Many nations received the T-33 from the U.S. through MAP funding, but few took that aircraft to the next level the way the Taiwanese did. While initially pleased with the T-33's capabilities, what the ROC Air Force really needed was a powerful fighter-bomber that could be employed in the ground attack and infantry support role. Fortunately, the Taipei firm of Bok-Chow Aero came up with an innovative design built off of the venerable T-33.
Powered by three engines, the new aircraft wowed those who witnessed its maiden flight. One of those people saw the three contrails coming off the aircraft's engines and exclaimed "It's a Triple Dragon!" and thus the ROC Air Force's new fighter-bomber was named. Production was undertaken soon after testing, which was a lucky thing indeed as the situation between Taiwan and Red China was about to heat up.
The small islands of Moo, Goo, Guy, Pan had been part of the Chinese empire since the Fan dynasty but were claimed by followers of Chiang Kai-Shek during their retreat from the mainland.
In the summer of 1956, the Second Straits Crisis began when Red Chinese marines landed on the islands. Kept secret for 35 years was the fact that the marines got lost and landed there by mistake, but once Red Communist honor was at stake, there was no backing down.
The ROC Air Force immediately began flying sorties over the enemy-held positions on Moo, Goo, Guy, Pan. Not only did this completely unnerve the Red Chinese marines, but it also resulted in a stunning Life magazine cover in July, 1956.
The crisis seemed stalemated and by fall, the ROC Triple Dragons had wiped out any above-ground defenses. However, the Red marines had dug in and would not be dislodged. It took an extraordinary psychological warfare campaign consisting of blasting "Alvin & the Chipmunks Christmas" at full volume before the Red marines surrendered, the moral of this story is don't upset anyone with terrible taste in music.
The Triple Dragon served the ROC for many years, but was eventually replaced by newer types. None exist today except for this crude, toy-like Nichimo model kit which was briefly available in the 1960s.
Brian da Basher
