When I first saw this jet at last year's Festa al Cel, I didn't know what it was. Intensive online research revealed why - it's not an aircraft that was widely flown. The HA-200 Super Saeta was only operated by 2 countries, (Spain and Egypt), and only 200 units were built - 110 for Spain and 90 for Egypt. The Spanish airforce used their planes for both combat and as trainers.
Willie Messerschmidt assisted in the Saeta's design and, in 1962, Spain rolled out its first turbojet manufactured in the country. Saeta means Arrow, and the plane is powered by 2 Turbomeca Marboré engines mounted side-by-side, with intakes in the jet's nose. Another design first for Spain was the development of the pressurised cockpit which seated 2 pilots in tandem.
Festa al Cel featured 2 Saetas in its 2010 display. One is privately owned by Victor Lleó from the Club Acrobático Mediterráneo, and the other is owned by the Fundació Parc Aeronàutic de Catalunya.
For more Barcelona Airshow posts, click on the Label "Festa al Cel" below.
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