Operational Integration Exercise
Words and photographs by Nico van Remmerden additional photography Michael van der Mee.
The Operational Integration Exercise (OIE'07) was held at Kleine Brogel, Belgium between 16 and 18 July.
How often can you see six aircraft from the Hellenic Air Force outside Greece? Three different types could be seen in action that day. Real (!) aircraft like the A-7E Corsair II is seen here while making an overshoot after the mission. A two-seater TA-7C flew as well. Both are operated by 336 MV. Another phabulous aircraft in the inventory of the Hellenic Air Force is the F-4(AUP) Phantom. Two were present at Kleine Brogel. Last but not least, a pair of F-16Cs participated as well.
The Czech Air Force participated in the Operational Integration Exercise with three L-159A aircraft and three JAS-39 fighters (two single seaters (JAS39C) and one JAS-39D) The Alcas stayed at Kleine Brogel for a longer period, they participated in the Sanicole Aishow.
Not one, not two, but six Rafales were present at Kleine Brogel! The Rafales are the newest fighters in the inventory of both the Aeronavale and the Armee d l'Air. The Aeronavale participated with four Rafale M fighters operated by 12F,.A couple of Rafale C fighter from the French Air Force (EC01.007) were present. Although you can not clearly see the difference between these two versions of the Rafale as depicted here, but when they are parked next to each other, you will notice that the Rafale M (the naval version which is operated by the Aeronavale) has a different nose wheel, making it suitable to operate from an aircraft carrier. The nose-angle is in a more upwards position than the Rafale C.
'The last of the many'. The Fouga CM.170R is phased out by now. The last remaining Magister, with serial MT-35, made a display at Kleine Brogel. Actually one of the last displays that was scheduled for this particular aircraft. A farewell party was held at Beauvechain in September. Another era came to an end. The Magister will surely be missed at airshows all over Europe. Farewell Fouga CM.170R Magister!
|
)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
)
;)
;)
;)
;)