Royal Netherlands Air Force Open Days 2009 Volkel Air Base

Marcel van Leeuwen Airshows & Flying Displays

Introduction

The Royal Netherlands Air Force Open Days 2009 showcased military aviation excellence and marked 100 years of aviation in the Netherlands. Hosted at Volkel Air Base, the event presented static displays, tactical demonstrations, and aerobatics to over 225,000 international visitors.

General Information

  • Official Title: Luchtmacht Open Dagen 2009 (Royal Netherlands Air Force Open Days 2009)
  • Airfield / Base: Volkel Air Base (Vliegbasis Volkel)
  • Address: Zeelandsedijk 10, 5408 TL Volkel (Municipality of Uden), North Brabant, Netherlands
  • Dates Held: 19 June 2009 – 20 June 2009
  • Weather Conditions: Dry on both operational days with cool temperatures for late June, light winds, overcast periods, and sunny intervals.

History & Key Facts

The 2009 airshow drew approximately 225,000 visitors (75,000 on Friday and 150,000 on Saturday).

The flying program featured solo aerial demonstrations, including the RNLAF F-16 Fighting Falcon solo display, RAF Eurofighter Typhoon, Polish Air Force MiG-29UB Fulcrum, Austrian Air Force Saab 105OE, and French Alpha Jet. Stunt and display teams included the Red Arrows, Patrouille de France, Turkish Stars, Patrulla Águila, Marche Verte, Royal Jordanian Falcons, and the civilian Team Viper flying BAC Strikemasters. A central highlight was the RNLAF Air Power demo, featuring fifteen F-16AM/BMs, a KDC-10, AH-64D Apaches, and CH-47D Chinooks.

Static displays featured heavy transports such as a USAF Boeing C-17A Globemaster III, a USAF KC-135R Stratotanker, French and Turkish C-160 Transalls, and frontline combat types including Spangdahlem-based USAF Fairchild A-10A Thunderbolts, French Mirage 2000D, RAF Panavia Tornado GR.4, and an Italian Navy NH90.

Specifications

  • Show Ground Dimensions: Active military airfield covering approximately 650 hectares (6.5 square kilometers), featuring two parallel asphalt runways measuring 3,024 meters by 45 meters (Runway 06L/24R) and 3,027 meters by 23 meters (Runway 06R/24L) at an elevation of 22 meters above sea level.
  • Event Classification: Predominantly military airshow, complemented by historic and civilian display acts.
  • Participating Nations: Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States, France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Poland, Italy, Austria, Greece, Jordan, Morocco, Turkey, and Slovakia.
  • Stars of the Show: The restored British Avro Vulcan B.2 (XH558) making its first overseas airshow appearance since restoration, the Polish Air Force MiG-29UB, and the RNLAF Air Power Demonstration.