Last operational F-104

As a former F-104 Starfighter Air Base and to emphasize the good relationship with the local communities, the Kleine Brogel 10th Tactical Wing is planing to place a F-104G on a roundabout. Prior to the official ceremony the 10th Tactical Wing organized an informal Starfighter gathering. The programme included an Italian F-104, the last operational Starfighter!

Ronneby Airshow

This year's Swedish AF airshow was held at Ronneby airbase in the southern part of Sweden. Ronneby is home to the flottlj 17 (17th Wing) operating the JAS-39 Gripen. What makes this openday extra special is the fact the that you don´t see Swedish AF aircraft elsewhere, very often.

Aviamagazine made the following airshow report and looks into the history of F 17.

Payerne Open House

Unlike other European countries, open days in Switzerland are very rare. Reason enough for AviaMagazine.com to send a large delegation. Two teams visited Payerne Air Base to celebrate the Swiss Air Force 90th anniversary, the 50th anniversary of the Patrouille de Suisse and 15 years of PC-7s.

Wittmund Photocall

Just like previous years, JG-71 at Wittmund AB, Germany, organized a so-called photocall on Wednesday August 4th. The weather was great; lot of sunshine and photo opportunities of one of the last operational F-4 squadrons in Europe.

Royal International Air Tattoo 2004

On 17 & 18 July the annual Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the world's greatest military airshow, was held at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England. This year themes included 50 years of the Hercules, 30 years of the Hawk and the 60th anniversary of D-Day.

Air Show Koksijde

Koksijde AB (Belgium), home base of the Sea Kings and Alouette-3's of 40th Smaldeel (Squadron) held his annual open house on 3 and 4 July 2004. For the first open day on Saturday; the weather forecast was not so good; strong winds and some (thunder-)showers. The forecast for Sunday was almost the same so we decided to go on the Saturday.

KLu Opendays

On Friday 18 and Saturday 19 June the annual Open Dagen of the Royal Netherlands Airforce took place at Volkel AB, Netherlands. Looking at the days with a spotters point of view, it was disappointing. 25 years F-16 with the fewest F-16 in years, no eastern Europe (new NATO members), expect the An-30 and no Migs.

Pratica di Mare

This years air show a the Italian airbase Pratica di Mare, will be one of the highlights of the year. The show was held on 29 and 30 may 2004 and the official farewell of the F-104 Starfighter from operational duty (world wide).

ILA 2004

There are three major, both civil and military aviation exhibitions in Europe, and the ILA is one of them. Because of it´s link with 'Eastern Europe' this exhibition always attacked some exotic exhibitors. Reasons enough to visit this Historical exhibition and air show.

50 Years 313 "Tiger" Squadron

On December 1st 1953 313 Squadron was activated at Volkel AB. Because of operational commitments the celebration of 50th anniversary was held on April 1st and 2nd 2004.