Kleine Brogel, Belgium Photo Call 21 July 2006
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Portugal's Air Force is justifiably proud to again have a jet demonstration team. The Asas de Portugal had disappeared in 1992 following the retirement of the Cessna T-37C, but the team reformed last year with the Alpha Jet. A display of with two jets is flown, but such appearances outside Portugal usually mean that a third or a fourth jet comes along just in case. |
Another Czech contribution to the Sanicole show was made up of a pair of Aero L.159A's. These Advanced Light Combat Aircraft partner the SAAB JAS-39C/D Gripen in Czech Air Force service and no doubt provide a useful stepping stone for student pilots transitioning from flight training on the very similar L.39 to the Gripen. |
For some time, the Dutch Pilatus PC.7's have been going black. The new scheme, inspired by an RAF move to spray training aircraft black for reasons of better visibility against grey skies, now also means that the display team from Woensdrecht flies black aeroplanes. Evidence of this is L-06. The yellow stripe and spinner were added following comments made by Woensdrecht ATC personell that without it the aircraft were rather difficult to see against the backdrop of a runway. |
The French Mirage 2000 display team obviously has the liberty to choose from either single seat Mirage 2000RDI or twin seat Mirage 2000B airframes. After having flown their display at Fairford by two seaters, they took a pair of single seaters to Belgium. It is possible however that two seaters are preferred for overseas visits as the second seat can be used for an accompanying crew chief.
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FA-116 was one of the twelve F-16's taking off for the parade over Brussels. Most of the F-16's stayed nicely low, enabling the photographers some attractive action shots. Despite all the rumblings concerning security and uninvited " guests" making their way into Kleine Brogel in the past, the base is to be complimented for allowing so many people through its gates on a normal working day. |
All pictures (c) Hans Rolink