Military Jets Photography: 2006 07 01 Koksijde Airshow

During the weekend of 1 and 2 July the Koksijde Air Show 2006 was held. Main themes of the 30th edition of this show were 60 years of Belgian Air Force and 35 years of Alouette III.
Koksijde airbase, situated at the Belgium coast, is home of the 40th squadron, operating five Westland Sea King MK.48 for 30 year now. Also based at Koksijde are three aging Alouette III’s from the Navy flight which are used for liaison and support flights for Navy ships.
Of course the largest group participants came from the Belgian Air Component. A number of F-16 were shown both on the ground as well as in the air. The base attack was only performed by two F-16’s this time. The year 2006 will mark the end of operations of the Fouga Magister. Two Fouga's painted in the famous Red Devil color scheme made up the display team ‘Fouga Pair’ for this occasion. One of the Fouga’s is also marked with the squadron crests of all units which have flown the ‘Whistling Jet’.
Several jet-powered warbirds displayed their capabilities during the flying display. The T-33 TBird made one of its last public appearances, as a couple of weeks later the jets tragically crashed during a take off from Duxford, UK. Fortunately the pilot escaped with minor injuries, but the jet was written off as result of the mishap.
As the Belgian Air Force (Air Component) celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, a number of aircraft represented the early years of the air force. These include some very nice formations of a bare metal Harvard with a C-47 Dakota in BAF markings.
Also noteworthy to mention was the delegation of the Czech Air Force which showed their latest asset in the form of a JAS-39C Grippen and a L-159ALCA.
The Air Show at Koksijde remains one not to be missed as they always can attract some nice participants.