military aviation photography - reports - publications - video
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Luchtmachtdagen 2011Report by Remco Donselaar, additional images by Vincent Loedeman, video by Jan Loedeman. During the third weekend of June, at the start of the summer, we were hoping that the decision to move the annual open days of the RNLAF three months forward would turn out to be positive as the original weekend the weather was extremly poor. In fact the entire summer turned out to be very wet, chances were slim, but it turned out very good during the week proceeding the show and the first show day! Last year (2010), the Dutch MoD announced the RNLAF Open Days or 'Luchtmachtdagen' would be held on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th of September. Due to operational needs Leeuwarden wasn't able to put the effort and time in organizing a show in June and the decision was made to move it to September, last time this occured was in 2000. A benefit was it would make the gap in between this and the next show a bit smaller. Due to defense cuts, next year won't see an air show organized by the RNLAF, it will return in 2013 though.
In the first place, the RNLAF uses the show to present itself with all disciplines and aircraft in their inventory in order to recruit new personnel and to show the taxpayer that their money is well spent. For the aviation enthusiast’s main goal is to see a well-organised air show with an attractive program. Well, the RNLAF (Buro Open Dagen) succeeded with a program that was a vert varied then previous editions. Many welcomed the absence of the RNLAF historical flight and related demonstrations. It was replaced by trainer and helicopter demonstrations in the 'quiet' morning hours as some surrounding villages had their own celebrations. Star of the show was without a doubt the AH-64D Apache demo from 301 Squadron, it had been absent for a couple of years due to operational commitments but in its second year after the comeback it was better than before with lots of flares and a stunning color scheme on the Apache. One change in the program however that wasn't a success. The Airpower demo was rewritten to reflect current operations of the RNLAF, but it was concentrated at one single point far away from the spectators and proceeded very slow. It would have been better at the Army Days It however was all made up with the afternoon program containing a lot of jetnoise against a blue sky! |
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A lot has been said and written on the various forums by aviation enthusiasts about the show, participants and commentary. We however can come only to the conclusion that it was one of the best 'Luchtmachtdagen' in years. In times of ever increasing defense cuts by all Air Forces in Europe a dynamic program was presented with attention to all aspects of aviation and its history. The absence of some large demo teams was due to bad luck as both the Patrulla Aguila as the Red Arrows had to cancel their displays were the latter did so even after they arrived at Leeuwarden. The commentary team saw a positive change as Cougar pilot Dominique took over the commentary role from Leo van der Goot. With her experience in daily operations as well as deployments to Afghanistan she added a very welcomed insight in what the pilots experiences and how this is was projected in the displays they presented to the public. As said, the show was very dynamic with only a small break during lunchtime. 2 weeks after I visited the Bulgarian International Air Fest, the RNLAF once more proofed its difficult but still possible to present a full show program to the audience. 5 very well deserved stars! |
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