Manuel Tovarías

Manuel Tovarías Arroyo was a Chilean Air Force general who served as Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Air Force (FACh) from 1943 to 1946.

During his tenure, the institution acquired additional aircraft from the United States, expanded its aviation training programmes and developed new facilities for its operational units.

Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force

Tovarías served as Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Air Force between 1943 and 1946. During his administration, the institution continued receiving aircraft from the United States, many of which were delivered by air. These included the North American AT-6, Vultee BT-13 Valiant, Beechcraft AT-11 and Douglas A-24 Banshee. Aircraft intended for maritime aviation operations were also acquired, including the Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina and other types.

Tovarías placed particular emphasis on the development of the Aviation School and its training group, which were responsible for preparing aviation cadets and future Air Force officers. In 1944, he ordered the institution to be renamed the Captain Manuel Ávalos Prado Aviation School, in honour of the first director of the former Military Aeronautical School. He also promoted the activities of the Air Academy and its professional education programmes.

His administration introduced changes to the aircraft used for elementary flight instruction, replacing radial-engine Fairchild PT-19 trainers with inline-engine variants. The aircraft withdrawn from training service were transferred to flying clubs throughout Chile. Tovarías also supported the training of reserve officers as part of efforts to expand the Air Force's reserve personnel.

In 1945, he secured the acquisition of the Colina airfield, which had previously belonged to Air France. He subsequently ordered the transfer of Aviation Group No. 4 to the newly established air base.

Tovarías left command in 1946 and was succeeded by General Oscar Herreros.