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APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA-RDP01-00707R000200090014-1


FIGURE 23. Spanish-built CASA-212 Aviocar turboprop light STOL transport aircraft (U/OU) (picture)


force. Aircrews for the P-3 squadron were trained in the United States. Improvement in the air transport force has begun to register progress. The air force has ordered 12 indigenous CASA-212 Aviocar light short take-off and landing (STOL) transports, delivery of which will probably take place in late 1973 and in 1974. Also, four C-130H Hercules medium transports have been ordered from the United States. Delivery of these are to begin in late 1973 and be completed by the spring of 1974. In addition, work has been progressing on the design of an indigenous smaller scale version of the C-130 Hercules which has been designated as the CASA-401.


1. Organization

The Chief of State, who is Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, exercises control over the air force through the Minister of Air, an active duty lieutenant general, who is authorized to organize and maintain the air force and civil aviation. The minister's principal responsibility, however, is the overall functioning of the air force. In discharging his responsibilities, the Minister of Air is advised by the Superior Aeronautical Council. Under his direct control are three major organizational divisions; the Air Force General Staff, the Subsecretariat, and the Subsecretariat of Civil Aviation. Also directly subordinate to him are four mission-oriented or functional commands and four geographic commands.

The Superior Aeronautical Council is a consultative and advisory body, chaired by the Minister of Air, which deals with matters relating to organization and efficiency of the air force.

The Air Force General Staff is headed by the Chief of the Air Force General Staff, who is primarily responsible for the procurement, mobilization, and training of personnel for assignment to air force units and organizations. In addition, he is tasked to develop doctrine, directives, and programs to effect maximum utilization of air force resources. He is assisted by a deputy and four numbered staff sections. Subordinate to him are the Superior Air School and various specialized services and directorates, such as training, mobilization, communications, cryptography, statistics, standardization, and cartography and photography.

The Subsecretariat is mainly responsible for providing administrative, logistical, and supplementary services not directly related to tactical operations. This division coordinates with the aerospace industry


FIGURE 24. Spanish Air Ministry (U/OU) (chart)


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APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA-RDP01-00707R000200090014-1