were left on the island, and they never managed to find a new owner. Since 1970 the airplanes have remained in open storage in a area next to the airfield. By now they have been made part of a restaurant/music venue, only open for special events. There is still some paint remaining of the Nord Air colors, which the airplane carried during the 1960s.

Taking pride of place in the centre of the EAF Museum. At least 30 Tu-16s in various marks were acquired from 1962 and equipped three squadrons at Cairo West, Beni Suef and Aswan. Whole units were destroyed in the Six Day War in 1967 but measures were taken to limit losses the time of the Yom Kippur War in 1973. After relations with Moscow broke down, apparently Chinese Badger-copy H-6 bombers were also supplied. The last of the AS-1 Kennel air-to-surface missile equipped Tu-16K-11s and some of the H-6s may have soldiered on till 2000. The "TU-16" labelling is a recent, unfortunate addition!

The Gazelle is still in widespread use across the Egyptian Air Force, having equipped some six squadrons.

Another Soviet type used in large numbers before more modern equipment became available was the MiG-17. Heavy losses were experienced during the Six Day War in June 1967

MiG-15 trainers were used by the Egyptian Air Force's OTU from 1955 to 1961 as well as some of the Fighter Brigades

One of 120 Delfins supplied by Czechoslovakia

The Mi-8 and Mi-17 were acquired in considerable numbers in a range of versions and some are still in service. Four were seen at Almaza AB on landing at CAI

One of a large number of 'Hounds' supplied to Egypt by the Soviet Union, operated by 12 Sqdn here at Almaza AB between 1958 and 1971

Painted in the colours of the national aerobatic team 'The Silver Stars', the identity of this K-8 is unknown.

Another of the Soviet-era designs used by Egypt was the ubiquitous An-2. A Kiev-built An-2

Carrying the old style Egyptian roundel used from 1945 to 1958

Serials are known for 20 of these heavylifters in Egyptian service. This one is open for visitors to go onboard and carries the serial only on the other side.