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Magazine. “Raids Aviation” issue 58

For the release of the 58th issue of “Raids Aviation”, readers are invited to a celebration unlike any other: the 80th anniversary of the 2/5 Île-de-France fighter squadron! But that’s not all…

For the release of the 58th issue of “Raids Aviation”, readers are invited to a celebration unlike any other: the 80th anniversary of the 2/5 Île-de-France fighter squadron! But that’s not all…

In this issue, the “Raids Aviation” editorial team pays a fitting tribute to the legendary squadron. Formed in Scotland towards the end of 1941, the 2/5 Île-de-France fighter squadron, then known as “Squadron 340” (following the founding of the Free French Air Force, under the leadership of General de Gaulle), is one of the most well-known of that period. Why? Because beyond the history of its origins, the squadron represents the development of the Air Force since the Second World War.

This is attested to by the long list of aircraft that its members have flown: Mistral, Mystère (II, IV, B2), Mirage (IIIC, F1C, 2000C, etc.), among others. As of June 2022, its crews will fly aboard the Rafale, taking off from Air Base 115 (Orange-Caritat), but this time under a different squadron, since the 2/5 FS is likely to be disbanded after this date.

Also in this issue, a look back at exercise Volfa 2021, which last fall brought together some 50 Air Force aircraft and 750 high-class aviators for large-scale training from Air Bases 118 and 120 (Mont-de-Marsan and Cazaux). The special feature on the investigations of the Bureau Enquêtes Accidents pour la sécurité de l’aéronautique d’État (BEA-E), the French accident investigation organization for state aviation safety, is also worth a read.

The issue also includes a spotlight on the Frecce Tricolori, the Italian Air Force’s aerobatic demonstration team; a look back at the IDEF 2021 trade fair in Istanbul (Turkey); as well as a focus on the Russian fighter aircraft Sukhoi Su-30. All topped off with a host of short features on both French and international aviation!

Magazine. “RAIDS Aviation N° 58″, February-March 2022. Editions Histoire & Collections, 84 pages. ISBN: 9791038012479