Striking paintjob for Belgian Air Force Agusta A109
On 28 January 2021, the Belgian Air Component (BAC) presented the new painting of the demonstration helicopter of the Belgische Luchtmacht (Belgian Air Force) 1st Wing A109 display team at Beauvechain air base.
The air bases' paint shop team showed its craftsmanship on the A109BAi, serial H46 and call sign “Razzle Blade”, with an attractive and modern look.
The luchtmacht wants to narrow the gap between the youth and Defence. It has been a long tradition within the luchtmacht to have a "Helicopter Display Team" performing during the airshow season. The crew and team members act as ambassadors for the luchtmacht at air shows at home and abroad and there is an important link with recruitment.
The helicopter is flown by the pilots Commandant pilot Jo Jacobs and Commandant pilot Stijn Soenens. Those who want to see the new demonstration helicopter can visit the Belgian Air Force Days in Florennes on 26 and 27 June 2021, Sanicole International Airshow in Hechtel on 10/12 September 2021 and during various activities in the context of 75 years of the Belgian Air Force. Hopefully these events will not (all) be cancelled due to Covid-19.
In September 2010, the A109 helicopters of the Wing Heli moved from Bierset to Beauvechain. Wing Heli was disbanded, and the 1st Wing became a helicopter wing, consisting of 15th Squadron (Operational Conversion and Training Unit), 17th and 18th Squadrons. 17th Squadron still operates the A109BA, while 18th Squadron operates the NH90-TTH.
Out of the original 46 A109s delivered, the following eighteen are believed still to be active:
Photos: Belgian Air Component