Page 81 - Royal Jordanian Air Force Book

H O W I T A L L STA RT E D MILESTONES IN RJAF HISTORY

KING HUSSEIN'S FIRST CONTRIBUTIONS

The RAF No. 6 Squadron was stationed in Mafraq They formed the first fighter squadron. The first
from March to June, 1953, then returned in course on Vampires began in September 1955. To
January 1954 to Amman when, on the 19th of improve conversion training from the Chipmunks,
the same month, King Hussein opened the new three Harvard trainers were obtained from Kenya.
2,600 yard runway by flying a circuit in his The Jordanian pilots were trained on the Vampire
twin-engined Dove. Vampires of No. 6 Squadron jets by RAF instructors.
flew a salute then four of them gave an aerobatic
display to celebrate the occasion.

Until 1955, the ALAF was only equipped with
non-jet aircraft. King Hussein knew that the Arab
Legion would be exposed without adequate air
support and it was due to his determination that
the Air Force expanded and acquired jet aircraft.

In September 1955, two DH Vampire T11, two-seat
jet trainers, were purchased by Jordan and they
spearheaded the arrival of 10 FB Mk9 Vampire
fighters, which were presented as a gift from
Britain.

ROYAL JORDANIAN
AIR FORCE ESTABLISHMENT

On September 25, 1955 the ALAF was renamed The distinctive blue uniform, retaining army
the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) by Royal ranks and titles, was introduced in the same year,
Decree and adopted a new design of the wings although khaki was still worn in the summer
based on the RAF but with the Jordanian crown until the seventies.
in the middle.

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