Kleine Brogel, warming up photo call

'Warming up photo call' Kleine Brogel

A ‘warming up' photo call was arranged on 8 June 2005. The organization called it a warming up photo call because of the large photo call that was planned for July. A squadron rotation between the OCU (Operational Conversion Unit) at Kleine Brogel and 212.Lt from the Czech Air Force (Vzdušné síly armády Ceské republiky) gave them the opportunity to organize this photo call. And like the other times, the Belgians succeeded in attracting some other aircraft for this day. They invited Czech Mig-21's which are soon to be phased out and replaced by the Gripen later this year. The Armeé de l' Air is phasing out the Jaguar-fleet this year as well as the remaining Mirage IVP reconnaissance aircraft. In 2004, an Italian Starfighter visited Kleine Brogel, while the Starfighter was already officially retired earlier that year during a ceremony at Pratica di Mare, Italy. I don't know how they do it, but a pair of French Jaguars made several practice-approaches and a Mirage IVP was parked on the flightline, together with a German F-4F Phantom and the Czech aircraft. During the day, some mixed aircraft formations were flown and some flypasts were made at Kleine Brogel.

Again, I would like to thank the personnel at Kleine Brogel and 10 Wing for organizing this day!

Probably seen for the last time abroad the Czech Republic border... Two Mig-21's were planned to attend at this event, but unfortunately, one of them had technical problems and couldn't make it to come to Kleine Brogel. But, better one then none! So, Mig-21MFN, serial 5603, is seen here parked on the flightline. The career of the Mig-21 in the Czech Air Force will end this year. They will be replaced by the JAS-39C/D Gripen.

Another aircraft that will dissapear is this French Air Force Mirage 4P. Only a few of them are still operational and they will be phased out within a couple of months. This Mirage IV, the 62/CI, is operated by ERS.01.091 which is based at Mont-de-Marsan.

The FLZ (Flug Lehr Zentrum), based at Rheine-Hopsten came to Kleine Brogel with one of their Phantoms. F-4F Phantom with serial 38+66 is seen here parked on the flightline. They didn't participate in the missions and returned to Hopsten later that afternoon. Currently, the Luftwaffe is working on the replacement of this type with the Eurofighter. Several Eurofighters are already delivered.

For two weeks, six Czech L.159A ALCA light weight fighters participated in the Squadron exchange with the OCU at Kleine Brogel. The aircraft are assinged to 212.lt (21.Základna Taktického Letectva (21.zTL)) and based at Cáslav. One of them was this example (serial 6063) which is seen here taxiing on the taxiway.

A Belgian F-16AM, serial FA-94, is seen here taxiing towards the runway for the next training mission. This F-16 participated in this years Tiger Meet excercise at Balikesir, Turkey.