Belgian Air Force Days 9th & 10th September 2023

[Flightline UK]

Oh ye of little faith. It's back up now.

[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

[Gary]

Anyone still looking at going to KB, the ticket prices go up from Tuesday.

[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

[Flightline UK]

Updated listing:

Austria
Pilatus PC-7 NATO PfP Training Aircraft B

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 Display Team
F
Extra 330SC (Kristof Cloetens) Demo Civil Aerobatic Display F
Fouga Magister - Red Devil Demo Civil Historical Aircraft F
Royal Belgian Air Cadets Gliders BAF Training Aircraft S
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
F-16 Danish Air Force Fighter Aircraft S

Finland
Midnight Hawks Demo Finish Air Force Display Team F

France
Patrouille de France Demo French Air Force Display Team F (Sunday)
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
Eurofighter Typhoon (2x) German Air Force Fighter Aircraft S
Airbus NH-90 German Army Tactical Helicopter S
Airbus H-145 German Air Force Tactical Helicopter S
Sikorsky CH-53 Stallion German Air Force Transport Helicopter S
Tornado (2x) German Air Force Fighter 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
F-16 (2x) Polish Air Force Fighter Aircraft S
C-295 Polish Air Force Transport Aircraft S

Portugal
Lockheed C-130 Portugese Air Force Transport Aircraft S

Slovakia
MI-17 Slovak Air Force Training/SAR Helicopter S

Spain
Eurofighter Typhoon Demo Spanish Air Force Fighter Aircraft F

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
F-35 (2x) Royal Netherlands Air Force Fighter Aircraft S
F-16 (2x) Royal Netherlands Air Force Fighter Aircraft S

United Kingdom
RAF Falcons Demo Royal Air Force Parachute Team F
Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers Civil Aerobatic Display F
Dornier 228 Drop-ship Civil Support/Transport F
Airbus Helicopters H135 Juno (2x) Royal Air Force Training/SAR Helicopter S
Airbus Helicopters Jupiter H145 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://www.belgianairforcedays.be/nl/p ... -overzicht

[Gary]

Thunder Tigers
Meet the Thunder Tigers: four operational F-16 pilots of 31 “Tiger” Squadron, based in Kleine-Brogel.
Led by “TOBI”, they will show you their all during the Belgian Air Force Days.

During a ten minute demo, consisting of different formation, passes, breaks and high-G manoeuvres, they will show the public the true capabilities of the “Mighty Viper”.
For the last time ever, they will perform their demo using their beloved “X-Tiger”, a jet which received a special paint in honour of the NATO Tiger Meet.

Interesting to know, these pilots are operational pilots, training day-to-day to acquire and maintain different currencies and qualifications in order to be ready when our Belgian F-16s deploy abroad.
They aren’t full-time demonstration pilots, but for the Belgian Air Force Days they will gladly make an exception!

Tiger Tiger Tiger!

[Gary]

Just had a €10 food voucher arrive because of the weather at last years spotters day. Very kind and unexpected of them. Will be going on Jupiler

Don’t get that at a lot of other shows

[Flightline UK]

A chunk of nostalgia completes the programme of the Belgian Air Force Days 2023! We all know the current team of the Red Devils on Marchetti SF260, but the heyday of the Belgian Air Force's demonstration team was probably back in the days of the Fouga Magister. The Red Devils would perform all over Western Europe with their bright red Fougas to thrill the crowds.

During the Belgian Air Force Days, the French Patrouille Tranchant will bring this period back to life with five colourful Fougas that will put on a dynamic show in close formation. The colours of these Fougas, combined with the striking appearance of this aircraft with its characteristic beautiful butterfly tail, are sure to catch your attention. The experienced pilots, one of whom even flew with the Patrouille de France on Fouga Magister, will dazzle you with countless loopings and rolls in precise formation. The graceful moves are also accentuated with colourful smoke in the colours of Groupe Tranchant, a company that operates casinos in France and Switzerland. The team was founded in 2004 and is based in Rennes in western France by current team leader Hugues Duval.

Please note that this wonderful team will only fly on Saturday 9 September, but of course there is so much more to experience during the Belgian Air Force Days on 9 & 10 September at Kleine-Brogel. Join the new generation!

