ILA 2008

Words and photographs Michael van der Mee, video Jan Loedeman.

This year’s International Aerospace Exhibition provided an impressive display of this high-tech sector and was also a major attraction for the public. The attendance of 241.000 people nearly reached the record level set at the ILA2006 (250.000). Approximately 120.000 trade visitors (2006:115.000) came to find out about the products and services on offer on the 250.000 square metre site, Germany’s largest temporary exhibition grounds.

ILA's partner country India made the most of its largest ever appearance at any aerospace trade show outside its own borders. The main atraction was the  Sarang Display Team, which is making its European debut at the ILA2008. The “Peacocks”, which is how the name translates, were formed in 2004 and fly four Dhruv helicopters, which have been developed in their home country. Next to that a solodisplay of an Indian Army Dhruv was also flown.

The German Heeresflieger and Air Force showed their latest aquirements in the form of the NH-90, Tiger and EF2000 Eurofighter, all in solodisplay as well as in the massive airborne assault of the German Army. This assault included the CH-53s, UH-1s, Bo-105, NH90 and the Tiger of the Heeresflieger and the Air Force participated with the C-160, F-4 Phantom and EF 2000.

Other helicopters that could be seen in the skies over Schönefeld included an Hungarian Air Force Mi-24, the Red Bull Bo-105 and the Royal Air Force display team with their Boeing CH-47 Chinook.

The Swiss national flying team, the Patrouille Suisse, regular guests at ILA, once again showed their skills with the teams 6 F-5E Tiger IIs. Because of strict safety regulations in Germany certain manoeuvres such as the "crossover” and the "goal" could not be included in the program.

The C-17 Globemaster III from Boeing was the same US Air Force transport aircraft which former US President Bill Clinton officially named the “Spirit of Berlin” prior to the ILA 1998 in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift. Also present was the Boeing B-1B Lancer, a swing-wing, strategic bomber capable of flying at more than Mach 1.

There were plenty of historical aircraft at the ILA2008 too. Among the more than 50 aircraft in this category one of the most outstanding was the Me 262, the world’s first series production jet fighter, which has influenced aircraft design more than almost any other model, for example by having the engines mounted under the wings.

Three of the classic propeller-driven fighters from the Second World War are the Me 109, Spitfire and North American P-51 Mustang. Sadly the Me 109 had an landing accident during the week, preventing it's display during the weekend. Representing the most important flying boats from the 1940s will be the PBY-5A Catalina and Dornier Do 24ATT.

The Douglas C-47 Dakota/DC-3 was the most commonly used “Candy Bomber” to be used during the Berlin Airlift. This year was the 60th anniversary of the famous Berlin Airlift, the biggest airlift operation in history, during which West-Berlin was depending on this lifeline as the Communist Eastern Germany and Russian refused road access to the city in an attempt to force the 'west" to give up this "capitalist peninsula".

The Deutsche Lufthansa Stiftung Berlin's historic Ju 52, known in Germany as the “Tante” (Auntie) Ju, provided unique sightseeing flights during both days.

The Flying Bulls presented their DC-6B (ex Marshall Tito's personal plane) and B-25 Mitchell shining as they were just delivered from the factory. 

Of course the Airbus A380, the worlds biggest airliner in history, was present on both days during the weekend. Impressive by size, low noise and extreme agility, this was a great experience to witness flying!

One point of criticism must be made; during the Sunday the ILA was forced **  to cancel the MiG 29, F-16 and B-1B solo displays as noise levels of the week were exceeded. This meant a major blow to the general public that left en masse after this was made public by the organization. This phenomenon was a first ever as far we know of and it sounds quite ridiculous to work with noise levels during an air show. This might prevent some Air Forces to participate in future. **The decision to cancel was not made by ILA but by local authorities.

The author wishes to thank the ILA organization for their hospitality and cooperation during both days.