OCTOBER 2010 NATO TIGER MEET VOLKEL AFB
PHOTO BY DIEGO CROTTI
Copyright (C) Diego Crotti
The second 2 week Tiger Meet was again a great success, this year 313 squadron, Royal Netherlands Air Force, hosted its first Tiger Meet. Building on the experience of their Southern neighbours, 31 Squadron, who hosted last year’s event.
Over the 8 flying days 715 missions where planned, and 644 where actually flown. Impressive numbers no matter how you look at it. Just like every year there are squadrons that were not able to attend, unfortunately the economic crisis played a big roll this year, with 4 squadrons unable to participate due to budget problems, with 3 others having to stay away due to various other operational commitments.
Nevertheless the flight lines at Volkel AB where still filled with over 50 aircraft, including F-16’s, Mirage 2000, JAS-39’s, Tornado and Saab 105’s, and not to forget the Hind and AB212 helicopters. The Awacs from 1sqn NATO AEWCF flow from its Main Operating Base Geilenkirchen, and an Ohio ANG KC-135 tanker flew exclusively for the Tiger Meet from Eindhoven AB.
The Silver Tiger went to 211 Sqn from the Czech Republic, participating for the third time in 2010, and being awarded Full Membership on arrival day. Tiger spirit runs deep in the Czech unit, and this was clearly shown during the next 8 flying days, enough to be awarded the by all desired Silver Tiger trophy.
On the observer part their where the Greek from 335 Sqn, who are finalising their transition from the A-7E to the F 16 Block 52+, and a Polish delegation from 6ELT, also flying the F 16 Block 52+. Both units are committed to attend in the full flying exercise next year.
The Silver Tiger went to 211 Sqn from the Czech Republic, participating for the third time in 2010, and being awarded Full Membership on arrival day. Tiger spirit runs deep in the Czech unit, and this was clearly shown during the next 8 flying days, enough to be awarded the by all desired Silver Tiger trophy.
Copyright (C) Diego Crotti