Belgian Air Force Days 2023

[Flightline Uk]

Many of the new generation are taking their first steps in aviation with the Belgian Air Cadets. Here, they learn the ropes of flying under the guidance of experienced instructors with high-performance ASK-gliders during regular training camps.

The purity of flying a glider fuels many people's love for aviation. Everyone can also feel this magic during the unique demonstration by the Italian master of glider acrobatics, Luca Bertossio. He flies a Polish-made Swift S-1 glider designed by Edward Marganski and Jerzy Cisowski. Thanks to sturdy and feather-light composite materials, this aircraft is capable of stunning manoeuvres despite its huge long wings, with Luca undergoing up to plus 10 and minus 7 times the force of gravity, all without an engine but only thanks to physics and aerodynamics, a pure harmony of nature and human ingenuity.

At the age of 22, Luca became the youngest ever FAI world aerobatics champion with a glider and has spent the last 11 years further honing his extraordinary skills, thanks also to the support of his sponsor, energy drink Ge-Man.

Be enchanted by the magic of gliding too during the Belgian Air Force Days at Kleine-Brogel on 9 & 10 September and who knows, maybe you too will get a taste for it! Join the new generation!an het zweefvliegen tijdens de Belgian Air Force Days te Kleine-Brogel op 9 & 10 september en wie weet krijg jij ook de smaak te pakken! Join the new generation!

[Flightline Uk]

The Air Force offers numerous career options and equal opportunities for all. However, for the sake of staff welfare, a career as a wingwalker is not one of them. For this, however, you can go to Aerosuperbatics in the UK.

Besides pleasure flights with adventurers on top of the wing, they also form the only wingwalking team in Europe. They will perform with two Boeing Stearmans at Kleine-Brogel. The Stearman was one of the most numerous US training aircraft during World War II. The team's aircraft are equipped with the engine of a Harvard to provide some extra power, which certainly comes in handy to compensate for the extra drag caused by the ladies standing atop the wings of these biplanes.

During the demonstration, the pilots will present breathtaking aerobatics in close formation, while the ladies on top will also perform a synchronised aerial ballet. At the end, they will detach themselves and assume various poses at the front and back of the wings before clambering back into the cockpit.

Do not miss this magnificent spectacle and visit the Belgian Air Force Days on 9 and 10 September in Kleine-Brogel.

[Flightline Uk]

The famous Belgian air force Red Devils have been the air force's most tricoloured flagbearers for many years. With their bright red colour and the Belgian flag beautifully adorning the underside of the wings, they proudly display their origins at home and abroad.

During the Belgian Air Force Days, current team members will also honour their glorious past. After all, the current team on SIAI Marchetti SF-260 has only existed since 2011, when the team was formed after a break of more than 30 years to help celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Air Force. The original team was founded in 1957 and at the time flew on Hawker Hunter fighers at the then air base at Chièvres. After a 2-year silence, the team was re-established at Brustem in 1965, this time on the Fouga Magister trainer and it was during this period, from 1965 to 1977, that the team would enjoy its greatest international successes. However, the oil crisis marked the end of the team in 1977. So great was everyone's joy when the Air Force re-established the team in 2011 at Beauvechain, on the Air Force's elementary training aircraft.

The team of experienced instructors at the 5th Squadron is characterised by combining tight formations with solo manoeuvres. Also on the ground, the team likes to make itself noticed among the public. On the occasion of the Belgian Air Force Days, the current team will join one of their illustrious predecessors, the Fouga Magister from Antwerp Airport, for some remarkable formation passes. The instructors responsible for training the new generation of pilots will thus connect with the past in a memorable way.

Don't miss this wonderful tribute to the past and visit the Belgian Air Force Days on 9 & 10 September in Kleine-Brogel. Join the new generation!

[Flightline Uk]

https://www.belgianairforcedays.be/en/v ... 6-demo-eng

The Greek Air Force certainly does not think so and named the demonstration team of their most advanced operational fighter after the supreme god of classic Greek mythology: Zeus. Zeus will present the state-of-the-art F-16C Fighting Falcon during the Belgian Air Force Days.

The Greek F-16s are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and have more powerful engines than the older variants of this legendary fighter. They are also often equipped with conformal fuel tanks, following the sleek lines of the fuselage and thus do not affect the F-16's aerodynamic qualities as adversely as large underwing droptanks. As a result, they enjoy superior range and manoeuvrability during operations on NATO's European southern flank. With their beautiful camouflage, adapted to the Mediterranean environment, their F-16s also look very different compared to Belgian aircraft.

Hailing from Chania airbase on the island of Crete, the team is guaranteed to dazzle you with their Olympic demonstration. Don't miss this spectacle and come to the Belgian Air Force Days on 9 & 10 September in Kleine-Brogel. Join the new generation!

[Flightline Uk]

The training of the new generation is a key element for an organization like the Air Force. Student pilots learn to master increasingly complex systems along the way, until they can finally handle the most advanced aircraft. For this, specialized training equipment is necessary.
The Polish Air Force has a diverse and modern fleet of training aircraft in service and one type is even of Polish manufacture: the PZL-130 Orlik (eagle).

