when it was put into storage at Tirana Airport. Harbin Y-5 The rugged and seemingly anachronistic Antonov An-2 biplane transport was a good match for Albania's limited need for transport, offering a simple and easy-to-maintain light transport. However, none were acquired from the Soviet Union during the period of Soviet support. Instead it would be 1963 before the first aircraft would be delivered by the Chinese as the Y-5, license-built at Harbin. Thirteen of the rugged biplanes would be acquired and would go on to be the last fixed-wing airplanes to serve in the Albanian Air Force with the last Y-5 retired in 2011. Helicopters Albania's small size, rugged terrain and limited infrastructure make the country prime territory for helicopters. Helicopter use by the air force began in 1957 and after the withdrawal of the last fixed-wing aircraft the branch became and remains an exclusively helicopter-equipped force. Initial helicopters were Soviet supplied, with additional examples provided by China, but as Albania began opening up at the Cold War, they began acquiring a variety of western types. Mil Mi-1 Three Mil Mi-1 light utility helicopters, the first helicopter type to be serial-produced in the Soviet Union, were provided in 1957 to begin the Albanian Air Force's helicopter force. The light helicopters were primarily used for training and liaison and served into the 1960s. Mil Mi-4 and Harbin Z-5 Écureuil The first western type to enter service with Albania was the popular Aérospatiale AS.350B Écureuil, of which four were delivered in 1991. The Écureuil was also the first turbine-powered helicopter in service, operating as a light utility helicopter. The aircraft were given civil registrations and painted in a bright blue civilian scheme to show clearly their assignment to non-military government tasks including carrying important government personnel, search and rescue, and assistance for the police. A single example has crashed and, while controlled by the air force into the 2000s, the helicopters have been transferred to the Albanian government's Ministry of the Interior where they continue to serve in the same role. Summary (Table order: Fighters, Bombers, Transports, Trainers, Other, Helicopters) (Note: a " - " means the information is unknown, not yet added, or not applicable) See also Albanian Air Force List of air forces Notes References Viroli, Elio Aviacioni Ushtarak Ahquipetare, Panorama Difesa magazine, June 1992, pag 38–44. Albania-related lists Lists of military aircraft Military equipment of Albania