RampWatchSeven

The photos on this page depict aircraft that shared ramp space with VR-24 aircraft at Port Lyautey in the early 1950s. They were contributed by Walt Smith, who served with the squadron as a Training Devices Technician (TD) from late 1951 through the Spring of 1953. Additional photos and some of Walt's recollections are contained the Port Lyautey and Ops Summary/Propwash Page Twenty-Two.

Anyone who has photos or information that he/she cares to share with "shipmates" and friends is encouraged to send them to Dick Prather, Webmaster/Editor of the VR-24 website.

(smith)

View of two French Navy Lancasters with which VR-24 shared the limited ramp space at Port Lyautey in 1951-52 timeframe.

(smith)

A good close up of the French Navy Lancaster, unit identifier, 2F2, on ramp at Port Lyauter in 1952.

(smith)

A good profile shot of a SE 161 Languedoc built by the French company, SNCASE. The SE 161 first flew in September 1945 and was used by Air France and several other European airlines. The Armee de l'Air and the Aeronavale (French Navy) operated the SE 161 in the early 1950's, evidenced by this one's visit to Port Lyautey in 1952.

(smith)

This small plane,which is similar to a Messerschmitt (ME-108), was reported to be the personal aircraft of the French CO of the base at Port Lyautey.

(smith)

Thanks to Ragnar Rafnarsson, we have identification of the vintage aircraft(with French insignia) occupying a front-row spot in the hangar shared by the French Navy and VR-24. That and the other aircraft of the same type just visible inside the hangar are Morane-Saulnier M.S.500 (series) (Crique) versions of German Fieseler Fi 156 Stork (Storch) liaison aircraft.

Ramp Watch

Page Seven

Copyright © 2002 VR-24 Association