| 401 Squadron | |
|---|---|
| Esquadra 401 | |
 Former Portuguese Air Force C-212-100ECM | |
| Active | 1966–2011 |
| Disbanded | December 6, 2011 |
| Country |  Portugal |
| Branch | Portuguese Air Force |
| Role | Reconnaissance, maritime patrol |
| Garrison/HQ | Air Base No. 6 |
| Nickname | Cientistas (Scientists) |
| Mottos | «...Ciência, Engenho e Arte...» (...Science, ingenuity and art...) |
401 Squadron "Cientistas" (Esquadra 401) was anaerial reconnaissance,photography and maritime patrolsquadron of thePortuguese Air Force disbanded in 2011. The squadron also conductedcounter-narcotic operations, monitoring ofmarine pollution in thePortuguese exclusive economic zone, andnatural resource surveying.
The primary mission of 401 Squadron was aerial reconnaissance and photography. It had as its secondary missions the support ofelectronic warfare,maritime patrol, andsearch and rescue.[1][2]
The squadron also performed medical evacuations in the archipelagos ofMadeira andAzores, and surveillance against narcotic trafficking,illegal fishing, and pollution. Additionally, it provided support to national agencies and institutions by conductingmineral and energy exploration surveys.[2][3]
The origin of 401 Squadron dates back to the creation of the Transport and Liaison Squadron (Portuguese:Esquadra de Ligação e Transporte) in 1966, based atAir Base No. 1 (Portuguese:Base Aérea N º1, BA1), which performed aerial photography tasks. That same year, the squadron used aWild RC8 vertical metric camera to perform the first aerial survey in Portugal.[2]
In 1975 the squadron started operating the C-212-100 fitted with RC10 cameras andgeophysical survey equipment.[3]
In 1979 the squadron's designation and name were changed to Reconnaissance Squadron (Portuguese:Esquadra de Reconhecimento) and later in 1984 the squadron was assigned themaritime patrol mission.[2]
In 1991 the squadron was added to the fishing activity control, inspection and surveillance integrated system's (Portuguese:Sistema Integrado de vigilância, Fiscalização e Controlo das Actividades da Pesca, SIFICAP) command and in 1995 started operational flights with the C-212-300 equipped for maritime patrol and fisheries protection.[2]
Its aircraft's equipment was upgraded in 1993, with the acquisition ofLeica Geosystems RC30 cameras and GPS equipment.[3]
The squadron was re-designated as 401 Squadron in 1995, for the last time, and was assigned the search and rescue mission.
In 2008 the squadron was assigned all the missions of502 Squadron, which was transitioning from the CASA C-212 to the then entering serviceEADS CASA C-295 aircraft, and in May 2009, was relocated from BA1 toAir Base No. 6 (Portuguese:Base Aérea Nº 6).[2]
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On December 6, 2011, a ceremony took place at BA6 signaling the disbandment of the squadron. 502 Squadron was then assigned 401 Sqn.'s original aerial reconnaissance, maritime patrol, and fishery protection missions.[2][3][4]