NATO days in Ostrava & Czech air force days

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CONFIRMED PARTICIPANTS 2012                                     

News

First-ever public presentation of aerial refuelling directly over spectators\' heads

20.07.2012, 12:30

More than 4 hours of flying displays and another 3 hours of ground presentations – that is the plan for the September NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days show. The highlights include the legendary UK Red Arrows aerobatic team. Czech fighters will present aerial refuelling for the first time ever.

Czech Air Force is planning to display refuelling of the fighter aircraft from a tanker in flight for the very first time. Directly over spectators´ heads during the weekend show at the Ostrava airport, the Gripen pilots will simulate receiving fuel from a US KC-135 tanker aircraft. “We still have to train the presentation properly. There are certain limits imposed at the airport. We are planning for the four aircraft to fly at some 400-500 meters above the ground,” says Jiří Verner, Commander of the Czech Air Force.

CHANGE: U.S. Air Force cancelled participation of its KC-135 Stratotankers. But the visitors still can look forward to aerial refuelling display, because it will be replaced by the French C-135FR.
The aerial refuelling of Gripens will be conducted by the French Air Force (19 Sept, 2012)

He recalls that the first ever Czech Jas-39 Gripen pilots have undergone aerial refuelling trials only late last year. The air force has enjoyed a giant capability leap by learning this skill. Aerial refuelling of the fighter aircraft is one  of the prerequisites for NATO air operations. Apart from the refuelling display, Czech Air Force will display almost all types of aircraft and helicopters in its inventory.

Due to the operational commitments in the Air Policing mission over the Baltic states, there will be no Czech Gripen solo display this year.”We only have a certain number of aircraft and pilots,” explains Verner. He promises an attractive ceremonial opening with a group fly-by of the Czech Air Force. “This year, we want to emphasize the helicopter force more than in the past,” concludes Verner.

See you at 12th NATO Days in Ostrava, 3rd Czech Air Force Days,
and the FLYIN 2012 Exhibition!

The General Partner of NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days is the company
SAAB Czech s.r.o.