oldest aircraft still in service?

Nathan · **Posted:** Tue Jun 03, 2008 5:21 pm

hi all,

I was just wondering what are some of the oldest aircraft still serving in todays worlds airforces? I have a book on modern aircraft but its 1995 print. So the info in that is kinda old.

Another question: does the US Navy still use the A-4 Skyhawk in the training role?

Thanks,
Nate

Russ Matthews · **Posted:** Tue Jun 03, 2008 5:54 pm

B-52s?

Matt Gunsch · **Posted:** Tue Jun 03, 2008 5:56 pm

Asterperious · **Posted:** Tue Jun 03, 2008 6:51 pm

Spitfire IIA of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight?

P7350 is the oldest airworthy Spitfire in the world and the only Spitfire still flying today to have actually fought in the Battle of Britain. She is believed to be the 14 th aircraft of 11,989 built at the Castle Bromwich ‘shadow' factory, Birmingham . Entering service in the August of 1940, she flew in the Battle of Britain serving with 266 Squadron and 603 (City of Edinburgh ) AuxAF Squadron.

Tulio · **Joined:** Mon May 03, 2004 1:05 am **Posts:** 3236

There used to be a WACO VPF-7 (built and delivered in 1938) in continuous service with the Guatemalan Air Force.

During the last 10 years or so, the airplane has been grounded; photos of it, show the fabric coming apart, and since the financial situation of the air force there is so poor, they don't have the funds to bring it back to flying condition.

But, for a long time, it was considered to be one of -if not the- oldest flying airplane in continuous service.

Saludos,

Tulio

Airlift48 · **Joined:** Sat Oct 29, 2005 7:01 pm **Posts:** 746

Some KC-135's in service are from '55.

Matt Gunsch · **Posted:** Tue Jun 03, 2008 8:14 pm

I still say the C-47. The BBMF Spitfire is not on active service, ie, it is not armed and ready to fight. But there are C-47s and turbo goonies that are hauling frieght and troops today, doing the same job they have done since the 30s.

Kyleb · **Posted:** Tue Jun 03, 2008 8:50 pm

How 'bout the JU-52's flown by the Swiss?

Nathan · **Posted:** Wed Jun 04, 2008 2:12 pm

Does Greece AF still use C-47's? Also Any F-104's still in service or have they all been retired. i.e France, Italy? I am guessing no Mig 17's are still in service?

jwc50 · **Posted:** Wed Jun 04, 2008 2:23 pm

Airlift48 wrote:

Some KC-135's in service are from '55.

Kevin - that is pretty amazing when you think about it, even though they don't have the original engines. Also amazing to think that the last KC-97G's built were delivered to SAC in 1956 and it's been 30 years (1978) since the last KC-97L's left ANG service.

The oldest B-52H's still in service were delivered in 1962.

jwc50 · **Posted:** Wed Jun 04, 2008 2:25 pm

Nathan wrote:

hi all,

Another question: does the US Navy still use the A-4 Skyhawk in the training role?

Thanks,
Nate

Hi Nathan - I know that the Navy retired their last A-4 variants a few years ago. The Collings Foundation TA-4J and hopefully soon the Warbird Heritage Foundation A-4B are our "flying" Skyhawks.

blurrkup · **Posted:** Wed Jun 04, 2008 2:46 pm

Harvard IIB KF183 is/was based at Boscombe Down with the ETPS

F3V · **Posted:** Wed Jun 04, 2008 5:24 pm

Columbian C-47 ?

henry · **Posted:** Wed Jun 04, 2008 6:21 pm

the RAAF mustang A68-170? on the books from when built in 1950-now though it has not been continuous service.

Tulio · **Joined:** Mon May 03, 2004 1:05 am **Posts:** 3236

I just remembered, that there are at least one each, Boeing PT-17 in service with the Colombian Air Force and with the Mexican Air Force.

These are employed for demonstrations, air show work and recruitment, and so, I believe that they should be considered for the list of long or oldest serving aircraft.

Saludos,

Tulio

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