sn26567 wrote: ↑29 Sep 2020, 21:47
And I found out that it is currently flying in the Caribbean: it just took off from Willemstad (Curacao) to go to ...?
What is the Belgian Air Force doing over there?
Too bad nobody could give an answer to this question, except that it flew to Bermuda.
Maybe a charter, but with a BAF flight numer?
Secret holiday plans of a Belgian politician? of a senior member of the Royal family?
Aren't we Belgian taxpayers allowed to have info about this?
Regards,
According to the the director of operational testing of the US Department of Defense, the F-35 currently still flies with 871 software and hardware deficiencies, only two less than a year earlier:
On Wednesday 03/03, the Airbus A400M with the tail number "CT-03", the third one of the Belgian-Luxembourg binational unit, will arrive on the tarmac of the 15th Air Transport Wing.
After flying over its home base Melsbroek, CT-03 will land on runway 25L at Brussels Airport.
In accordance with COVID-19 security measures, no press activity will be organised! Hence no photo report from us...
The 20th Tactical Air Transport Squadron of the 15th Wing Air Transport in Melsbroek has been equipped with the Lockheed C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft since 1972. After almost 50 years of loyal service within the Belgian Air Force, the world-famous workhorses will retire at the end of this year.
For almost half a century, the Belgian C-130 Hercules aircraft, crews, technicians and support staff have more than once proved their dedication and professionalism during many national and international assignments and operations.
In order to thank the 20Sqn Tactical Airlift and its Mighty Hercules for their efforts and 'Tenacity' spirit, CH-01 has a unique paint scheme.
A Belgian test pilot in training ejects safely in the US
In early March, a Belgian test pilot training in the United States managed to extricate himself from a trainer aircraft with his American instructor using the ejection seat. The aircraft was an Impala MB326jet. The pilot is currently training at the National Test Pilot School in Mojave (USA). He was released from the hospital after spending a night under observation. But why is the Belgian Defence employing test pilots?
Defence has a number of test pilots in service, each with their own speciality: combat (and training), transport or helicopter. Their task is to test all aspects of the new features of aeroplanes and helicopters. Whenever the Defence wishes to operate an aircraft in a configuration that is broadly unknown, it is necessary for a test pilot to assess it first. This includes updates, new hardware as well as new software for these aircraft. He can then advise the equipment manager (DGMR Systems) who is responsible for the technical health of the various Belgian weapon systems.
At the moment, two test pilots are in training. Pilots can only train in a few very specialised establishments abroad. The programme, which lasts from 6 months to a year depending on the modules chosen, includes a theoretical part and a practical one.
During the theoretical phase, instructors go into various aspects of "flight testing" such as performance evaluation, flight qualities and avionics tests. Theory combined with practical demonstrations during flight and test exercises is then on the agenda. Student test pilots practice flight test techniques, such as testing digital flight control systems, under the watchful eye of their instructors. The trainees practice and fly both on the training centre planes and on the simulator.
During this training, the test pilot trainee flies on several dozen different aeroplanes, thus gaining extensive experience in the field.
Where is CT-04?
Supposed to be delivered in August, no?
CT-05 and -06 are to be delivered by year-end as one C-130 will be retired in October and the last 3 in December.
Homo Aeroportus wrote: ↑01 Sep 2021, 14:13
Where is CT-04?
Supposed to be delivered in August, no?
CT-05 and -06 are to be delivered by year-end as one C-130 will be retired in October and the last 3 in December.
H.A.
(Initially, the tweet said 23 December. This initial tweet was removed and replaced by this one!)