Author Archives: crankedarrow

60 Years Tactical Fighter Wing 74

Normally, Tactical Fighter Wing 74 in Neuburg an der Donau celebrates its milestone birthdays with a big open day. So it was planned this year in connection with “Tag der Bundeswehr”. But unfortunately, the still ongoing pandemic has its influence and so there was only a digital edition of “Tag der Bundeswehr”. The squadron celebratedContinue reading “60 Years Tactical Fighter Wing 74”

Luftfahrtmuseum Wernigerode

Aproximately in the middle of Leipzig and Hannover, the best private aviation museum in Germany is located: the Luftahrtmuseum Wernigerode. Some people call it (Flugwerft) “Oberschleißheim of the east”, because of the selection of rare and well-preserved exhibits . In 2012 we were already impressed with this collection: A Swiss Mirage IIIRS and Venom, BritishContinue reading “Luftfahrtmuseum Wernigerode”

NATO Days Ostrava 2020 / Čáslav Air Base

This years edition of NATO Days at the town of Ostrava in Czech Republic took place, despite COVID-19. But there were some shortfalls: The static display was cancelled and only flying displays took place above Leoš Janáček Aiport. A web stream of the dispalys was set up for all aircraft enthusiasts around the world. NextContinue reading “NATO Days Ostrava 2020 / Čáslav Air Base”

Private collection Zehdenick

The owner of the joinery Schlöpping has built up a considerable private collection. Among them are some really rare exhibits in Germany like the specially painted F-4F Phantom II 38+49, one of eight Su-22UM3K of the NVA LSK and one Su-7 of the Russian Air Force. Also two Panavia Tornado IDS can be found here.Continue reading “Private collection Zehdenick”

Red Flag 20-2: Tornado IDS returning to Büchel

The second Red Flag this year took place from 09. to 20.03.2020 at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. The German Air Force participated in this major exercise with the weapon systems Eurofighter (TaktLwG 31) and Tornado (TaktLwG 33 and 51). The squadron from Büchel took the lead of the German command. The jets participatedContinue reading “Red Flag 20-2: Tornado IDS returning to Büchel”

The last samurai of Hyakuri

With the decommissioning of the 302 Hikotai on 25.03.2019 (Fiscal Year 2018) only two squadrons of the Japanese Air Force (JASDF) with the type F-4 Phantom II remain in active service: The 301 Hikotai with F-4EJ 改 (F-4EJ Kai, which means updated) and the 501 Hikotai with the reconnaissance version RF-4E and RF-4EJ. But alreadyContinue reading “The last samurai of Hyakuri”

Airpower 2019: Red Bulls airshow in Styria

For the 9th time already, the Austrian Armed Forces, Red Bull and the Province of Styria are hosting an airshow, which was christened Airpower in 2000. This year’s motto is: We fly on Austria! But why go to an airshow with the logo of a beverage maker in it? The answer is simple: because ofContinue reading “Airpower 2019: Red Bulls airshow in Styria”

First Mini Tiger Meet of the Bavarian Tigers

There has never been a NATO Tiger Meet at the airbase in Neuburg an der Donau until 2019. The new members of the NATO Tiger Association, the Bavarian Tigers, changed this recently and are very committed in their new role. With pride they show their tiger spirit, which they took over from the 1st SquadronContinue reading “First Mini Tiger Meet of the Bavarian Tigers”