Airlines

Explore the History of the Bolivian Air Force (FAB): Established 1920 and Beyond





The Bolivian Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Boliviana, FAB) is the branch of the Bolivian Armed Forces responsible for air operations within Bolivia. It is one of the oldest air forces in South America, having been established in 1920. It is also one of the few air forces in the world with a volunteer component.

History

The Bolivian Air Force was founded in 1920 and is the oldest air force in South America. At the time, it was primarily composed of a small number of aircraft, including biplanes and triplanes. From the outset, the FAB has played an important role in the defense of Bolivia, and it has been involved in numerous military operations throughout the country’s history.

In the 1930s and 1940s, the FAB underwent a major modernization, with the acquisition of modern aircraft such as the Curtiss Hawk and the Curtiss P-36. During this time, the FAB also established itself as a pioneer in the use of military aircraft for civilian purposes, such as medical evacuation and passenger transport.





In the 1950s, the FAB acquired a number of jet fighter planes, including the North American F-86 Sabre and the Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star. The FAB also expanded its fleet to include helicopters and transport aircraft.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the FAB acquired a number of new aircraft, including the Dassault Mirage III and the F-5 Freedom Fighter. The FAB also acquired a number of combat helicopters, including the Bell UH-1 Iroquois and the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk.

By the 1980s, the FAB had become one of the most advanced air forces in South America. It had a formidable fleet of modern aircraft, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the F-18 Hornet, and the C-130 Hercules.

Fleet





The FAB currently operates a variety of aircraft, including fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters. Its fleet includes the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the F-18 Hornet, the C-130 Hercules, the C-27 Spartan, the Bell UH-1 Iroquois, the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, and the Eurocopter EC-145.

The FAB also operates a number of training and support aircraft, including the Cessna T-37 Tweet and the Embraer EMB-312 Tucano.

Important Milestones

1. 1920 - The Bolivian Air Force is founded, making it one of the oldest air forces in South America.





2. 1930s & 1940s - The FAB undergoes a major modernization and begins to use aircraft for civilian purposes.

3. 1950s - The FAB acquires jet fighter planes and expands its fleet to include helicopters and transport aircraft.

4. 1980s - The FAB becomes one of the most advanced air forces in South America.

5. 2009 - The FAB celebrates its 89th anniversary, making it one of the oldest and most experienced air forces in Latin America.





Incidents

Throughout its history, the FAB has been involved in a number of significant incidents. In 1975, a Bolivian Air Force plane crashed while on a medical evacuation mission, killing all 19 crew members and passengers. In 1995, a Bolivian Air Force plane crashed during a training mission, killing all 15 crew members and passengers. In 2001, a Bolivian Air Force plane carrying the Bolivian president and his entourage crashed in the Amazon jungle, killing all but one of the passengers and crew.

In 2003, the FAB was the subject of a federal investigation into allegations of corruption. The investigation revealed a number of irregularities, including the use of FAB aircraft for personal use by senior officials. As a result of the investigation, a number of senior officers and government officials were charged with corruption-related offenses.

Conclusion





The Bolivian Air Force has been in operation since 1920 and is one of the oldest and most experienced air forces in South America. It has undergone many changes over the years, and today it operates a modern fleet of aircraft. Despite a number of significant incidents, the FAB has remained a vital part of Bolivia’s defense and is an important contributor to the country’s security and prosperity.