Belgium says goodbye to Alouette 3
On Thursday 8 July 2021, the Belgian Air Component will take the last two Alouette 3 helicopters, serials M1 and M2, out of service during a special event at their home base Koksijde (Belgium).
This will mark the end of more than 50 years of service. In 1971 three Sud Aviation SA316B Alouette 3 helicopters were acquired for the Belgian Navy for use as supply aircraft for ships at sea. The three helicopters (Marine Flight) reported to 40 Squadron of the Belgian Air Force but were maintained and flown by Navy personnel.
Since 2004 the helicopters were completely integrated within 40 Squadron of the Belgian Air Component.
On 17 June 2021, one of the three helicopters, serial M3, was delivered to the Royal School for Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) at Saffraanberg as an instructional airframe.
According to the programme, the SA316Bs will make their final farewell overflights over Koksijde at around 10:45 hrs and will not land at Koksijde. Alouette 3 serial M2 will fly to Beauvechain air base to be preserved in the 1st Wing Heritage Museum, whilst Alouette 3 with serial M1 will land at the Koninklijk Leger Museum/Musée Royal de l'Armée storage facility in Landen.
Photo by Mike Derijcke (www.sgkoksijde.be)