Airday 2006 - Tag der Marineflieger

Airday 2006 -Tag der Marineflieger

The German Navy organized an open day called Airday 2006 - Tag der Marineflieger on Sunday the 27th of August which was hosted by Marinefliegergeschwader 3 based at Nordholz. Many of the based aircraft could be seen during the day. It was the last time for the public to see the Atlantic, it will be retired on a short term. But it was also the first time that the public could watch the newest "Seefernaufklärer" in the inventory; the Lockheed P-3C Orion. Some interesting aircraft from e.g. Austria, Canada, France, Italy and Sweden could be seen as well. Off course, many of the visitors were maritime surveillance aircraft. Some aircraft displayed at Nordholz had special colour schemes: like e.g. the Atlantic and a Lynx from the hosting base, a well known Marine Tornado (without engines...) and an Austrian Air Force PC-7 from the Fliegerschule. Fortunately, the Marine allowed enthusiasts to visit Nordholz on the Saturday prior to the 'Tag der Marineflieger' on Sunday. On sunday, this photographs could not be made without people standing in front or behind the aircraft.

In the next couple of months, this type of aircraft will be retired from operational use and will be replaced by the new "Seefernaufklärer" P-3C Orion fleet. Two BR.1150 Atlantic's could be seen on static display during the Airday 2006. One of them, the 61+11, is seen here with a special livery.

The newest type in the inventory of the German Navy is the Lockheed P-3C Orion, aquired from the Royal Netherlands Navy. The first Orion was officially handed over during the ILA at Berlin in May. The Orion fleet, consisting of eight aircraft will replace the elderly Atlantics on a short term. The 60+05 is seen here.

The Marineflieger has four Dornier Do-228-212LM aircraft in their inventory. Two of them are equipped with special equipment for pollution control missions. One of them, with serial 57+01, is seen here. If you see this Dornier Do-228-212LM flying above the sea, you will have no doubt about the mission of this aircraft: pollution control. Large markings are applied on both sides of the fuselage. They can execute their missions at any time, day or night. All four are based at Nordholz and operated by MFG 3 "Graf Zeppelin".

One of the highlights at the Tag der Marinelieger was this ATR42-400MP from the Guardia di Finanza. The Guardia di Finanza operates several types of aircraft and helicopters, among them are two ATR.42MP maritime patrol aircraft. One of them is this aircraft (with serial MM6216/GF-13) which is based at one of the largest bases in Europe; Pratica di Mare (near Rome).

The CP-140 Aurora is the Canadianized version of the Lockheed P-3 Orion. This long-range land-based maritime patrol aircraft is equipped with surveillance equipment such as radar, sonobuoys, FLIR and a magnetic anomaly detector. They also have gyrostabilized binoculars and night vision goggles for missions at night. One of the 18 aircraft in the inventory is seen here (serial 140117). Another version is used by the Candians as well; three CP-140A Arcturus. This is basically an Aurora, but without the antisubmarine-warfare-related systems.

In Germany, the pollution control missions are executed with a military aircraft. In Sweden, the 'Kustbevaking' operates three CASA C-212 maritime surveillance aircraft. One example, with serial SE-KVG and code 587 was present at Nordholz. Note the Swedish Coast Guard-titles that are also applied on the fuselage. Like some other aircraft at Nordholz, this aircraft is also nearing the end of it's career. In 2007, the first of three ordered Dash 8-Q300 MSA will be delivered and replace the current fleet.

A totally different type of aircraft is in use by the Aeronavale: the Dassault Falcon 50SURMAR. One of them, with serial 7, is seen as a part of the static display. The aircraft are assigned to Flottille 24 which is based at Lorient/Lann-Bihoué.

The Austrian Air Force participated with a PC-6 Porter and this PC-7 which received a special livery a couple of years ago. The PC-7, serial 3H-FG, in use by the Fliegerschule which is based at Zeltweg to train the new pilots in VFR and IFR flying, formation and tactical flying. All the PC-7s normally have a green/brown camouflage scheme. After a year of training (aprox 130 flying hours) the pilots continue their training at Linz-Hörsching where they convert to the Saab 105OE. After aprox 500 hours on the Saab 105, the pilots can convert to the F-5.

The Marineflieger operates (Super) Lynx helicopters which are also based at Nordholz. One example, a Super Lynx Mk.88A with serial 83+09, is seen here with a very well painted special livery and is parked on a full scale deck. The crews learn and practice the landing- and take off procedures for operations at sea, when they operate from frigates (In the Bremen-, Brandenburg- and Sachsen class).

The United States Air Force in Europe (USAFE) participated with two of their aircraft on static display. A C-130H Hercules based at Ramstein, Germany and this twin turbofan engine aircraft; a C-21A with serial 84-0085 also based at Ramstein. This military version of the Learjet 35A business jet is in use for cargo airlift and passengers flights (it can carry up to eight passengers).