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Militärluftfahrtausstellung in Zeltweg  


4C-AF Yak-11

In Zeltweg the Militärluftfahrtausstellung is running since 2005. The Militärluftfahrtausstellung opened its gates in the context of the anniversary "50 years Austrian federal army". This exhibition is organized by the Austrian federal army under the Patronize of the army-historical museum with support by the society for the promotion of air forces. From the start in 2005 more than 50,000 visitors from Austria, Europe and overseas visited this aviation exhibition.

The Austrian Air Force was formed in May 1955 by the Allied powers, it was formed as part of the now then independent Austrian armed forces. Like Germany, there were some restrictions on it, like not being able to use air-to-air (AAMs) or surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) until the 1990s.

Training pilots started out with a few Yak 11 Moose and Yak 18 Max aircraft donated by the Soviet Union. It then started getting cheap aircraft from the United States under the Military Assistance Program (MAP), Twenty-two Cessna L-19A Bird Dog observation and liaison aircraft were subsequently purchased under the Mutual Aid Plan for a nominal $1 from US forces based in Austria.

The Austrian politicians hoped that the Air Force got a large number of aircraft from the USA (without any costs under the MAP), as the army got equipment and weapons. They were wrong. Austria had to buy its first aircraft consisting of PA-18, Zlin 126, Cessna 172/182, Vampire. Magister, Alouette II and S-55. Only Italy donated five Fiat G-46's. Until between 1958 and 1960 Austria purchased under the MAP (Military Assistence Program) 62 aircraft, but with no fighters.

The Militärluftfahrtausstellung is located in hangar 8 of the air base Hinterstoisser in Zeltweg. Beside the exhibition of the aircraft and helicopters also vehicles and support equipment shown. Other topics are the development of the air traffic control in Austria and a display on aerial reconnaissance.

Airplanes and helicopter on display cover the period from when flying was resumed after the second world war in 1955 through to the famous Draken which was active until 2005.

In the exhibition most of the aircraft flown from this stating period until the most resent retired aircraft en helicopters can found. Most come from the collections on the different air bases around the country and from the store in Vienna.

A plane with a interesting history is the CM170 “Fouga Magister” with the construction number 359. Serving with the Austrian air force from 1960 until 1972. After the return to France the aircraft went on to serve with the Irish Air Corps until almost 2000. In a move to complete the overview of the history the aircraft was acquired and returned to Austria and displayed in the coolers it wore during its service with the Austrian Air Force.

3A-BB G46-4B
"Colourful Austrian Dragons"

On display are two Draken with special painting being the "Ostarichi 996" and the "Black Knight" booth are public magnets again and again.

The designs where crated by captain Michael Kirchner. Starting in the year 1997, when the Austrian federal army began to organize the air power demo show at Zeltweg. A large air show with display flights all days and also a special airplane should inspire the public. Since Austria celebrated its 1000 year existence in 1996, it was obvious to take up and realize this national topic on the plane. And so "Ostarichi 996" came to light, making numerous appearances on air show booth on the static and in the display field all over Europe.

At the time that the Draken terminated its career 2005, the Ostarichi 996 was joined by a other draken ; “the Black Knight”. This “Draken knight” topic is finished in a black high polish lacquer finish in November 2005 in time for the last flight of the Draken in Austrian service. The “Draken knight” is a theme to celebrate the Draken knight society, a society for all pilots worldwide, who flew more than 250 hours on the Draken.

A third Draken Nr.14 was added to the display this year. This Draken flown by Hauptmann Doro Kowatsch at January the 28 1988 to Vienna was for the first of the new type flown to Austria. The first machine of the new type was presented to the Federal Minister at that time for national defense Dr. Robert Lichal. Up to the de-activating in the year 2005 the Saab 35OE flew whole 17 years, accomplished 500 aircraft scramble’s and carried altogether 23,545 flying hours out in the Austrian air space.

Experience a time journey of Austrian air forces from 1955 to 2005 in the military aviation exhibition Zeltweg.

With it this being the museum third season hopes are growing that that this comprehensive project - on 4.300m2 and more than 18 planes and helicopters on display will get a permanent states. Although it has to be sad that the current government is not very favourably to the Air Force, and Major General Erich Wolf one of the driving forces of the museum had to resign over the Euro fighter debacle.

 
 

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