A first: NH-90

Making it’s first flying appearance at a public air show, the Royal Netherlands Navy NH-90 was a highlight of the day. The NH-90 will replace the aging Lynx of the Marine Luchtvaart Dienst (MLD).





The N-088 (still wearing it’s Italian test registration CSX81697) is used for test flights and will join the newly formed Dutch Helicopter Command (DHC) when it becomes operational.

Airshow

A variety of aircraft would perform in the air show throughout the day. In the morning the more silent ones, and around noon the silence was broken with the air power demo base attack. 9 F-16’s joined the attack as can be seen in the formation, while a AH-64 is guarding the captured base.

Leeuwarden AB is also the home of the AB-412 SAR heli’s from 303 squadron. The “tweety’s” as they are called act as a vital lifeline to the waddeneilanden (West Frisian Islands) just north of Leeuwarden.

A first at this air show was the flying display of the new NH-90, The Polish team Iskra, the historical RAF trainer Gnat and the OV-10 Bronco.

Air Power Demo

Not noticed by the public the marvelous Dutch Hunter display almost ended in tragedy when the airplane hit a bird when on final for landing. The situation was so tens the pilot thought about bailing out several times. Thank god the engine held and this aircraft was spared!

Thanks to the RNLAF and Leeuwarden voorlichting.