Portuguese Air Force

Esquadra 551

551 Squadron (Panteras)

Esq 551

Established 1978

History Tracking

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.

News

Portuguese Air Force Accepts First UH-60L Black Hawk

Oct 3, 2025 · 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
Portuguese Air Force Receives Third UH-60 Black Hawk

Dec 7, 2024 · 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 a

Locations

1978-1986	LPMT IZZ	Montijo
2023-	LPOV	Aeródromo Militar de Ovar

Models

1978-1986	Aerospatiale Alouette III
2023-	Sikorsky UH-60A/L

Airframes (6)

Reg	Model	C/N	Built
29801	uh-60a	70-1257	1987
29802	uh-60a	70-1231
29803	uh-60a	70-1112
29804	uh-60a	70-1214
29805	uh-60l	unknown
29807	uh-60l	70-1204

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