Koksijde air show 2004

Open Day 2003 was a massive event, being a National Defense Day. The 2004 show could not be on the same level. For the last years we had been to Koksijde as a one day trip. This year I did the full 4 days, with give you the opportunity to take pictures at the departure day one Monday. With a list of some fifty-plus aircraft and a full flying show, it was a good show.

The existence of a large pan to the south of the E/W taxiway has always allowed the organizers to set a mini-line of choice aircraft. This year's selection consisted of a Harrier GR7, a Gripen and three special color-scheme F-16s. A very respectable line-up of choppers was to be seen either side of the main crowd area, including examples from Denmark, Italy and France.

Italy sent the RSV line-up of G222 (complete with barrel roll and propeller feather), Tornado, AMX and MB339 - all guaranteed to perform to their limits. From Holland came the F-16AM 'Teamwork' machine. Sweden sent a further Gripen and spare from F21, and the USAFE flew a pair of F-16Cs from Aviano to add to the static line. The RAF sent a circus of types with two Jaguars (single and two-seat), two Harriers, three Tornados, a Hawk and a Dominie. Flying were the 15(R) Squadron Tornado and the 208(R) Squadron Hawk.