Native Name: | Portuguese: Esquadra 304 |
Unit Name: | 304 Squadron |
Dates: | October 4, 1984 |
Country: | Portugal |
Branch: | Air Force |
Garrison: | Air Base No. 5 |
Garrison Label: | Air Base |
Nickname: | Magníficos (Magnificent) |
Motto: | Na paz... pacíficos, na guerra... terríficos (At peace... peaceful, at war... terrifying) |
Mascot: | Tiger |
Disbanded: | July, 1999 |
Identification Symbol: | Tiger's head |
Identification Symbol Label: | Badge |
Aircraft Attack: | A-7 Corsair II |
Aircraft Fighter: | A-7 Corsair II |
The 304 Squadron "Magníficos" (Portuguese: Esquadra 304) is an attack and air defense squadron of the Portuguese Air Force (PoAF) disbanded in 1999.
Primary missions:
Secondary missions:
In May, 1983, Portugal concluded the renegotiation of the contract for the purchase of ex-USN A-7 Corsair II aircraft, resulting in a second order of 30 Corsair II (24 A-7P and six TA-7P), adding to the 20 A-7P already delivered between 1981 and 1982. Subsequently, to this additional purchase the 304 Squadron "Magníficos" was activated on October 4, 1984, commanded by Major Botelho da Costa. The primary missions of tactical air support for maritime operations (TASMO) and aerial interdiction (AI), and the secondary missions of defensive and offensive counter air operations (DCA/OCA) were assigned to the squadron upon its creation.
It was disbanded in July, 1999, with the retirement of the A-7P Corsair II fleet in service with the Portuguese Air Force.