History of BAC Strikemaster in Timeline

The BAC Strikemaster is a British jet-powered training and light attack aircraft. Developed by the British Aircraft Corporation, it evolved from the Hunting Jet Provost trainer, which itself was a jet-powered variant of the earlier Percival Provost (first flown in 1950). The Strikemaster represents a progression in military aviation design, transitioning from radial engines to jet propulsion for enhanced performance in training and light attack roles.

1950: First flight of Percival Provost

In 1950, the Percival Provost, the original aircraft upon which the BAC Strikemaster was based, had its first flight with a radial engine. It was later developed into the Hunting Jet Provost trainer.

May 1966: First Order Placed by Saudi Arabia

In May 1966, Saudi Arabia became the first country to place an order for the BAC Strikemaster, opting for an initial batch of 25 Strikemaster Mk 80 aircraft as part of a wider air defence order.

October 1967: Maiden Flight of First Prototype

On 26 October 1967, the first BAC Strikemaster prototype performed its maiden flight from Warton Aerodrome. Two prototypes were produced for company trials.

1967: Oman orders Strikemasters

In 1967, Oman placed an order for the BAC Strikemaster aircraft.

1967: First flight

In 1967, the BAC 167 Strikemaster had its first flight. It was marketed as a light attack or counter-insurgency aircraft.

August 1968: First Delivery to Saudi Arabia

On 26 August 1968, the Saudi Arabian Air Force took delivery of its first BAC Strikemaster aircraft.

October 1968: Official Endorsement of Name

In October 1968, the name "Strikemaster" was officially endorsed for the aircraft after an internal competition.

October 1969: First Combat Missions by Oman

Reportedly in October 1969, the Royal Air Force of Oman conducted its earliest combat missions with the BAC Strikemaster during the Dhofar Rebellion.

July 1972: Battle of Mirbat

During July 1972, four Omani BAC Strikemasters provided close air support to ground forces under attack at the Battle of Mirbat. Three Strikemasters were shot down during the conflict.

1976: Data From Jane's All The World's Aircraft

Data regarding the BAC Strikemaster was included in Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1976–77.

April 1977: Creation of Botswana Defence Force Air Wing

In April 1977, amid escalating regional tensions, the Botswana Defence Force Air Wing was created and acquired nine refurbished BAC Strikemasters formerly flown in Kenya and Kuwait.

May 1978: End of deliveries to Saudi Arabia

Deliveries of the BAC Strikemaster to Saudi Arabia, which started in August 1968, continued through to May 1978. In Saudi service, the Strikemaster was used in both training and light attack roles.

1983: End of Production

In 1983, production of the BAC 167 Strikemaster ended. A total of 146 aircraft were produced.

1995: Deployment in the Cenepa War

In 1995, the Ecuadorian Air Force deployed the BAC Strikemaster during the Cenepa War, flying ground sorties against Peruvian positions.

March 2009: Training Mission Crash in Ecuador

On 25 March 2009, an Ecuadorian BAC Strikemaster crashed during a training mission in the Northern Border area, near Colombia. Both pilots ejected, but one later died of injuries received during the rescue attempt.