Orange (LFMO) 04/07/22 - fly-out EC2/5

[Worldnis]

EC2/5 was released of QRA duties end of June, still operations with the M2000 would continue on until 14 Juillet defile, so I took the chance to visit Orange one more time in the M2000 era. I was not disappointed!

During the morning, several departures were noted, with some farewell / fly-by passes being made. It looked like a mini- fly-out was taking place, with a handful of Mirages still based there, to participate in the 14 Juillet defile over Paris (3 mirage 2000B/C participated).

The Mirage 2000B's will re-deploy to Nancy and three of them left (monsieur at the fence said via St. Dizier):
523 / 115-KJ
525 / 115-AM
524 / 115-OA

Shortly after three Mirage 2000C's left to Istres:
120 / 115-KC ("Gusto 80 years" - blue c/s)
105 / 115-LJ ("1/12 Cambresis - 1992-2012" tail markings)
108 / 115-LC

Due to the very short distance to Istres, no belly tank was carried. Therefore a few hundred feet of runway was enough to carry "Gusto" up and away. At Istres the a/c will be stored or most likely be prepared for shipment to India, either as full a/c or for parting out.

Other a/c noted:
F-RAFD Falcon 50 AdlA - crew ferry
C.16-47/14-47 EF2000 Ala 14
C.16-62/14-62 EF2000 Ala 14
T.21-05/35-05 C295M Esc 353 / Ala 35
The Spanish contingent supported a French air show where one of the EF's flew during the weekend (Valence Chabeuil).
'VC' and 'UT' AS555 of AdlA local unit EH.05.067

OTT
AYJ - AS555
Patrouille de France

Very happy with my 2 hour morning visit to Orange. From September the air base will not have a fast jet squadron for two years. Renovations will take place and afterwards a new Rafale squadron will be established there. I do not know whether EH.05.067 will remain at Orange during the renovation works, or redeploy temporarily.

[avanbergen]

Hi,

You wrote that after september there will be no fighters stationed for the next 2 years.

Are there now still fighters flying?

Greatings,

Albert

[bob fischer]

I heard a fighter taking off last Friday 22-7, the only one. Fennecs are still flying from LFMO.

[Worldnis]

On 9 June EC2/5 performed the last QRA (& foto-shoot). On 23 June they were 'relieved of duty'. They were replaced by 2 RafaleC from Mont de Marsan, who now occupy the QRA shelters. They will stay until (end of?) September. From thereon the southern QRA will move to Istres. Once EC2/5 re-equips on Rafale and attains IOC, southern QRA will again fly from Orange.

So yes there are two fighters temporary based at Orange, but only two Rafales for QRA. Furthermore many limitations in operational hours and ongoing maintenance activities until 2 Sep so not a lot to see over there I think.

[avanbergen]

Thanks both of you.

[bob fischer]

Fennecs of Alpilles sqn will stay at LFMO during the building activities. Sqn is equipped with some 15 helicopters. This morning saw some 6 flying.