2010 Dutch Air Force Open Days

On Friday 18 and Saturday 19 June the Open Days of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) were held at Gilze-Rijen Air Base. The last time it was organized by this base was in 2005. Frank Visser visited annually event.

During the RNLAF Open Days the Defense Helicopter Command (DHC) based at Gilze-Rijen Air Base acted as host for the first time in its existence. Visitors of the Air Force Days got an overview of the equipment, tasks and working methods of the RNLAF and other Air Forces.

An RAF 3 Squadron Typhoon from Coningsby.

Ex RNLAF NF-5B K-4020 now operates with the Turkish Stars demonstration team.

Turkish Stars.

The RAF Red Arrows.

On both days there was a spectacular air show, static of airplanes, helicopters and guided weapons and a varied exhibition area. The participants of the air show came from the Netherlands and abroad. Examples include demonstrations teams such as the Royal Air Force Red Arrows and the Turkish Stars.

The Air Power demo. An AH-64D Apache followed by four AS532U2 Cougar helicopters.

Every year the Air Power Demo was the highlight of this event. A couple of Dutch F-16s, AH-64D Apaches, CH-47D Chinooks, AS532U2 Cougars helicopters, a C-130H and the KDC-10 gave a stunning demonstration.

The RNLAF F-16AM Solo Display doing an high speed pass.

Another high speed pass.

NH90-TTH Finnish Air Force.

RNLAF AB-412SP of 303 Squadron performing a rescue demonstration.

Danish Air Force F-16AM performing an high angle of attack pass.

A Czech Air Force Mi35.

The Royal Jordanian Falcons.

A Dutch Navy SH-14D Lynx performing a SAR demonstration.

Every year large numbers of people visit this event and this year was no exception. Although the weather was not too good a total of 250.000 visitors were counted of which 150.000 visited Gilze-Rijen Air Base on Saturday.