Page 51 - AirForces - Monthly (February 2020)

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A pair of Peruvian Dragonflies, with
serial 127 (c/n 43482, ex 74-1706)
nearest the camera. Thirty-six new-
build A-37Bs were delivered from 1975,
followed by six ex-USAF OA-37Bs in
1992, 11 more ex-USAF OA-37Bs in 1996,
two more in 2002 and finally eight
South Korean A-37Bs in February 2010.
Around 15 survive today.
a fundamental milestone for In the mid-1930s, as a means help establish such an industry, but and remained in business until
the development of Peruvian of boosting national industry, the delicate geopolitical situation 1941. During its short life it not
military aviation, enabling the Peruvian government, led by around the world at the time only performed extensive repair,
the establishment of the General Oscar R Benavides with meant that most were preoccupied modification and maintenance work
Comandancia General de support from Congress, proposed with their own nations’ rearming on the plethora of aircraft in CAP
Aeronáutica (CGA, General the creation of a local aeronautical programmes. The exception was service, but also produced a dozen
Aeronautical Command), and industry to meet the needs of civil Societá Aeroplani Caproni in Caproni Ca 100 primary trainers.
the revision of the name Cuerpo and military aviation and reduce Italy, which was authorised by
de Aviación del Perú to Cuerpo the nation’s dependence on foreign the latter’s Fascist government to The 1941 campaign
Aeronáutico del Perú. Several powers. Being a presidential negotiate with the Peruvians to Aviation played an important
administrative, structural and initiative, the project was put set up a subsidiary in Lima. This strategic role during the undeclared
operational organisation before Congress for discussion and company, Fábrica Nacional de war between Ecuador and Peru
system changes were approval, which was given shortly Aviones Caproni Peruana (Caproni that began in July 1941 and was
also introduced which thereafter. It was hoped that foreign Peruana National Aviation Factory), used as a fundamental tool in
remained in use until 1950. companies would issue proposals to began operations in May 1937 the defence of Peruvian territorial

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