Fénix Squadron: Fénix Aircraft Simulating In-Flight Refuelling

FÉNIX SQUADRON

Even Civilian Aircraft from the Fénix Squadron Simulated Aerial Refuelling to Further Mislead the British

The image corresponds to a diversionary mission carried out on Tuesday, 11 May 1982, involving two Learjet 35 aircraft with OF 2058, callsign “Conde”, which took off from Río Grande, and a KC-130H, registration TC-70, callsign “Ñato”. The latter also conducted electronic reconnaissance, taking off from Río Gallegos at 07:00 (local) and landing at 11:00 (local).

To increase the likelihood of triggering a British air alert, the mission simulated an in-flight refuelling operation. The KC-130H flew at the same altitude, with the same flight profile and refuelling duration as would have been typical for an A-4 Skyhawk or Super Étendard, mimicking a real replenishment.

Fragmentary Order: 2058

Date: Tuesday, 11 May 1982
Mission: Execute a diversionary operation simulating an aerial refuelling (REV), verify enemy reaction and number of combat air patrols (CAPs) in flight.

Tanker Aircraft

• Type: KC-130H

• Registration: TC-70

• Callsign: ÑATO

• Crew:

  • Major Roberto BRIEND

  • Captain Eduardo SENN

  • Captain Osvaldo BILMEZIS

  • Warrant Officer Class 1 Modeste CUFRÉ

  • Senior Corporal Carlos GOLIER

  • Auxiliary Warrant Officer Héctor SOSA

  • Chief Warrant Officer Julio LASTRA

• Take-off from Río Gallegos: 07:00 (local)

• Landing at Río Gallegos: 11:00 (local)

Jet Aircraft – Learjet 35 (x2)

1. Aircraft: Learjet 35

   • Registration: LV-OFV

   • Callsign: CONDE 1

   • Crew:

     • Captain Antonio BUIRA

     • Captain Carlos PANE

     • Corporal First Class Dardo ROCHA

2. Aircraft: Learjet 35

   • Registration: T-24

   • Callsign: CONDE 2

   • Crew:

     • First Lieutenant Eduardo BIANCO

     • Lieutenant Luis HERRERA

• Take-off from Río Grande: 07:50 (local)

• Landing at Río Grande: 10:40 (local)

This highly coordinated operation is a clear example of the ingenuity of Argentine air strategy during the South Atlantic conflict, using non-combat aircraft to sow confusion and provoke reactions from British forces — a cost-effective, high-impact psychological and operational tactic.