20 Years On From The Final Film Fling - RAF Leuchars Airshow 13th. September 2003 - Part 3 – Non-UK Military : Austria , Belgium and France

[Des]

The RAF Leuchars Airshow 2003 was the final event at which I used film cameras and the nuisance of having to ration shots , make speedy film changes at inappropriate moments and remembering to change settings with the vagaries of light.      It was also the first (and as it turned out for me for me last) at which the local processor I used offered for an extra pound or so per film to scan all prints onto a CDR with varying results completely unrelated to the original print quality.      Some of the images from the Arrivals and Practices on the Friday and Airshow itself on the Saturday are shown below.

 

Looking at some of the overseas military visitors to both flying and static display starting with Austria , Belgium and France.

 

 

Saab J35Ő Draken , 08 , of the Austrian Air Force from 2 Fliegerregiment (Flying Wing) at Zeltweg in special markings attended for the flying display and is seen here returning from its authorisation flight on the Friday however a reheat ignition problem prevented it taking off for public display on Saurday , the aircraft is in the national colours with the logo 'Ostarrichi 996' denoting the High German for Austria and 996 being the earliest documented date of its use.

 

Saab J35Ő Draken , 12 , of the Austrian Air Force from 2 Fliegerregiment (Flying Wing) at Zeltweg in the static display and still wrapped up for bad weather that passed through overnight on Friday , the aircraft is in standard camouflage with an added marking on the fin to mark ‘1,000,000 Flying Hours’.

 

 

Saab 105ŐE , GF-16 , of the Austrian Air Force from 3 Fliegerregiment (Flying Wing) at Hőrsching took part in the flying display in a scheme showing its ‘Tiger Squadron’ connections.

 

Saab 105ŐE , A , of the Austrian Air Force from 3 Fliegerregiment (Flying Wing) at Hőrsching in the static display in standard metal finish and with ‘Tiger’ badge on the tail seen just after the canopy cover had been removed on Saturday morning.

 

Hercules C-130K , 8T-CC , of the Austrian Air Force from 1 Fliegerregiment (Flying Wing) at Hőrsching in the static display on Friday evening in the colour scheme and with AAR probe (since removed) from its previous RAF service.

 

Embraer ERJ-135LR , CE-01 , from 21 Squadron of the Belgian Air Component at Brussels/Melsbroek departs Leuchars on Friday morning after providing logistical support for Belgian and Dutch participants which always seemed to involve enormous colourful hats and plentiful supplies of beer.

 

F-16AM Fighting Falcon , FA-114 , from 31 Squadron of the Belgian Air Component at Kleine Brogel , the solo display aircraft taxies in on Friday after completing its authorisation display for the show next day , in standard camouflage colours minus pylons and with ‘Smokewinders’.

 

 

Transall C-160R (C-160F with some C-160NG modifications) , R214/64-GN , from ET02.064 “Anjou” of the French Air Force at Evreux/Fauville still in green/grey camouflage provided support for the Patrouille de France but was rather annoyingly parked head-on between hangars although the AAR probe details of the variant can be seen.

 

Alpha Jet E , 165/0 F-TERE , from the Patrouille de France aerobatic team of the French Air Force at Salon-de-Provence in its 50th. Anniversary 1953-2003 markings heads the team line-up on the flying display ramp.

 

 

Super Etendard Modernisé , 55 , from 17 Flotille (Flotilla) of the French Navy at Landivisiau carrying a Thomson-CSF ATLIS II Laser Designator Pod on the centreline was one of the last arrivals for the static display early on Friday evening and positioned on the cross runway.

[jonf45]

Brilliant set, all belters, but the Austrian Draken...... 😍😍😍

 

Hard to think thats now 20 years ago 😱

 

jon

Edited September 19, 2023 by jonf45

[Latinbear]

This whole series of Leuchars shots is an absolute treat and reminds us of the opportunities that used to exist and so many great types that are no longer around. Thanks Des for posting these and the excellent informative commentary too. 

[HOUSTON]

Des,

What a FANTASTIC  set of memorable  photographs  from Leuchars 

I Love the Draken   and the Fighting Falcon.  

 

They all look MAGNIFICENT. 

 

Thank you for sharing the bygone era .