Without a doubt the building of model aeroplanes has become one of the most popular pastimes, and as children we have at least constructed or attempted to construct a model of an aeroplane at sometime or other. The "Pride Of Eagles Website", has been created as a virtual warplane museum for reference purposes, and as a tool to be used by aeroplane modellers, Hopefully it will generate an interest in the hobby of building model aeroplanes amongst the younger generation, and at the same time it is hoped that the older members of the community will also get involved, especially those who served in the South African and other Air Forces. Their active service careers may be past, but, may the past be kept alive as the present is, by becoming involved with this hobby.

The South African Air Force (SAAF) is the second oldest air force in the world. The Royal Air Force (RAF), is only two years older. The SAAF was formed by General Jan Smuts on the 1st of September, 1920. He was also actively involved when the Royal Air Force was formed on the 1st of April, 1918.

It is a great pitty that many of the aircraft types which served with the SAAF from its inception have now disappeared, and have virtually become extinct. As was the case with all the Allied nations involved in the second world war for instance, there were new priorities once the war had come to an end, and little thought was given to the preservation of aircraft in museums for historical purposes.

The South African Air Force had undergone a massive expansion during the war years, and most of the units and squadrons were operational in Europe, the Balkans and North Africa when the armistice was signed. Aircraft were disposed of by flying most them back to the UK, and returning them to the RAF. Some were flown back to South Africa. Their air and ground crews once they had returned to South Africa were focused rebuilding their peace time careers .

However, some of the aircraft used by the SAAF are now on display at, the South African National Museum of Military History in Johannesburg, as well as at the SAAF Museum, which is based as AFB (Air Force Base) Swartkop in Pretoria.

Most of the Mirage III, variants which were used by the SAAF have been preserved, with the exception of the Mirage III EZ, of which all the airframes were upgraded to "Cheetah E" status, and were re-issued to 2 Squadron SAAF, which is now based at AFB Louis Trichardt. The Mirage III DZ's and Mirage III D2Z's, were also upgraded to "Cheetah D", status, and are also serving with 2 Squadron.

1:72nd Scale Messerschmitt Bf 109E3 of JG 132 Richthofen

During the "Battle of Britain", many Southern African pilots saw action flying aircraft such as, Spitfires and Hawker Hurricanes, against Luftwaffe fighters such as the Messerschmitt Me 109. Amongst these was Group Captain A.G. "Sailor" Malan, as well as "Ian Douglas Smith", the ex' Rhodesian prime minister, who flew with 237 Rhodesian squadron.

Although the Pride Of Eagles Virtual Warplane Museum is still very much in its infancy, it is hoped that what has been said, will very much stimulate and interest in keeping the spirit of the aircraft of the SAAF and other airforces alive, as well those that flew them.

1:48 Scale Supermarine Spitfire Mk 6 Pressurized version, with extended wingtips.

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While every attempt has been made to ensure that the information on this website is comprehensive, accurate and up to date, we cannot promise that there are no errors.