350 (F) Sqn decided to invite at Florennes Link16* capable units in the European Theatre for a one week joint flying period. Having a strong air defence tradition, 350 (F) Sqn organized at the same time a Fighter Meet which gave the opportunity to train for air-air missions against all major participating air defence squadrons in Europe. At the same time, Florennes hosted the OT&E (Operationnal Test & Evaluation) of the Mid Life Update Program M4 standard. The EPAF countries (European participating air forces) tested the 4th upgrade of the F-16 MLU. At this occasion, the very first 12 F-16 MLU M4 of Belgium, The Netherlands, Norway, Denmark and Portugal were present at Florennes Airbase.
A spotters' day was organised on 14 July. Operational sorties involving Link-16 capable F-16s and a detached NATO E-3A took place during the spotters' day. In addition to the Danish, Dutch and Norwegian F-16's, a couple of guest units took part: the Swiss AF with F-18s and the French Navy with Super Etendards. Unfortunately French Navy Rafales (suffering engine problem on the way to Florennes) along with Cambrai Mirage 2000Cs had cancelled although EC 02.012 did turn up with a stand selling 8.3% Beer with Mirages on the label.
The spotters' day provided very good access to the side of the runway near the take off point and along an operational taxi way. A few visitors parked up in front of shelters were also available for photography. Each spotter received a free lunch and a drink plus a bottle of beer with a Belgian F-16 on it as a gift on departure from the show. Most aircraft performed 2 sorties during the day with some mixed formations, fly pasts, etc.
Exercise participants were :
F-16A E-603, E-606 Royal Danish Air Force Esk 726
F-16BM ET-210, ET-614 Royal Danish Air Force Esk 726
Super Etendard 13, 25 French Navy 11F
F-16AM J-204 Netherlands AF 323 Sqn
F-16BM J-210 Netherlands AF 323 Sqn
F-16AM 658 Norwegian Air Force
F-16BM 689 Norwegian Air Force
F/A-18C J-5006, J-5008 Swiss Air Force
F/A-18D J-5236 Swiss Air Force
E-3A LX-N90448 NATO
Additional spotters' day visitors :
Tornado 45+56 German Air Force JBG-31
Tornado ECR 46+33 German Air Force JBG-32
Alpha Jet AT-18 BAF/AC 1 Wing
Alouette II A49 BAF/LC flew as a camera ship
SF.260D ST-46 BAF/AC 1 Wing did a low approach
A large number of Belgian F-16s were seen on that day :
F-16AM FA-57, FA-67, FA-72/FS, FA-83, FA-84, FA-89, FA-91, FA-92, FA-101, FA-104, FA-107, FA-108, FA-109, FA-115, FA-117, FA-120, FA-127, FA-130, FA-135
F-16BM FB-05, FB-12, FB-20, FB-21
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