Project  "King's Ransom "
Ethiopia  1964 - 1966

Project AF58-3 , AST #4 was activated on 01 October 1963.  AST #4 (Aerial Survey Team #4) is part of MATS / APCS / 1370th PMW

This project was created by the MATS, APCS in order to photograph and map the entire Empire of Ethiopia.  The task was done by three RC-130A from 1370th PMW, Aerial Survey Team No.4.
For an excellant review of the work  done by the 1370 PMW and AST #4, please visit :  www.1370th.org 

(there is a remarkable photograph on the AST4-site taken from the rear of a RC-130 flying over HIRAN site #21, please compare this picture with those presented elsewhere on this site ; or click here)

The AARC, DET.Prov.1  , equipped with three HH-43B was tasked with the construction and  support of all the  HIRAN Sites located at mountain tops all over Ethiopia . The Huskie, being famous for it's high-altitude performances, got this task in favour of the newly received CH-3C.

Photo by Mr. Neil McCutchan.

For several HIRAN Sites and other locations in Ethiopia I have received photographic evidence from the men who did the job. Sometimes  under very minor conditions, but still they had the historical importance in mind to make these photographs. I like to thank them very much for being able to use these unique pictures.

Please click on the map below and visit the active spots on it.  So far I have pages for 

Site  # 14A, 18A, 21, 22, 27 and  for Awasa, Dodola and Ginir . And what about these pictures ?

last updated  17/07/2009