This is a turboprop trainer that is used for the basic flight training of the Polish 'new generation' at the Polish academy in Radom. The aircraft entered service in the early 90s and has since been constantly upgraded with the latest avionics, a more powerful engine and even winglets at the wing tips. All this makes the Orlik an excellent training aircraft.

The excellent flying characteristics of this turboprop certainly come into their own in the hands of the instructors of the Polish flight training who together form the famous Team Orlik. They will show you an impressive feat of precision in aerial acrobatics when performing loopings and rolls in close formation, or take your breath away with spectacular crossings.

It has been 20 years since this team performed again in Belgium, so don't miss this special demonstration of Polish flying and come to the Belgian Air Force Days in Kleine-Brogel on 9 & 10 September.

https://www.belgianairforcedays.be/en/v ... c-team-eng

[Flightline Uk]

Cutting edge, forward thinking, adaptability, flexibility, working with the latest technologies, all this characterises working in the air force in an ever-changing world. To meet these new challenges, the air force commissioned new types into service in recent years, and with them introduced new capabilities within the air force.

The NH-90NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter) took the place of the Seaking and Alouette III, on the one hand to fly life-saving missions off the Belgian coast, and on the other to support international operations aboard Dutch and Belgian frigates. Thanks to its advanced sensors, it can detect hostile ships and even submarines at long range, a new capability for the Belgian air force. The four Belgian NH-90NFH are based at Koksijde as part of the renowned 40th Squadron.

Even more recent is the introduction of the Airbus A330MRTT (multi-role tanker and transport), and this aircraft also introduces a new capability to the air force: Besides carrying up to 300 troops and 45 tonnes of cargo, it is capable of refuelling other aircraft in the air, significantly extending their range and operational deployability. It can deliver up to 3,000 litres of fuel per minute to friendly aircraft via a boom on its tail. This giant of the skies is part of a multinational unit of nine aircraft based at Eindhoven in the Netherlands. This unit includes the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Germany and Norway in addition to Belgium.

Together with other new types such as the A400M and imminent introduction of the F-35, these two new crown jewels illustrate the promising future of the Belgian air force. Discover them yourself during the Belgian Air Force Days on 9 & 10 September at Kleine-Brogel and who knows, maybe you will be working with these advanced aircraft in the future! Join the new generation!

https://www.belgianairforcedays.be/en/v ... e-mrtt--4-

[Flightline Uk]

As a military fighter pilot, what do you do when you are regularly subjected to extreme G-forces while performing spectacular manoeuvres? In the case of Kristof Cloetens: seek out even more G-forces in your leisure time.

Kristof had long been fascinated by the precision required when performing aerobatics. In 2010, he was even part of the then Belgian Air Force "Hardship Red" demonstration team on Marchetti. On F-16 at Kleine-Brogel, first with the 349th Squadron and later as CO of the Operational Conversion Unit, the G-forces only increased. However, Kristof went in search of the superlative form, and found it in unlimited air acrobatics, where all manoeuvres must also be performed perfectly.

With the German-built Extra 330SC, Kristof flies an apex aerobatics aircraft. The aircraft can perform unthinkable manoeuvres, subjecting the pilot to G-forces of up to plus and minus 10 G in the process. Only the pilot's imagination is the limiting factor when the aircraft seems to defy the laws of physics. This passion for aerobatics not only helps Kristof train new fighter pilots, but also inspires and amazes spectators at airshows in Belgium and abroad.

Do not miss this master of the skies and visit the Belgian Air Force Days 2023 on 9 & 10 September in Kleine-Brogel. Maybe Kristof will also inspire you to join the new generation of airmen!

https://www.belgianairforcedays.be/en/v ... oetens-eng

[Flightline Uk]

Austria

Belgium
Dream Viper Solo Display (F-16) BAF-demo Fighter Aircraft F
F-16 349 SQN (BAF) Fighter Aircraft S
F-16 31 SQN (BAF) Fighter Aircraft S
F-16 OCU SQN (BAF) Fighter Aircraft S
F-16 FA005 Public Relations Public ground static S
F-16 FA057 Public Relations Public ground static S
Red Devils demo - 4 x Marchetti SF-260 BAF-demo Historical pilots F
Fouga Magister - Red Devil Demo Civil Historical Aircraft F
Royal Belgian Air Cadets Gliders BAF Training Aircraft S
T-6 Texan Stijn Dejaegere Demo Civil Historical Aircraft F
T-6 Formation (4x) Demo Civil Historical Aircraft F
Spitfire OO-XVI Demo Civil Historical Aircraft F
Agusta A-109 Razzle Blades Demo BAF-demo Tactical Helicopter F
Falcon 7X 21 SQN (BAF) Passenger Aircraft F
NH-90 NFH Caiman SAR Demo BAF-demo SAR Helicopter F
NH-90 TTH (2x) BAF Tactical Helicopter S
Airbus A-330 Neo Demo Air Belgium Passenger Aircraft F

