Following the major PAF reorganisation around 1978, Esq 551 served from 1978 until Sep 1986, when it was disbanded and its Alouette III transferred to Esq 552.
The unit was re-activated, mainly to combat wild fires, on 24 Nov 2023 in a ceremony at Ovar.
The first flight to certify the unit operating with the Bambi Bucket occurred on 12 Apr 2024.
The unit was re-activated, mainly to combat wild fires, on 24 Nov 2023 in a ceremony at Ovar.
The first flight to certify the unit operating with the Bambi Bucket occurred on 12 Apr 2024.
News about Esquadra 551 |
Portuguese Air Force Accepts First UH-60L Black Hawk
03-Oct-25 - The Portuguese Air Force (FAP) has accepted the first of three ex-U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters in the United States, following refurbishment and upgrade work performed by Ace Aeronautics in Alabama #BlackHawk
Portuguese Air Force Receives Third UH-60 Black Hawk
07-Dec-24 - The Portuguese Air Force has received the third of six UH-60A Black Hawks refurbished by Arista Aviation under a program signed in 2022. The remaining three helicopters are scheduled to arrive next year. This year, three additional helicopters were authorized, bringing the total to nine, with delivery planned for 2026 #BlackHawk
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Models Esq 551 List of helicopters |
| C/N | Version | Built | In this Org | In other Org | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70-1257 | uh-60a | 1987 | 29801 : FAP d/d Nov23 |  87-24669 N669JH | |
| 70-1231 | uh-60a | 29802 : FAP d/d Nov23 | 87-24666 N666AA | ||
| 70-1112 | uh-60a | 29803 : FAP d/d Dec24 Esq 551 | 87-24599 N224XA | ||
| 70-1214 | uh-60a | 29804 : FAP Apr25 | 87-26004 N336FA | ||
| 70-1204 | uh-60l | 29807 : FAP : Arrived Portugal | 87-26002 - N1143L N1143L |
