Having been under Soviet Union and North Korean influence since the late 1970's, Madagascar in due course started to operate a small fleet of various russian built aircraft and helicopters. Among them were six AN-26 registered 5R-MUG, -MUK, -MUL, -MUM, -MUN and -MUO. A 7th airframe - 5R-MUP pictured here - was delivered to the Madagascar AF in March of 1999 but was already withdrawn from use around 2005. The 1979 built aircraft is former CCCP-26672 with Aeroflot and RA-26672 with Kuban Airlines respectively.

This 1982 built Bell 222 became the presidental helicopter of Madagascar in late 2003. Previous registrations of this airframe were N1982P, N18UC, N990JB, C-GSVD, N32GH, XA-SII, and N444MA. It was operated by Madagascar's small Air Force but actually flown by foreign pilots. After less than two years in service, it was written off after an accident on October 12, 2005. Coming in a bit too fast and with tailwind, the underpowered helicopter hit the ground hard, rolled over and caught fire. Luckily, all seven persons on board - incl. the then president Marc Ravolomanana - walked away unhurt.

It took me 3 years to get permission to photograph this sole Madagascar AF Super Rallye, about the history of which I was not able to find much despite a big research effort (so any information would be appreciated). Also, I have never seen it flying between 2002 and 2005 (when I stayed in Madagascar), even though the batch behind the cockpit says "Sécurisation", revealing the aircraft's main role would be restoring law and order, mainly by fighting "cow chiefs", a common and huge problem in remote places of Madagascar. Fate of this airframe is unknown.

This C-47 operated with USAAF (43-49593), RAF (KK163) and the French Air Force (49593) before going to France's former colony Madagascar. On 24 May 1986, this aircrraft flew into a mountain near Ampanoizankova. All 13 persons on board were killed, including the defense minister of Madagascar.

Aircraft is being prepared for delivery to Malagasy Air Force (Madagascar) and registration 5R-MUQ has been reserved