Page 106 - Conflitti Militari e Popolazioni Civili - Tomo II

608 XXXIV Congresso della CommIssIone InternazIonale dI storIa mIlItare • CIHm

armaments
the armament was not appropriate to fire vessels. Some solutions were tried, as to dimin-
ish the time to assemble the fuse, but the inexperience and lack of time to practice, did not
make it possible to succeed.

air defense operations
As regard to the air umbrella task and alert on flight, ordered by FAS to support air and
ground operations in Malvinas, it was agreed to leave the task to Harries as they performed
perfectly at low height.
The problem was that if the Mirage flew at a lower height, they would consume more fuel
and could not get back. at high level, the argentine interceptors would have about ten min-
utes to fly over the islands. Therefore, FAS ordered that they would fire only if the Harries
flew up, and if the Mirage had a remaining autonomy.
Besides, due to these reasons, the incursions, against the naval or ground objectives, the
fire squadrons would not be able to be escorted to the targets.
To overcome this drawback, some planes were sent to perform similar operations to fire
fighters, some were civilians. For example they simulated to fire Harriers or attack other
targets.
Now let me tell you the civilian participation in the war.

expLoration, reconnaissance and speciaL operations
The activities were done by two units.
Group 1: situated on Comodoro Rivadavia, was to recognize the Patagonia littoral.
Formed by: 3 Fokker F-27 from the Air Command of Transport plus planes from the
Fenix squadron.
Their responsibility was to reach up to 300 nautical miles between parallel 39º south and
61º south (latitude: Georgias islands)
The exploration of this area was divided into three regions: bases on Bahia Blanca, Trelew
and Santa Cruz.
Group 2: operated from Palomar Base (Buenos Aires) and from Comandante Espora base
(Bahia Blanca)
Its routine was to do exploration and reconnaissance around 300 nautical miles between
Parallel 39º South and the end of Rio de la Plata. Besides, it also performed any other activ-
ity that might have been ordered. Planes used: Boeing -707, Hercules KC-130 and Hercules
C-.130.
Still another area was determined to control the maritime transit which could come from
The Pacific to Malvinas. Three civil planes: Lear Jet LR-35, four circuits were designed to
operate in a triangular search which would control an area of 200 miles between Rio Grande
latitude to the south and the parallel 59º30’S. This contribution was very valuable; the planes
were also used as guides to M-5 Dagger.