New additions for the Dominican Republic Air Force
The Fuerza Aérea de Republica Dominicana (FARD, Dominican Republic Air Force) is in the process of receiving a batch of six additional Bell UH-1H-II Super Hueys. Two of these helicopters, with serials 3072 and 3073, were delivered last Monday, 5 December 2022. They are part of a total of six that will strengthen the helicopter fleet of the Caribbean nation.
The two Super Hueys wore distinguished white colours and a blue cheatline on delivery, giving away their previous operator, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) were they served in support of the space programme. The FAA Registry lists both N416NA (ex 72-21480, c/n 13179) and N419NA (ex 74-22429, c/n 13753) as cancelled to the Dominican Republic on 22 November 2022.
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In 2004, the FARD already received its first batch of eight Super Hueys, while some of its Hueys delivered as far back as 1983 have received a Garlick-upgrade to UH-1H+. The other four Super Huey IIs from the new batch are expected within two months in the Dominican Republic.
The FARD is also likely to receive some two-engine helicopters, for which three Bell 212/UH-1Ns are mentioned, but this is not confirmed yet.
More new equipment will join the FARD ranks shortly, with two Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX utility aircraft slated for delivery. In November 2022, the first one has already been noted at Scottsdale airport (AZ) without any markings, but with serial FAD1550.
Photos by FARD and Jeremy D Dando