AFM's first aircraft to be presented to museum

The first helicopter to be flown by the Maltese armed forces will be presented to the Aviation Museum tomorrow after having served the nation for 36 years. The Bell 47G2 two-seat utility helicopter, donated second-hand by the then West Germany in...

The first helicopter to be flown by the Maltese armed forces will be presented to the Aviation Museum tomorrow after having served the nation for 36 years.

The Bell 47G2 two-seat utility helicopter, donated second-hand by the then West Germany in 1972 formed the nucleus of the Air Squadron, which was formed at St Patrick's Barracks.

The helicopter, built in 1957, will perform its last "patrol" with the commander of the AFM, Brigadier Carmel Vassallo at the controls - he had earned his pilot's wings flying one of them.

The commander will be accompanied by Bombardier Mark Cassar, the most recent recruit to what is now called the AFM Air Wing.

The Air Wing now flies fixed wing aircraft such as the twin-engined Islander and Alouette helicopters.

Picture: AFM Commander Brig Carmel Vassallo (left) checks the Bell 47 helicopter.

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