Czech Republic
W3A Sokol SAR Demo Czech Air Force SAR Helicopter F

Denmark

Finland
Midnight Hawks Demo Finish Air Force Display Team F

France
Patrouille de France Demo French Air Force Display Team F
Eurocopter EC-120B Calliope Demo French Air Force Helicopter F
Eurocopter EC-120B Calliope French Air Force Helicopter S
Embraer-121 Xingu French Air Force Passenger Aircraft S

Germany
General Atomics Dornier 228NG Civil Passenger Aircraft S

Greece
Zeus F-16 Demo Hellenic Air Force Fighter Aircraft F

Italy
Red Bull - Luca Bertossio Demo Civil Glider Aerobatics F

Jordan
Royal Jordanian Falcons Demo Kingdom of Jordan Display Team F

NATO / EATC
Airbus A330 MRTT Demo EATC Tanker & Transport Aircraft F

Poland
Orlik Aerobatic Team (6x) Demo Polish Air Force Aerobatic Display F

Portugal

Slovakia

Spain

Sweden
Saab J35 Draken Demo Swedish Air Force Historical Fighter Aircraft F
Saab AJS37 Viggen Demo Swedish Air Force Historical Fighter Aircraft F

Switzerland
F-18 Hornet "SUI-417" Demo Swiss Air Force Fighter Aircraft F

The Netherlands
Beechcraft D18S - Twin Beech Royal Netherlands Air Force Historical Transport Aircraft S
Spitfire Mk IX Demo Royal Netherlands Air Force Historical Fighter Aircraft F
Socata Tobago (Trescal) Civil Training Aircraft S

United Kingdom
RAF Falcons Demo Royal Air Force Parachute Team F
Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers Civil Aerobatic Display S
Dornier 228 Drop-ship Civil Support/Transport F
Airbus Helicopters H135 Juno Royal Air Force Training/SAR Helicopter S
Airbus Helicopters Jupiter HT Mk.1 Royal Air Force Training/SAR Helicopter S

United States
P-51 Mustang Demo US Air Force???? Historical Fighter Aircraft F
F-35 Demo US Air Force Fighter Aircraft F

https://belgianairforcedays.be/nl/progr ... -overzicht

[Flightline Uk]

The Belgian air force has a long and proud tradition. While it only became an independent branch in 1946, military aviation in Belgium started as early as 1909. During the Second World War, two current-day Belgian squadrons originated within the Royal Air Force, 350 squadron, nowadays at Florennes, and 349 squadron, based at Kleine-Brogel since 1996.

During the war, both squadrons mainly flew their daring combat missions on ever more modern variants of the legendary Supermarine Spitfire. They also continued to use these beautiful machines well after the war, when the famous Spitfire became the backbone of the Belgian air force in its early days. The Spitfire MkXVI flown by Kris Van den Bergh pays tribute to the history of 349 squadron in the British Royal Air Force, wearing the characteristic ‘GE’-squadron markings proudly on its fuselage. In fact, his particular Spitfire was based at Kleine-Brogel early on in its career, though not as part of the Belgian air force, but rather as personal aircraft of Air Vice Marshal Sir James M. Robb.

With its beautiful Merlin-engine sound, combined with its graceful sleek lines, the gorgeous Spitfire is a star wherever it appears. Aviation entrepreneur Kris Van den Bergh has been flying it since 2018, when it came over to Belgium from Canada. Kris is also a patron of 349 squadron and so has a strong link with the base.

Come join us during the Belgian Air Force Days on 9 & 10 September at Kleine-Brogel and enjoy his display with this historic aircraft joining up with its modern-day counterparts, with a remarkable link to Kleine-Brogel going back 77 years! Don’t miss this unique tribute to Belgian aviation history and join the new generation!

https://www.belgianairforcedays.be/en/v ... van-de-put

[Flightline Uk]

Anyone working in the air force right now or in the future will surely encounter the Eurofighter Typhoon, part of the new generation of fighter aircraft in service with our European partners.
During the Belgian Air Force Days airshow, you too will be able to admire this aircraft during a spectacular solo demonstration by the Spanish Air Force.

Captain Juan Bengoechea Vara de Rey of Ala 14 based at Albacete will proudly demonstrate his fighter's exceptional power and exhilarating manoeuvrability. Moreover, his unit has a connection with Kleine-Brogel, since, like the 31st Squadron, they are part of the NATO Tiger Association, an association of squadrons with a tiger or big cat in their squadron crests, which gather annually to exchange experiences and practise complex missions.

The Typhoon is currently an important link within NATO, both for air defence and ground attack. Testament to this is the long list of operational missions the Spanish Typhoons have already carried out within NATO, such as Baltic Air Policing and the defence of Bulgarian airspace in spring 2022. The Typhoons is the result of an international partnership between Germany, Italy, Spain and Britain. Advanced avionics and a complex fly-by-wire flight control system will enable the pilot to fly a breathtaking show, while the roaring afterburners of the two Eurojet EJ200 turbofans will make the ground rumble beneath your feet.

Don't miss this hearty dose of jetnoise and "join the new generation" of the European Air Force at the Belgian Air Force Days at Kleine-Brogel on 9 & 10 September 2023.

https://www.belgianairforcedays.be/en/v ... yphoon-eng