History of BAC Strikemaster in Timeline

The BAC 167 Strikemaster is a British jet-powered training and light attack aircraft. Developed by the British Aircraft Corporation, it is a derivative of the Hunting Jet Provost trainer, which itself evolved from the Percival Provost. The Strikemaster was designed for both pilot training and light combat roles.

1950: First Flight of Percival Provost

In 1950, the Percival Provost, the predecessor to the Hunting Jet Provost and ultimately the BAC Strikemaster, originally flew with a radial engine. This marked the beginning of the aircraft's development lineage.

May 1966: Saudi Arabia Orders Strikemasters

In May 1966, Saudi Arabia became the first country to place an order for the Strikemaster, purchasing 25 Strikemaster Mk 80 aircraft as part of a larger air defense agreement.

October 1967: Maiden Flight of First Prototype

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

1967: Oman Orders Strikemasters

In 1967, Oman ordered the Strikemaster aircraft.

1967: First Flight of BAC 167 Strikemaster

In 1967, the BAC 167 Strikemaster had its first flight. While marketed as a light attack and counter-insurgency aircraft, it was primarily purchased as an advanced trainer.

August 1968: First Strikemasters Delivered to Saudi Arabia

On 26 August 1968, the Saudi Arabian Air Force received its first Strikemaster aircraft. Deliveries continued until May 1978.

October 1968: Strikemaster Name Officially Endorsed

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

October 1969: Royal Air Force of Oman Conducts Combat Missions

In October 1969, the Royal Air Force of Oman started conducting combat missions with the Strikemaster during the Dhofar Rebellion.

July 1972: Strikemasters Provide Air Support at the Battle of Mirbat

During July 1972, four Omani Strikemasters provided close air support at the Battle of Mirbat to outnumbered ground forces under attack by insurgents.

1976: Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft Published

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

April 1977: Botswana Defence Force Air Wing Formed

In April 1977, the Botswana Defence Force Air Wing was created amid escalating regional tensions, acquiring nine refurbished Strikemasters.

May 1978: End of Strikemaster Deliveries to Saudi Arabia

In May 1978, deliveries of the Strikemaster to Saudi Arabia came to an end. The aircraft was used for both training and light attack roles in Saudi service.

1983: End of Strikemaster Production

In 1983, production of the Strikemaster aircraft ended. A total of 146 aircraft had been produced.

1995: Ecuadorian Air Force Deploys Strikemaster in Cenepa War

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

March 2009: Ecuadorian Strikemaster Crashes During Training Mission

On 25 March 2009, an Ecuadorian Strikemaster crashed during a training mission near Colombia. Both pilots ejected, but one died of injuries during the rescue attempt.