OIE '07: the photo day

During the last few years, the annual photo day at Belgium's Kleine Brogel Air Base has gained the reputation of a "must visit" event among aviation enthusiasts. Thousands of fanatics travelled down to the base that is home to three F-16 squadrons. The organizing Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) tries to raise as much money as possible for a good cause and has learnt what it takes to attract everyone who has an interest in military aviation.

During this years' event, the public had the opportunity to witness an "Operational Integration Exercise". This OIE included some Dissimilar Air Combat Training (DACT), a Combined Air Operation (COMAO) and a Combat Search And Rescue (CSAR) demo. All together more than fifty aircraft could be seen during the day, varying from old Corsairs to brand new Typhoons.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the OCU, a number of jets from other conversion units were also present and parked on the flightline. Among these aircraft were a rarely seen Spanish SF-5 and a couple of British Typhoons.

During the take offs and approaches, pilots were encouraged to show off their aircraft. This gave the photographers the opportunity to make some unique action pictures. With this kind of entertainment and more than two kilomers of space to pick your favorite spot, you couldn't ask for more. But 3Greens.nl had other ideas... (continued)