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ACIG Special Reports
Hellenic Air Force Open Day 2004 Tanagra - Souda
By Nicholas Tselepidis and George Psarras
Nov 27, 2004, 03:16
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In the second part of this ACIG Special Report, we focus on Tanagra and Souda AB. The 2 newest additions to the PA arsenal, the Dassault Mirage 2000-5 Mk.II and the LM F-16C/D Block 52+ could be seen there. 340 and 343 Miras (Squadrons) are formed in Souda and now fly in the Southern sector having increased the sorties, both in training - especially at night- and also in actual interception missions. The modernisation of the Hellenic Air Force is continuing with the announcement for early 2005 of the contest for the 4th Generation fighter, which will replace the Corsairs and non upgraded Phantoms by 2010.
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| Mirage 2000-5 Mk.II "505" is the first Mirage 2000-5 Mk.II that arrived in Greece and has undertaken extensive tests in the Andravida range, during which it has flown in all possible scenarios that the KEAT (Center of Training in Air Tactics) staff could pit it against. The KEAT range is used by SOT (FWS) and SIP (EWS). |
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| The two seater "505" seen from a different angle, parked right next to a Corsair. Note that some calibration markings are still visible. |
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| Certainly the attrtaction of the flightline, it was the most popular a/c as we can see here. Note the refuelling probe which will be installed in all Greek -5s. |
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| F-16D Block 52+ "605" was the visitor from Souda. This double seater had just returned from a demonstration flight. |
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| The hangar of 331 Mira in the south side of the apron with two Mirage 2000EGMs inside.. |
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| Mirage 2000 EGM "237" with 2 Magic II training rounds and 2 live Am.39 Exocets. |
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| And "243" with 2 Magic IIs and 2 Super 530s. |
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| 341 Mira's Block 50 "050" was present. Note the red band ( with small black squares) on the top of the fin. |
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| T-2E "160061" and T-6A "021" were also on the south apron. |
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| "050" and "219" in the center of the flightline and TA-7C "156750". |
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| F-4E AUP ( Advanced Upgrade Program, a.k.a. Peace Icarus 2000) "7405". The IFF "birdslicers" and the gun can be seen to advantage. |
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| "235" was not part of the display but was invloved in the regular activity in Tanagra. |
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| "Bitte ein Bit", a zap from TLP '97 can still be seen under the cockpit of "235". |
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| "Bitburg connection 235" is being pushbacked into its shelter by its technicians. |
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| Mirage F.1CGs "Talos" and "Sparta" were also present, after being retired last year. |
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| A general view of the flightline, at the back of which can be seen the Delta Dagger, Starfighter, Sabre and Silver Star that were also present in last year's display. |
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| Now moving south to Souda, we see F-16C Block 52+ "614" at the center of the display inside the hangar. |
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| On its left was "500" armed with a "generic" a-g load. |
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| and on its right was "521" in a more realistic SEAD load. |
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| A closer look to the training rounds carried by "521". |
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| Outside the hangar we could see RF-4E "7464" which was painted in its Luftwaffe scheme that was retained after the last depot maintenance. |
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| Next to it was F-16C "539" whicgave the opportunity to Souda visitors to seat on its Aces II and get a short briefing from her pilot.h |
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| CL-415 "2053" was also present, and no, despite the rumours and urban legends, its not possible for a swimmer to get accidentally tucked up and thrown into a fire...! |
Photographs 1-16 by Nicholas Tselepidis
Photographs 17-23 by George Psarras
Recommended link:
http://www.hafcphotos.cs.net/
© Copyright 2002-3 by ACIG.org
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