Seen in the early polished metal scheme devoid of national markings, 731 was taken on charge 20 June 1962 and served with 42, 11, and 44 Squadrons. A number of SAAF Skywagons were also seconded to the SA Police serving in the early days of the Rhodesian Bush War in their markings.

Taken on charge by the SAAF 16 May 1962, serving with 44, 11, and 42 Squadrons before passing on to the SAAF Museum. Seen here in the polished aluminium livery of the era.

Taken on charge by the SAAF 8 December 1965 as 742 and serving with 42 Sqd and later 11 Sqd. Given the civilian ZS-JLV 7 December 1981 and painted in this striking livery for "sky shout" operations. The loudspeakers are clearly visible.

Still in the basic maritime colours of the South African Air Force, this former 27 Squadron Albatross, as the type was known in SAAF service, is here seen as a gate guardian at Port Elizabeth Airport. During the 1960s, the South African Air Force recognized the requirement for an inshore maritime patrol and fisheries surveillance aircraft. With an already established relationship with Piaggio the P-166 was chosen. Named Albatross in SAAF service, the first was delivered in October 1969; 887 was delivered in March 1970. The fleet was retired in 1992/1993 and replaced by Dakotas, the very aircraft the Albatross was introduced to replace. 887 was sold as ZU-ABV in July 1992 and later went to the SAAF Museum Port Elizabeth.

Delivered to the SAAF in 1970, 122 spent it service life with 19 Squadron. It was shot down over Mussende in Angola during Operation Savannah on 4 January 1976. It is seen here in the original olive colours with large castle inisignia and white serial. Photographer unknown

Originally this Mercurius, as it was known in South African Air Force service, carried the serial 05. It was reregistered ZS-JBA and all military markings removed. The aircraft was still operated by the SAAF's 21 Sqd. Upon retirement it was sold to Virtual Jet and later broken up. Photographer unknown

Called Mercurius in SAAF service, the HS.125 served with 21 Sqd at AFB Waterkloof. First flown as G-AXLW in April 1970 and delivered to the SAAF 5 May 1970. It carried the civilian registration ZS-LPE from October 1984. Photographer unknown

Delivered to the SAAF in June 1963 and served with 2 Sqd. Photographer unknown

Flight Systems bought nine SAAF Sabres for conversion to drones. However, only one was converted to QF-86 standard. This trio is seen stored at Mojave, CA before being sold on to other operators. Photographer unknown

Flight Systems bought nine SAAF Sabres for conversion to drones. However, only one was converted to QF-86 standard. This 352 was one of the eight not converted and has been flying the air show circuit as N186FS and NX1F. This airframe holds the distinction of being the first aircraft to break the sound barrier over South Africa. On 21 September 1956 Captain J Inglesby of 1 Sqd took 352 into a supersonic dive over AFB Waterkloof.

Flight Systems bought nine SAAF Sabres for conversion to drones. However, only this 350 was converted to QF-86 standard becoming N3841V and later operating with 6585th TG at Holloman AFB, New Mexico as 23669.

Flight Systems bought nine SAAF Sabres for conversion to drones. However, only one was converted to QF-86 standard. This 382 was one of the eight not converted and is still extant in 2021 as N87FS.

Photographer unknown

Fort Klapperkop is one of four forts built by the South African Republic before the outbreak of the second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902). It was declared a military museum in 1979. Several SAAF aircraft were on display at the fort. Photographer unknown

Fort Klapperkop is one of four forts built by the South African Republic before the outbreak of the second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902). It was declared a military museum in 1979. Several SAAF aircraft were on display at the fort. Photographer unknown

Fort Klapperkop is one of four forts built by the South African Republic before the outbreak of the second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902). It was declared a military museum in 1979. Several SAAF aircraft were on display at the fort. Photographer unknown