Austria
Pilatus PC-7 NATO PfP Training Aircraft S

Belgium
Dream Viper Solo Display (F-16) BAF-demo Fighter Aircraft F
Thunder Tigers ! Demo 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 1 SQN (BAF) Fighter Aircraft S
F-16 FA095 Special EOL Public ground static S
Red Devils Demo - 4 x Marchetti SF-260 BAF-demo Display Team
F
Extra 330SC (Kristof Cloetens) Demo Civil Aerobatic Display F
The Victors Demo Civil Display Team F
Fouga Magister - Red Devil Demo Civil Historical Aircraft F
Royal Belgian Air Cadets Gliders BAF Training Aircraft S
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
F-16 Danish Air Force Fighter Aircraft S

France
Patrouille de France Demo Only on SUNDAY French Air Force Display Team F (Sunday)
French Patrouille Tranchant Only on SATURDAY Civil Display Team F (Saturday)
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
Dornier 228 NXT General Atomics AeroTec Systems Multi Purpose Aircraft F & S
Eurofighter Typhoon (2x) German Air Force Fighter Aircraft S
Airbus NH-90 German Army Tactical Helicopter S
Airbus H-145 German Air Force Tactical Helicopter S
Sikorsky CH-53 Stallion German Air Force Transport Helicopter S
Tornado (2x) German Air Force Fighter 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 / MMU
Airbus A330 MRTT Demo Only on Sunday EATC Tanker & Transport Aircraft F (Sunday)

Poland
Orlik Aerobatic Team (6x) Demo Polish Air Force Aerobatic Display F
F-16 (2x) Polish Air Force Fighter Aircraft S

Portugal
F-16 (2x) Portugese Air Force Fighter Aircraft S
Lockheed C-130 Portugese Air Force Transport Aircraft S

Slovakia
MI-17 Slovak Air Force Training/SAR Helicopter S

Spain
Eurofighter Typhoon Demo Spanish Air Force Fighter Aircraft F
C-295 CASA Spanish Air Force Transport Aircraft S

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
F-35 (2x) Royal Netherlands Air Force Fighter Aircraft S
F-16 (2x) Royal Netherlands Air Force Fighter Aircraft S

United Kingdom
RAF Falcons Demo Royal Air Force Parachute Team F
Dornier 228 Drop-ship Civil Support/Transport F
Airbus Helicopters H135 Juno (2x) Royal Air Force Training/SAR Helicopter S
Airbus Helicopters Jupiter H145 Royal Air Force Training/SAR Helicopter S

United States
F-35 Demo US Air Force Fighter Aircraft F

[Strix Photos]

I'm really sorry for the questions, as a first timer, but it doesn't seem to be clear to me on the website.

Spotters day/Airshow days: Are we ok to bring a chair/small step ladder to sit/stand on? or is it forbidden?
Weekend airshow: I understand on the spotting day its forbidden to bring any food or water, but is a bottle of water or snacks allowed on the main airshow days?

cheers and thanks everyone here for your useful info and update so far looking forward to being there.

[Gary]

We’ve never had an issue taking chairs. Not sure about the friends of BAFD though

Q: Can I bring chairs with me?
A: Yes, but keep in mind that from almost every parking lot, you will have to walk a minimum of 500 to a maximum of 1,500 m to reach the entrance where the tickets will be validated.

Never tried taking food, the FAQ do say free water will be provided if it hits 27 degrees. Current prediction to be 28 so there should be some.

[Strix Photos]

Thanks for the reply Gary, I didn't intend to take chairs on the sat/sun, but more so just for the Spotters day (with a small step ladder on all 3 days if its possible) weather does look great, very much looking forward to it!

[Gary]

30 degrees expected, it’s gong to be a warm one without much shade

[Gary]

Belgium will soon retire its first F-16 fighter jet after the mandatory 8,000 flight hours limit imposed by manufacturer Lockheed Martin for that type of aircraft.

The single-seat jet, registered FA-95, will have reached the end of its structural life, but it will perform a last flight during the spotters’ day on 8 September at Kleine Brogel air base, and it will also be shown at the static exhibition the following two days on the Belgian Air Force Days.

https://www.aviation24.be/military-airc ... ember/amp/

[Gary]

Currently at the Euro Tunnel and it’s absolute carnage. Hope they give that escaped terrorist a good kicking when they get him

[Rob666]

Currently at the Euro Tunnel and it’s absolute carnage. Hope they give that escaped terrorist a good kicking when they get him

Sorry to hear that Gary, be a good start when they do get him but probably not.

[ttt242]

Timetable for spottersday on friday
https://www.belgianairforcedays.be/imag ... p_2023.pdf