Military Jets Photography: 2005 05 25 Airpower Zeltweg

On Friday 24 and Saturday 25 June, the Zeltweg-Hinterstoisser airfield in Austria hosted AirPower05. Becoming recognised by an increasing number of aviation enthusiasts, the Zeltweg airshow is a perfect event for photographers - the sun is behind you during most of the day and the Seckauer Alpine range provides a unique backdrop. While the flying display is perfect, the static display is 'Mission Impossible' for photographers, as ropes hung close to the aircraft and the public could pass on both sides. But flying display lasting over eight hours of almost-continuous flying, makes up for a lot of that. Zeltweg offered a mixture of over two hundred military and civilian operated aircraft from twenty nations.
AirPower05 was the most important opportunity for the Austrian Air Force to celebrate its fiftieth anniversary. Its origin in military aviation history was displayed by a unique Yak 11, a type that marked the very beginning of the Austrian Air Force in 1955. Later 'Team 2000' performed in their four Saab Safirs, a type that has flown with the Austrian 'Bundesheer-Pilotenausbildung' (Austrian AF pilot training) since 1964. A solo display was flown by the Saab 105 (in its tiger colour scheme), on the inventory for jet training since 1970.
AirPower05 marked the first major public display of a newcomer to the Austrian inventory, the F-5E Tiger II. These aircraft are only temporarily in Austrian service, as they're on loan from the Swiss Air Force. The Tigers have been acquired to close the gap between the Draken and the new Eurofighter Typhoon, of which the first deliveries are expected mid 2007. Coinciding with the presentation to the audience of the 'new' F-5Es, AirPower05 also marked the very last public demonstration of the legendary Saab Draken. Though upgraded to J35Ö standard, it was already somewhat outdated when it entered Austrian service in 1988. By the end of 2005 it will be over when Austria, as the last Draken operator, will finally retire the type. To mark this sad occasion, the crowd was offered the unique six-ship Draken formation for the last time. Later during the day that was followed by a solo-display of the well-known red-and-white Draken.
When visiting the airshow, it was nearly impossible to escape what seems to be Austria's national beverage (besides lager) - Red Bull! The company that produces this energy drink was not only the main sponsor of the show but the brand was also present in the flying display. It boasts a whole fleet of vintage aircraft, called the 'Flying Bulls', which includes a B-25J Mitchell, a T-28 Trojan, a F4U Corsair and a Douglas DC-6B. The only airworthy Sea Vixen, well-known because it looks like a flying tray of Red Bull cans in a television ad, was present as well, of course.
Besides the sponsored warbirds, there were several other vintage aircraft present during AirPower05. These included a former Swiss Air Force Vampire and two former Swiss AF Hunters, all based in Switzerland. These three vintage jets flew an interesting 'heritage formation' with the Swiss display Hornet. AirPower05 also welcomed the sight of some visiting Eastern European air forces, including Romania with a single MiG-21 Lancer and an Antonov 26. Slovenia sent a recently acquired Cougar and the Hungarians offered a noisy display with their ever-impressive MiG-29 Fulcrum. But other than these, the show could not boast any other 'exotic' highlights.
Perhaps a nuisance for the military spotter, but a highlight to the general public, was the 'Red Bull Air Race World Series 2005' on Saturday. Nine world-class aerobatics pilots are racing a slalom course against the clock and each other in their Extra 300s and Sukhois around inflatable pylons, in what is called 'Formula 1 of the air'. Zeltweg was the third 'stop' in the 2005 World Series tour.
Although we had a huge thunderstorm on Saturday I was still impressed with this show. Unfortunately due to the weather the displays of the Mirage 2000C, the MiG-29 and the Typhoon were cancelled for the afternoon. The organisers managed that all performers could fly their display although at a very late time.