June 3rd 1973, Chateaudun

[Keflavik69]

Today 50 years ago I attended the open door day at the French air base Chateaudun, the equivalent of RAF Shawbury but minus the helicopters. Some interesting types could be seen like the Skyraiders that were coming back from Africa. A special bonus were the Mirage 5J's that were bought by Israel but after completion embargoed by the French government and kept in storage at Chateaudun since the the 6-day war in 1967. The Israeli's also bought ships which they were able to re-claim from the French harbour were they were embargoed. Since then the security around Chateaudun was at a very high level. In 1973 it was decided that the Armee de l'air would buy those Mirages and name them Mirage 5F. I hope you like the large selection of photos.

Chateaudun June 3rd 1973. C-45 356 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Chateaudun June 3rd 1973. Broussard 179 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Chateaudun June 3rd 1973. Broussard 197 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Chateaudun June 3rd 1973. CAP-10B 3/307-SA fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Chateaudun June 3rd 1973. Flamant 246/070-MF fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Chateaudun June 3rd 1973. Flamant 316/KD fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Chateaudun June 3rd 1973. H-34 SA-164/68-DL fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Chateaudun June 3rd 1973. Magister 8 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Chateaudun June 3rd 1973. Magister 484 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Chateaudun June 3rd 1973. Mirage 5F 49/13-SD fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Chateaudun June 3rd 1973. Mirage 5J 22 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Chateaudun June 3rd 1973. Mirage 5J 23 a fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Chateaudun June 3rd 1973. Mirage 5J 23 b fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Chateaudun June 3rd 1973. Mirage 5J 24 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Chateaudun June 3rd 1973. Noratlas 13/340-VF fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Chateaudun June 3rd 1973. Noratlas 135/070-M-B fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Chateaudun June 3rd 1973. AD-4N 124143 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Chateaudun June 3rd 1973. AD-4N 124156 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Chateaudun June 3rd 1973. SMB.2 111 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Chateaudun June 3rd 1973. T-33A 14086 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Chateaudun June 3rd 1973. T-33A 53091/338-HD fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Regards, Arnold

[Canberra TT.18]

Hi Arnold.

Superb!
What a great set again

[Mustang531]

Thanks Arnold, a great selection of shots as usual and plenty of variety as well.

[paddyboy]

Hi Arnold

Yet another superb set of eclectic ‘frames

Lovely to see a Broussard and Noratlas in the mix

Thanks for posting

Paddyboy

[F3]

Always do Arnold. Some v. interesting stuff there esp. those Mirage Vs and A1s you mention but I'm a sucker for a Noratlas after having seen the last airworthy example being displayed @ one of Coventry's fabulous Fifties shows 20+ yrs ago.

[Gordsmith]

Arnold, I think the others have said it all, wonderful shots of wonderful days sadly gone. Thanks, as always, for posting these. Regards , Gordon.

[Petepilot]

Great selection Arnold, thanks for sharing (and as always....."more please!")

[Punkrunner62]

Another great selection, thanks Arnold, the Skyraiders being my favourite but all are fantastic to see, thanks again.
Cheers.

[Jabba]

Merci beaucoup! Great quality photos for the time and another date for the time machine when they invent it!

[Yorker]

A piece of trivia re these excellent photos. Skyraider 124143 (pictured in the hangar) is still flying as F-AZDP. It is based at La Ferte Alais and usually takes part in their annual display. It was in US Navy markings last time I saw it, marked as 'RM-205'

[NickB]

Stunning pics & a mouth-watering line up... thanks for sharing.