The Air Power Demonstration provides the RNLAF and its squadrons to
display their capabilities. Its fighter, transport and helicopter
aircraft all play a role during the display. The display featured the
F-16's (10) performing base attacks, the C-130 Hercules dropping a cargo
load and landing and the AS532-U2 Cougar and CH-47D Chinook transport
personnel and vehicles as underslung load. Normally the AH-64D Apache
provides reconnaissance and close air support but the whole fleet was
grounded *. This time the KDC-10 wasn't part of the APW participated in
the
flying display.
11 Air Manoeuvre Brigade (11 AMB):
The Brigade is a mix of Royal Netherlands Army (RNLA) and Air Force
(RNLAF) units. 11 Air Assault Brigade (prior 11 Air Mobile Brigade) of
the RNLA with RNLAF 298 squadron (CH-47D Chinook), 300 squadron
(AS532-U2 Cougar), 301 squadron (AH-64D Apache) and 336 squadron (C-130H
and C-130H.30 Hercules transform into 11 AMB when operating together.
The C-130's provide airdrop, either cargo or paratroopers, or air
landing support inserting personnel or vehicles. Troops and/or equipment
can also be flown in by the transport helicopters (air assault) with
protection provided by the combat helicopters.
Air Power Demonstration:
The demonstration takes about half an hour. First to take of was one
F-35A, the second cancelled its flight **. The Lightning II was followed
by 10 F-16s from both Volkel (312 and 313 squadrons) and Leeuwarden (322
squadron). After some passing's a C-130H performed a paradrop of
pathfinders
11 Brigade reconnaissance squadron
followed by a cargo drop. Then the F-16's returned to perform Close Air
Support for the troops on the ground which were reinforced by the
Chinook and Cougar helicopters. The APW was concluded by a fly-past by
the F-16's with the outer two dispersing their flares and the F-35A
closing the formation.
*: On June 5, 2019 the DHC announced that all flight programs were
suspended because a problem with the tail rotor had been discovered
during maintenance work. On August 12, 2019 the first Apache made a test
flight and since all AH-64's have been returned to service.
**: The second F-35A was unserviceable and returned to the USA on July
17, 2019 after it completed its test flights.
Photographs are presented in order of the demonstration. |
