After a three-year break, this year the author again managed to attend the open day of Baza 71 Aeriană "General Emanoil Ionescu" at Câmpia Turzii. The reward for the effort was again numerous flying MiG-21s, even if the "punch" of the displays of recent years was somewhat diluted by the scope of the programme with numerous other types. In return, a wide range of types of the Romanian Air Force could be seen in action.
Almost all available aircraft took part in the event.
The equipment was prepared until the very last moment.
Besides the LanceR, F-15s of the US National Guard from California, on site as part of exercise Dacian Eagle 2016, also flew.
Even before the official start of the event, LanceR C took off in pairs ...
... and singly ...
... to form up for the subsequent flypasts.
The start of the official programme was marked by an IAR 330 SOCAT carrying the Romanian flag, ...
... followed by flypasts ...
... of various formations ...
... and individual aircraft.
The civil supporting programme, which unfortunately took up the time when the sun was still favourable, included the Iacarii Acrobați with their IAK 52s, ...
... whose fire effects were then extinguished by a Mi-8 of the Ministry of the Interior.
A drag race between a MiG-21 and a tuned BMW ...
... was clearly won by the MiG-21 after a "sleepy" start ...
... and then went straight into a solo display.
A C-27J dropped parachutists and then performed some manoeuvres.
Two IAR 316s flew as a pair, ...
... the IAR 99s from Bacău in a four-ship formation, ...
... the hosts even with seven aircraft.
The finale and highlight of the event was, as always, the tactical demonstration by ground forces, helicopters ...
... and of course the MiG-21s. Their "attacks" ...
... on a column on the march ...
... were "repelled" by anti-aircraft artillery ...
... and the accompanying Gepard anti-aircraft tanks.
After the work was done ...
... the LanceR taxied ...
... to the hangar apron, where they lined up in front of the public.
A handshake from the boss: the commander of the Romanian Air Force, Major General Laurian Anastasof, thanks the participants, including soldiers' children.
And after the flights, refuelling was of course on the agenda – traditionally in line.
The author thanks General de Flotilă Aeriană Dr. Lian Someşan, Maistru Militar Principal Alexandru Huiber and Maistru Militar clasa II Adela Mureşan.
