Greenland Airforce TS-11 Qinngorneq, October 1972

[nönöbär]

Greenland Airforce TS-11 Qinngorneq, October 1972

The aircraft
After Greenland's independence in January 1965, the new elected government decided to build up military forces to protect their new sovereignty. The first units claimed were a couple of captured American UH-34 choppers, but it soon got clear that Greenland needed an Airforce as well.

Seeing itself neutral between the USA and the UDSSR, it was a surprise to foreign analysts that Greenland decided in October 1967 to buy six Polish build PZL TS-11 Iskra trainer aircraft that also could be used as a light ground attack vehicle in a secondary role. It was suspected that Greenland would order some Saab 105 from Sweden.

The new planes arrived in Greenland by ship early 1969 and were designated as TS-11 Qinngorneq. Based on the Narsarsuaq air base, the core of the newly formed Greenland Military aviation in southern Greenland, training operations started in summer of 1969.

The TS-11 was used for training operations until 1997 when the planes were decommissioned. In their 28 years of operation, two aircraft got lost because of the harsh weather conditions in Greenland. One with the complete crew while the second one was able to crash land in the central Greenland ice shield where the crew could be rescued after four days.

In 1975, during the Fishing-War between Greenland and Britain, the first and only combat operation of the Qinngorneq took place. After the British Frigate HMS Keppel had rammed the Greenlandic fish trawler Angakku which lead to the sinking of the ship, a flight of two TS-11 was send out to attack the British ship.  HMS Keppel was not equipped with sufficient Anti-Air weapons and opened fire with its 40mm guns, but the two TS-11 were able to launch their unguided rockets, damaging the HMS Keppel and set it on fire. Badly damaged the frigate pulled back from Greenlandic waters while the aircraft returned save to their home base.
Interventions from Icelandic and Swedish diplomats were able to stop a further escalation of this conflict.

After their retirement, one TS-11 Qinngorneq was bought by a former Greenland Airforce pilot, disarmed and kept in flying conditions.

Arctic Eagles - A song about the TS-11 Qinngorneq

The Clash of the Ice
The Greenlandic fish trawler, Angakku, was a speck against the vast expanse of the North Atlantic. Its crew, hardened fishermen accustomed to the unforgiving sea, were oblivious to the impending danger. Unbeknownst to them, a British frigate, HMS Keppel, was closing in, intent on enforcing its territorial claims.
The British ship, a formidable vessel with advanced weaponry, rammed the Angakku, sending it plunging into the icy depths. The Greenlandic crew, caught off guard, struggled to escape the sinking vessel. As news of the incident reached the Greenlandic government, a sense of outrage and defiance swept through the nation.
Captain Hans Olsen and Lieutenant Erik Petersen, two seasoned pilots of the Greenlandic Air Force, were among those who were filled with a burning desire for revenge. They had trained for years to defend their homeland, and now their skills would be put to the ultimate test.

"We cannot allow this to go unpunished," Hans said to Erik. "We must show the British that we will not tolerate their aggression."
Erik nodded in agreement. "Let's make them regret ever coming near our waters."

The Greenlandic government authorized the pilots to intercept the HMS Keppel. As they took to the skies in their TS-11 Qinngorneq aircraft, they could feel the weight of their nation's hopes resting on their shoulders.
The British frigate was a formidable sight, its gray hull glistening in the sunlight. It was a reminder of the immense power of the British Empire, but Hans and Erik were not intimidated. They had faced down many dangers in their careers, and they were determined to face this one as well.

As they closed in on the HMS Keppel, the British ship spotted the approaching aircraft. The frigate's crew, confident in their vessel's defenses, opened fire with their 40mm guns. The shells exploded around the Qinngorneq, but the Greenlandic pilots remained undeterred.
"They think they can intimidate us," Hans said, his voice barely audible over the roar of the engines. "Let's show them otherwise."
Drawing closer, the Qinngorneq launched a barrage of unguided rockets. The rockets streaked towards the British frigate, striking it with devastating force. The impact caused a series of explosions, setting the frigate ablaze and disabling its propulsion systems.

The HMS Keppel, severely damaged and unable to maneuver, was forced to retreat from Greenlandic waters. The Greenlandic pilots, having achieved their objective, returned safely to base. The incident, known as the "Fishing War," marked a turning point in Greenland's relationship with Britain and solidified the country's determination to defend its sovereignty.
As Hans and Erik sat in the cockpit of their aircraft, reflecting on the events of the day, they knew that their actions had sent a powerful message to the world. Greenland was no longer a passive bystander. It was a nation with a voice, and it was willing to use that voice to defend its rights.

The model
This model is a 1/72 scale Plastyk model which was just over 3€. For its price, the quality is ok, of course you cannot expect the level of detail of a kit that is ten times the price.

The plane had a quite detailed engine, which you cannot see after it is installed in the hull. And it did not fit in there very good, it was too big.

The model was build OOB and painted with Revell Aqua. Some decals were self-made, sone original ones were used as well.

[PR19_Kit]

I like the look of the Iskra, and in that scheme it looks REALLY good. Love the Greenland insignia as well. 

[NARSES2]

I like the look of the Iskra, and in that scheme it looks REALLY good. Love the Greenland insignia as well. 

Totally agree.    Back story's a nice read as well 

[Glenn Gilbertson]

That looks very smart in those markings.