Military Jets Photography: 2006 06 17 Luchtmachtdagen Leeuwarden

The annual Open House of the Royal Netherlands Air Force has a great reputation among aviation enthusiasts for its wide variety of interesting aircraft attending the show. This year they lived up to their reputation with rare participants in both static and flying show. This included the only appearance of the Blue Angels outside North America. The 2006 event was held on June 16 & 17 at Netherlands most northern located airbase Leeuwarden.
Stars of the static were two Turkish NF-5's (former RNLAF types), a Czech Gripen, a Polish MiG-29 and a German Typhoon. Also there were several support aircraft positioned on or near the static show area.
Due to the upcoming commitments of the Tactical Helicopter Group there was no big Air Power demo like last years. However the demonstration of a CH-47 with a 'Bambi Bucket' was an interesting item to watch. Not seen for many years on a Dutch show was the rescue demo of the resident AB412 SAR helicopters. Now they performed a duo demonstration with two of their 'Tweeties'.
Fast jet performers were a Spanish Hornet, Belgian and Dutch F-16 and a pair of Hunters. A new kid on the block was the demonstration by an USAF F-15E Strike Eagle. This demo team (including Dutch commentary by an American !!) made its European debut. Also there was the first visit of the 'new' Asas de Portugal with their great colored A-Jets.
The show had a wide variety of participants, booth historic and modern. But the most unusual demonstration was given by Christian Moullec and his 8 geese. Flying his ultra light in close formation with these birds was a really amazing feature.
Probably the biggest achievement was the fact the RNLAF managed to get the Blue Angels to come to Europe for the Dutch only ! A full display included the famous JATO assisted take off of the C-130T support plane 'Fat Albert'. This could very well be one of the last JATO take offs, as the JATO rockets are almost out of stock and are not being produced anymore.
The Blues gave a real American type of demonstration, including their well known patriotic commentary and the almost absurd ground performances of both air- and ground crew. Highlights were the close formations, of six and four Hornets, as well as a very close mirror formation.
Other display teams were Patrouille de France, Patrouille Suisse and Midnight Hawks from Finland.
In general the Dutch Air Force had put together a great event again!