SLAF Aviation legends of the sky | Sunday Observer

SLAF Aviation legends of the sky

23 December, 2018

The frontier of the blue skies has fascinated pilots for decades. Soaring into the clouds and ascending to high altitudes is a dream for many schoolboys. Only a few make this a reality and earn their wings. To those aviation enthusiasts in Colombo and Asia the Air Force Museum at Ratmalana is a historical paradise.

It is one of the few places in the region to have a collection of vintage aircraft in excellent condition, many of them still airworthy. The Museum is open daily from 9am (closed on Mondays). From the main entrance one can understand that this entire project has been meticulously planned. This was my third visit.

Ratmalana during the Ceylon era was famous for one thing: her airfield. The British set up an airfield and stationed an assortment of aircraft from reconnaissance planes to bombers. The flat land with only coconut tress was perfect for an air strip, and the area was not crowded as it is today.

During the Japanese air raid on Colombo in April 1942, Ratmalana was the hub of activity as British pilots roared into the sky to engage the invaders in thrilling ‘dog fights’. For those wanting to capture that moment there is an excellent book titled The Most Dangerous Moment, written by a British air force officer Michael Tomlinson who was stationed at Ratmalana.

Another flying hero of that time was Canadian pilot Squadron Leader Leonard Birchall, who flew his Catalina plane off Koggala. He spotted the invading Japanese aircraft carriers and radioed their position, before he was shot down by a Zero fighter plane from the ship Hiryu. He was released and went onto become an Air Commodore. His single radio message alerted the RAF base and enabled anti-aircraft gunners to get into firing position in Colombo. Japanese planes still had the element of surprise and attacked in full force, the first wave having 36 fighter aircraft, 54 bombers and 90 level bombers.

The Royal Air Force Hawker Hurricane fighters of 30 Squadron were stationed at Ratmalana. The Japanese mounted their second wave with 53 dive bombers that sank two British ships at Colombo Harbour killing 424 men. During this battle the Ceylon Garrison Artillery had a gun battery on the Galle Face Green with 150/230 mm guns.

Some planes were shot down and landed in Kotte, the marshes of Bellanwilla, the Colombo race course, Galle Face Green and the play grounds of S. Thomas College, Mount Lavinia.

The SLAF museum will take at least 2 full hours for those who enjoy aviation history. For those who want to walk by taking photos, it can be done maybe in an hour. The first plane to greet the visitor is a SIAI Marchetti SF 260 attack aircraft. Powered by a 313KW engine, the fighter can carry a payload of 300 Kg. The second plane displayed is a passenger aircraft the DH104 Dove. Peeping into this plane you can see the rudimentary facilities inside, but they were a luxury in that era. They were later absorbed into the Transport Squadron.

Walking on the neatly kept terrace we come to an area of hangars. One hangar has a beautiful display of Royal Ceylon Air Force uniforms. The uniforms depicting light khaki outfits then progresses to show the blue uniforms. The mannequins almost look real as they stand to attention. The mess kits and ceremonial attire accentuate the dignity and decorum of the SLAF over the past six decades.

The next hangar is a haven for vintage cars and trucks. It has old jeeps in showroom condition. A bullet proof limousine used by a former President is the stellar display. Right outside this hangar there is a row of heavy trucks and service vehicles, all still in perfect running condition. An ice cream parlour is a welcome stop to have a break, and gaze at the present day planes and helicopters taking into the skies domain. Walking further a display of jet engine turbines gives you an insight into the propulsion and trust of each air craft. Crossing into a lush green garden the magnificent sight of Mi-24 combat helicopters meets the eye.

These airborne gunships rendered a great service during the years of conflict providing suppressive fire power for ground operations, and serving as the main assault helicopter of the air force. The skill of the pilots enabled them to use the Mi-24 in the role of an interceptor. Helicopters like the Bell 212/214 saved lives, by engaging in ‘medivac’ (medical evacuation of wounded soldiers).

Going towards a patch of garden one can witness the air assets of the enemy destroyed by precision bombing and combined air defense firing mechanisms. On one side the SLAF has kindly set up a play area for children, which includes swings. Walking towards the main entrance we come to the final hangar. Inside there is a splendid “mix’ of vintage and high tech planes.

The oldest aircraft here is the Tiger Moth bi-plane painted in red and white bearing sign CX-123. This model was built in the 1930s and has an air ceiling of 10,000 feet. I have been privileged to witness her being flown by Wing Commander Prassna Kuruwita, two years ago. This aircraft is in perfect condition giving a takeoff speed of 45 knots and approach speed of 57 knots. She is a priceless relic of our aviation history. In contrast right across the floor is a K-fir fighter jet (Kfir- means lion cub in Hebrew language). As we all know this plane made an immense contribution during the years of conflict. The museum shows visitors a video of how the fighter jet crews prepare for a ‘combat sortie’.

A Chipmunk T10 trainer aircraft is also on display. They were stationed at Katunayake where flight cadets once mastered the art of flying. The souvenir shop had model planes and helicopters for sale. A visit to this museum is an investment that augments your knowledge.

These men and women have committed many hours to keep all exhibits in brilliant condition.

Thus the SLAF has preserved many chapters of our wonderful aviation history.

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