Air China CA2 escorted by two F16s

[tintin77]

Hi,

This morning I saw Air china CA2 flying over our house escorted by two F16s. Any one any idea what was going on? Lost of radio contact? It took off at DUS and seems to be diverted to BRU.

[cathay belgium]

Hi,

The president of china is on board- was on the news for a week , so my first guess- so normal procedure I guess as they don't have an as Obama self service protection army with them

At least someone is giving credits for our F16 's ...

But.. Now where is here a treath for supporting this free pax paid exclusive support ?

IMO.. CXB

[tintin77]

I think you're right.
http://www.nieuwsblad.be/article/detail ... 0_01046879

[sergioboeing]

I was there but a little bit too far ...

PS: a spotter in the first terrasse of the Control Tower

Sergioboeing

[cathay belgium]

hi,

Why has the F16 their landing gear down?
Did they also land at BRU ?
If not,and returning to Kleine Brogel AFB why putting their landing gear down ?
if they didn't do this they have less hassle when under attack by SAM , stinger attacks... Which would probably the best in this case no when you have bad intentions and got some special toys ..
CXB

[teddybAIR]

I'm not familiar with the F-16 but from general Principles of Flight I can imagine a number of reasons why they would have their gear down:

1) improved speed stability on approach thanks to higher drag
2) proper configuration already established as these single engine aircraft are exposed to increased threat of eg. birdstrikes when at low altitude and flying slow (in formation with B747)

[cathay belgium]

Hi,

Sounds indeed reasonable THX
BTW - Great pics !!

CXB

[tintin77]

I was there but a little bit too far ...
Sergioboeing

Great pictures with that control tower and first class spotter

[Coronado]

Is it true that these 'escorting' F-16s are NOT armed ?
A Belgian Air Force F-16 pilot , who escorted Air Force One at the time when President Bush arrived in Brussels to attend a NATO meeting, told me that they were not allowed to carry any sort of weaponry !!!

[Toutpti]

I confirm they were the 2 QRA F-16's so they were armed
As you can see