Strana 23
Bow section with cameras of the tactical reconnaissance Republic
RF-84F Thunderflash
View of part of the indoor display, with AB-206A Jet Ranger in the foreground
A-7 Corsair II battle LVT in attractive tiger camo. In front of it are the under
development Pegasus I and II drones of indigenous origin
A reminder of the air war in the Greek sky - preserved parts
of a British Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV bomber recovered from the sea
One of the museum's
unique items -
a Curtiss Helldiver
SB2C-5 naval
bomber after
a complete
restoration
associated with the Air Force Special Diving
Command (KOSYTHE) unit used in search and
rescue. One example of their efforts is the
Bristol Blenheim Mk. IV of the British 203rd
Squadron, which was recovered from the sea
off the Cretan town of Rethymno. The wing and
engine are still on display. Another is a German
Junkers Ju 52/3m transport aircraft recovered
off the island of Leros, whose refurbishment
is still in progress. There are even plans to
bring some of the exhibits to flying condition,
specifically the unique Helldiver and Spitfire
have been mentioned.
Entrance to the museum is free, and the
website describes access well, both by rail
(from Athens Larissa station) and by bus or
car. At the gate of the base, foreigners have to
show their passport, EU citizens do not have to
show anything else. The only drawback I could
discover is that the descriptions are only in
Greek. However, this too is to be changed and
each exhibit is to have a QR code that will refer
not only to the general characteristics of the
item, but also to the details of its service in the
Greek Air Force.
The staff of the museum, i.e. the air force
soldiers, are helpful and experienced and can
assist and answer most questions. And the
conclusion? If you are thinking of visiting Athens
and are an aviation fan, definitely don't hesitate
to take a tour.
REPORT
INFO Eduard
23
April 2025