The Open House has a traditional static display, with German EF 2000’s and Tornado, two Polish F-16’s and also a C-295M. Beside these aircraft there was also a Tucano from the UK and 2 F-15E’s from Lakenheath. The 52nd Fighter Wing had 2 A-10 ’s and 1 F-16 in static. Making decent pictures from the static was very difficult because people walked beside and under the planes, to give an impression here some examples.

On the flightline 4 other F-16’s and 2 A-10’s could be seen.

On the ground some ground demonstrations where shown, one of the most interesting ones was the armament loading of an A-10A aircraft. During the day there were also some flying demonstrations performed. The A-10A and the F-16CJ from the 52nd FW did a couple flyby’s and both finishing their presentation with some formation passes.

The flying program also included two civilian presentations. These were a display from an OV-10 Bronco and an Aero L-39 from the former East German Air Force (Germany). Finally and as an highlight, the last demonstration in the flying program was performed by the "West Coast Viper" team coming from Hill Air Force Base (Utah). Sadly on the tour of Europe they used an F-16C from Spangdahlem to demonstrate the display and not one from their homebase in the US.

The open house could be seen as a small event but it was a very enjoyable day with the well appreciated American atmosphere.

Text & Photography: Dirk Geuns