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Murcia – Cradle of Spanish Military Flying 

The Murcia region has a distinguished presence in the history of Spanish military flying.  In fact, the region is described as the “cradle” of the Spanish Air Force. 

Flying started at the end of the 19^th century with exhibitions by balloonists at the bull rings of the region and from then onwards may towns and other areas played a part in the history of Spanish aviation. 

The Spanish Air Force had a presence at Los Alcázares, on the shores of the inland sea, the Mar Menor, since 1915 when it operated flying boats.  A major base developed at San Javier, nearby, and in 1943 this became the home of the Academy General of the Air, which still trains pilots, crew and other personnel. 

Alcantarilla, a little to the southwest of Murcia City, is known to generations of Spanish parachutists who have trained there at the Military Parachute School, which dates back to 1947. This is still very active. The town of Totana is home to Number 13 Air Reconnaissance Squadron. 

However, military aircraft have been seen in the skies at one time or another at many other places around Murcia. Cieza, Fuente Alamo, Lorca, El Palmar, La Aparecida and El Carmoli are amongst the places that have played a part in the history of military aviation. 

Against this background, the Spanish Air Force also has a great debt to the region of Murcia as home to Juan de La Cierva, one of the greatest figures in aeronautical engineering in the world.  The design of the helicopter was based on his autogiro, developed during vacations in Verdolay. 

During 2006 the Spanish Air Force is paying tribute to Murcia, and is celebrating with an extensive programme of aeronautical activities under the title Murcia – Our Cradle.

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