Anghel Vasilov Manev
Anghel Vasilov Manev | |
|---|---|
 Manev in 2012 | |
| Born | 19 June 1977 Kopvy, Galania |
| Allegiance |  Syara |
| Service/ | Commonality Air Force |
| Years of service | 1998-Present |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Unit | 2nd Air Division |
| Battles/wars | Zemplen War |
| Awards | see below |
Anghel Vasilov Manev is a Syaran officer and pilot best known for his service during the Zemplen War where he is recognized as the top Flying ace of the war.
An ethnic Galanian, Manev was born in Kopvy and comissioned into the Commonality Air Force in 1998 as a Junior Lieutenant. Manev was trained in flying the Zephyr, and was assigned to a fighter squadron in 2000 as part of the 1st Air Division. By the time of the Zemplen War in 2008 Manev was a Captain in the 73rd Fighter Squadron and provided air support for the August Offensive and Operation Aspis, during which he shot down two AFASF-12 Drago Air Superiority Fighters. During the Ruvelkan Winter Counter-Offensive Manev recorded a shootdown of an AFASF-10 Donnola Air Superiority Fighter. Manev was promoted to Major for his success and scored another kill in February 2009 when he shot down another Drago. During Operation Sagaris Manev achieved the status of "ace" by shooting down his fifth aircraft, an AFSF-8 Folivori.
Manev was promoted to Lt. Colonel as a result and flew dozens of missions in support of Operation Harpe and Operation Polyandreion, during which he recorded four more kills, two Dragos, one Donnola, and one EF 135 LuH, bringing his total to nine kills. During Operation Overshadow Manev shot down an AFSF-9 Martora, and recorded another Drago kill a month later. In March 2010 Manev scored his 12th kill by shooting down a Donnola, and just a few weeks later downed another Drago during a routine patrol. Manev recorded his final kills during Operation Homefront, where he shot down a Folivori in early June, and just two weeks later recording another Drago, bringing his total to 13. Shortly after the end of the war Manev was promoted to Colonel, and in 2016 was promoted to Brigadier General. Today, he serves as the Chief of Staff of the 2nd Air Division.
With 13 kills, Manev is officially recorded as the top flying ace of the Zemplen War, a status that Manev heavily credited to his length of front line service. Manev is the subject to several works made regarding the war and the nature of aerial warfare during the conflict.