27 Smaldeel

Belgium » Air Force

The Unit is no longer active

History:

27 Squadron was formed at Florennes AB, Belgium on 1 September 1951. 3 months later, on 20 December, the squadron relocated to Chièvres AB, to form, together with 23 Squadron "Devils" and 31 Squadron "Tigers", the 10th Wing.
Starting of with a dozen Spitfire XIV, a single Harvard and some Oxford's. One year later the Spitfires are already leaving the squadron and being replaced by the Republic F-84E "Thunderjet". Who, on their turn where being replaced in 1952 by the more powerfull F-84G "Thunderjet". On 23 February 1953, 3 formation, Seaman Red, Yellow and Blue depart Chièvres to relacate the 10th Wing at Kleine Brogel.
The stay at Kleine Brogel was only for a short time. Due to the state of the runway, safe landings and take-off was impossible, resulting in a temporary move to different airfields in Germany. In May 1956 the third version of the F-84 entered service. The F-84F "Thundersreak" also anounces the Supersonic-age in Belgium. New strategies are being developed, one of them the QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) is activated in 1960. This strategy is the last operationel fact of arms of the Black Panthers, before being converted to an Operation Training Unit the same year. 1962 is a dark year for the Panthers, due to reorganisations within the Belgian Air Force the Squadron is being disbanded.

Past Aircraft:

• Spitfire XIV
• T.6 Harvard
• AS.10 Oxford
• F-84E Thunderjet
• F-84G Thunderjet
• F-84F Thunderstreak