III/2020 Aerospace & Defence Review SU-30MKI ONLY THE BEST www.irkut.com Combating the Covid-19 Double (Dutch) Anniversary ! n April 2020, the Netherlands Air two landings and take offs were performed In addition to the Piper Cub, the Force’s No.298 Squadron, flying the to display both sides of the Chinook to squadron was also equipped with the Hiller Boeing CH-47D ‘Chinook’ helicopter, photographers. Later that day, other Dutch R23 Raven in 1955, the first helicopter Icelebrated twin anniversaries, its motto training grounds and airbases were visited type in service with the Dutch Air Force. being ‘Nihil Nobis Nimium’ (Nothing is too to show-off this specially painted helicopter. Two years later the squadron moved again much for us). This was the 75th anniversary to Ypenburg Air Base, and received its first year of No. 298 squadron and the 25th of History of No.298 Squadron Allouette II in 1959, for the SAR task. The CH-47 Chinook helicopters in service with No.298 Squadron was formed on 1 March SAR flight then moved to Leeuwarden Air the Dutch Air Force. 1950, as No.6 Artillerie Verkennings Base and was later renumbered as No 303 To commemorate both anniversaries, a Afdeling (ARVA) (Artillery Reconnaissance SAR Squadron, while No.298 Squadron Chinook (tail number D-666) was painted Division) at Ypenburg Air Base, the first moved back to Deelen Air Base, after on both sides, one with the squadron screst unit so established as part of the Light Ypenburg was closed following budget (‘Libelle’, or ‘Dragonfly’) and, on the other Aircraft Group (GPLV). The number of cuts. The Allouette II was replaced by side, ‘Grizzly’ the (un)official nickname of personnel and available accommodation the Allouette III in 1964 and No.298 the squadron. was very limited to start with. The unit Squadron moved for the last time in 1966 Owing to the Corona virus prevalent operated a number of Auster light to Soesterberg Air Base, sole with the in Europe, a big event was cancelled reconnaissance aircraft, then moved to Allouette III. and instead replaced by a flyby over the Soesterberg Air Base, then to Deelen Air After 30 years, the Allouette III was Netherlands, with photographers invited Base in 1951. The Auster remained in replaced by the much bigger Boeing CH- to cover the Chinook landing at various service until 1953, the aircraft replaced by 47D Chinook in 1995 when the Royal landing sites. the Piper Cub in 1952, this aircraft also Netherlands Air Force began to follow a Taking off from their homebase Gilze- used for artillery reconnaissance and staff new course, the helicopters playing a major Rijen, the first landing was at the GLV5 low transport, the Piper Cubs remaining in role with the Royal Netherlands Air Force. flying training ground. Two passses plus active service until 1968. The current Helicopter Group (GPH) now III/2020 81 has the new model, its designation changing by Boeing, No.298 Squadron becoming In addition to the CH-47D, No.298 to Tactische Helikopter Groep Koninklijke the heavy transport unit of the THG-KLu. Squadron now also has a number of CH- Luchtmacht (THG-KLu). No.298 Squadron The main task of No.298 Squadron is 47F helicopters which have a distinctive received 13 Chinook helicopters, the first 7 to provide air transportation for the 11LMB gray colour scheme. purchased second hand from Canada, and (11 Airmobile Brigade), the Marine Corps modified to the CH-47D standard. The (MARNS) and the Special Operations All photos and all text: Joris van following 6 helicopters were newly built Forces (KCT). Boven and Alex van Noije 82 VAYU.