Naval Aviation over Malvinas

Naval Aviation Over Malvinas

With anchors on their wings, they passed into glory

This page is dedicated to Lt Cdr. Zubizarreta (A-4Q, KIA), Lt JG Márquez (A-4Q, KIA), Lt JG Benítez (MB-339, KIA) and Ens. Miguel (MB-339, KIA)

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Statistics:

4 ships Sunk (HMS Sheffield, HMS Ardent, HMS Antelope and SS Atlantic Conveyor)
3/4 Ships Damaged (HMS Argonaut, one Type 21 Frigate, one County Class Destroyer, and [suppousedly] HMS Invincible [RN denies it, ARA claims it; It's too confusing to have a personal view on the subject.]).

Sorties/Missions:

Attack: 66
Recon/Exploration: 200
Other purposes: 233
Transport under blockade: 25

Losses:

Officers: 4
NCO´s: 2
Aircraft lost in combat: 4
Aircraft lost in accidents: 2
Aircraft destroyed/captured on the ground: 10 (including 3 from Coast Guard)
Aircraft lost on board: 1 (on Cruiser A.R.A. General Belgrano)

The Fighter/Attack Squadrons:

EA41

First Attack Squadron, flying MB-339´s. Credited with damaging HMS Argonaut with Zunni Rockets and 30 mm gun fire.The pilot, Lt Guillermo Owen Crippa, was subsequently decorated.

EA32

Arguably, the Second Fighter Attack Squadron was the best unit in the conflict. Flying Super Etendards with AM-39 Exocet ASM, they sunk HMS Sheffield, SS Atlantic Conveyor and damaged [perhaps?] HMS Invincible.

EA 33

The Third Attack Squadron, flying A-4Q Skyhawks, and using Mk-82 Snakeye bombs, sunk HMS Ardent, HMS Antelope and damaged a Type 21 Frigate and a County Class Destroyer.

EA 2E

The Exploration Squadron, flying P-2V Neptunes, even though the arcraft were nearly obsolete and were grounded from May 10 due to the lack of spare parts, was able to detect HMS Sheffield (Type 42 DDG) and guide the subsequent Super Etendard strike.

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