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Today we are going to know the mystique Taura Air Base, the main house of operations of the Ecuadorian Air Force – FAE, knowing part of its historical milestones.
Public information, there is not much, but in this era of abundant online information, We can learn more details about this base that has witnessed important events combat aircraft for Ecuador. Secrets? Surely, but it is a matter of opening Google Maps and we can see the hangars in detail, clue, torre, streets and more of the base, Therefore, everything we will talk about today is nothing more than general knowledge data.
We no longer have supersonic fighter planes for several years, there are helicopters H-145 operating there with other transport aircraft of the FAE and it has been said that it would be better to build the new Guayaquil Airport there, We will review all this in this special installment.
Before starting, I share a video from the YouTube channel with a short tour of Taura, which I hope will help you to know, since not many have done it, this important air base for the sovereignty of the country:
Taura Air Base
Taura Air Base, located in the Yaguachi canton, in the province of Guayas, It is much more than a simple military installation. Throughout its history, has witnessed crucial milestones in Ecuadorian aviation and has played a fundamental role in the country's security and defense. In this article, We will thoroughly explore the rich history of Taura, its technical characteristics and, the most important, We will check if it really has potential like the new international airport of Guayaquil.
History and milestones
The Fighter Wing No.. 21, a fundamental pillar of the Ecuadorian Air Force, Its construction began on 28 august 1955, date that is celebrated as your anniversary. Its operations officially began on 22 of January of 1957, with the arrival of the first T-33 and FR-9 Meteor aircraft, under the command of Major Jorge Salgado Murillo.
Over the years, The Wing has experienced constant evolution in its air fleet. On 1958, Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star fighters were incorporated, giving rise to the Tactical Squadron No.. 14. For 1961, The unit had two combat squadrons and in 1962 The Rescue and Rescue Squadron was created.
The decade of 1960 It was marked by the arrival of attack aircraft such as the North American T-28D Trojan and the formation of acrobatic squadrons such as the “Eagles”.. In the years 70, British MK-89 Strikemaster aircraft and Cessna A-37B Dragones were incorporated, marking the beginning of the supersonic era with the acquisition of the Jaguar MK.1 fighters.
At the end of the years 70 and principles of 80, The Ecuadorian Air Force acquired cutting-edge fighters such as the Dassault Mirage F1 and the IAI Kfir C-2, significantly strengthening its operational capacity. These aircraft played a crucial role in the war conflict with Peru in 1995, where the Fighter Wing No.. 21 demonstrated his professionalism and courage.
In recent years, The unit has continued to modernize with the incorporation of Cheetah G-III-B aircraft, although now retired, and Airbus H-145 helicopters., expanding its capabilities for combat missions, search and rescue, and community support.
Today, the Fighter Wing No.. 21 remains a bulwark of national defense, combining tradition and technology to guarantee the safety of the Ecuador.
- Cenepa conflict: During the Cenepa conflict, Taura played a strategic role, providing logistical and air support to military operations.
- Alternate airport: On several occasions, when the runway at the José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil has been undergoing maintenance or has suffered an accident, Taura has served as an alternate airport, demonstrating your ability to manage business operations.
Technical characteristics
Taura has a solid infrastructure, designed to withstand military operations and, if necessary, commercial flights. Some of its most notable technical features include:
- Clue 03/21 from 2930 meters approximately, taxiway and access roads, which include runway edge and taxi way lights, end of track, threshold, approach, stop bar, approach slope indicator system (PAPI) and platform lighting.
Taura: The new Guayaquil airport?
Currently, Taura is at the center of a national debate: its possible conversion into the new international airport of Guayaquil. Although it is confirmed that it will be done in Daular, being part of this city and it is planned to advance its construction, A segment of society is opposed and would prefer it to be done in Taura.
The growing demand for airport services in the city has led to considering the construction of a new air terminal, and Taura, with its strategic location and existing infrastructure, is presented as an attractive option. Nevertheless, This project poses important challenges.
Advantages of Taura:
- Location: It is located a reasonable distance from Guayaquil, which would facilitate access for passengers.
- Infrastructure: The base already has part of the necessary infrastructure to operate as an international airport..
- Expansion: Taura has adjacent land that could be used to expand the facilities and build a new passenger terminal.
Challenges:
- It wouldn't be Guayaquil: The main challenge that arises is that Taura is not part of the GAD of Guayaquil, so its construction and income generated would have no benefit for this city, but to Taura's own GAD.
- It is a military base: What would happen to the FAE and its military operation, training and national security that take place here?
- Although there are no supersonic aircraft operating today, The possibility in the medium-long term of having an active squadron again is part of a general need of the State.
- Investment: Converting Taura into an international airport would require significant investment in infrastructure, design, studies and equipment, more demolition actions of current infrastructure.
Nevertheless, It is essential to carry out a thorough cost analysis, benefits and challenges involved in this project.
In the meantime, and with Daular very firm, This base will continue to be the fundamental center of the control and surveillance of Ecuadorian airspace.
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